Why it matters:
This unprecedented gathering not only pays tribute to the martyred figures but also sends a powerful political message of defiance against external aggression, signaling a turning point in regional dynamics.
The big picture:
The funeral transforms Beirut into a focal point for regional solidarity under the banner of resistance, as the event draws attention to Lebanon’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
Key points:
- The funeral began at 1:00 PM local time with a Quran recitation, followed by the national anthem and Hezbollah’s anthem.
- Special vehicles are transporting the coffins, with the ceremony set to conclude with Sheikh Naim Qassem’s address before proceeding to the burial site.
- Massive turnout includes women, children, and the elderly carrying images and banners of the martyrs.
- Delegations from about 78 countries, along with tens of thousands of individuals from various political, religious, and resistance groups, are in attendance.
- Major roads leading to Beirut, notably Sidon-Beirut and Bekaa-Beirut, are heavily congested.
- The funeral follows the assassinations of Nasrallah on September 27, 2024, and Safieddine on October 3, 2024, during Israeli military operations.
- The ceremony was postponed due to fears of further Israeli attacks.
Go deeper:
The scale of the unprecedented people's participation at this event highlights not just a moment of mourning but also a strategic mobilization. The funeral ceremony carries a decisive message: The popular support for the axis of resistance is resilient and united against any external threats.
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