Lebanon is set to hold a grand funeral for former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah five months after he died in an Israeli strike. The funeral, scheduled for 1 pm on Sunday at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Sports Stadium, will bring the country to a standstill.
Tens of thousands of Hezbollah’s supporters will travel from strongholds across Lebanon and abroad to attend Hezbollah’s funeral procession. Lebanese authorities have implemented strict security measures urging security forces to manage the expected large crowds.
Nasrallah, revered by Hezbollah followers, died on September 27 when an Israeli airstrike targeted a bunker in Beirut’s southern suburbs. He was initially buried beside his son Hadi, who died fighting for the group in 1997.
On Monday, Hezbollah will also hold a separate funeral for Hashem Safieddine, who briefly led the group before Israel killed him in another strike. Beirut’s International Airport will suspend flights from noon to 4 pm to accommodate the funeral’s security arrangements.
Iraqi Airways has added flights to Beirut due to increased demand. Iranian officials confirmed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Shia militia leaders will also attend. Hezbollah considers the funeral a symbol of its resilience.
Israel’s military campaign inflicted heavy casualties and widespread destruction in Lebanon last year. The Hezbollah funeral procession will be pivotal for the group, reinforcing its influence despite recent losses.
As Lebanon pauses for Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral, regional leaders and Hezbollah supporters will gather to honor his legacy and reaffirm the group’s presence in the shifting Middle Eastern landscape.
