The funeral procession for Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s former Secretary-General, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike five months ago, will take place today (Sunday) in the afternoon. Hezbollah announced that representatives from 79 countries will attend the event. The ceremony will also include the funeral of Nasrallah’s successor, Hashem Safi al-Din, who was eliminated shortly after Nasrallah’s death.
Fear of an Israeli Strike During the Funeral
Diplomatic sources told the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar that Qatar held urgent discussions with the U.S. and other countries to secure “clear assurances” that Israel would not exploit the event for another attack.
According to these sources, Hezbollah has sent threatening messages through intermediaries, warning that any Israeli military action during the funeral would result in immediate escalation along the northern border.
Meanwhile, heightened tension grips Beirut as Lebanese security forces remain on high alert. Hotels in the city report 90% occupancy, with delegations arriving from Yemen, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, and Kuwait to participate in mourning ceremonies for Nasrallah and Safi al-Din.
Funeral Procession: Speeches, Marches, and Burial Ceremony
The event is set to begin at 1:00 PM (Lebanon time) at the Sports Complex in Dahiyeh, a southern Beirut suburb known for its strong ties to Hezbollah. The funeral will be a joint ceremony honoring both leaders; however, they will be buried in separate locations. Nasrallah will be laid to rest near Rafic Hariri International Airport, while Safi al-Din’s burial will take place in his hometown of Deir Qanoun in southern Lebanon. During the ceremony, Hezbollah’s current Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, is expected to deliver a political speech, which is anticipated to include new threats against Israel.
Lebanese sources report that key Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will attend the funeral.
Additionally, senior figures from pro-Iranian militias in Iraq are expected to be present. Before departing for Lebanon, Ghalibaf stated that the visit aims to strengthen strategic ties between Iran and Lebanon, adding that Nasrallah’s funeral reflects the greatness of the Lebanese people.
As Hezbollah prepares to bury its former leader, reports from Lebanon indicate a series of Israeli Air Force strikes in the country’s south. Targets were reportedly hit in Al Qlayaa, Ansar, and Meiss el-Jabal.
