According to the correspondent sent by Nournews to Beirut, Lebanon witnessed an extraordinary event on February 23 that exceeded expectations and became one of the biggest political and social events in Lebanon's history. The funeral was held in Beirut in an atmosphere of sorrow, splendor, and power. An immense crowd, beyond any prediction, came from various parts of Lebanon and even beyond its borders to bid farewell to the resistance leaders, turning the ceremony into a historic and instructive epic.
Unparalleled magnificence and clear messages
The massive crowd in Beirut and the congestion around the Camille Chamoun Stadium, which was the main focus of the ceremony, created scenes that regional and international observers compared to the funeral of General Qassem Soleimani. From the night before the ceremony and the early morning hours, the streets leading to the venue were filled with people holding the flags of Hezbollah, Palestine, and even some resistance groups from Iraq and Yemen, showing that the concept of resistance transcends the borders of a group or country. The slogans "Labbayka ya Nasrallah" (We are at your service, Nasrallah) and "Death to Israel" not only filled Beirut with the sacred anger of the attendees but also displayed the unity and solidarity of the resistance axis.
Widespread attendance and global reactions
The funeral was attended by prominent figures from across the region and popular representatives from around 90 countries, including representatives from Iran, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister, and several representatives of the Supreme Leader were present at the ceremony. Delegations from Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces and resistance groups also attended the funeral in Beirut.
Meanwhile, international media outlets extensively covered the event. Al Jazeera described the funeral as a "display of the grandeur of the resistance axis," while Al Mayadeen reported on the "unprecedented turnout." Western media outlets such as BBC, The New York Times, Reuters, Arab News, Sky News, and others also reflected on the ceremony and its exceptional dimensions.
The BBC Persian correspondent, in a report from the ceremony, referred to the "unexpected scale of the gathering" and emphasized in an analysis that "this funeral was more than a mourning ceremony; it was a display of Hezbollah's authority and its supporters' strength."
Strategic dimensions of the funeral
This ceremony went beyond a religious or political gathering, carrying strategic messages. One of the primary objectives of the Zionist regime's assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine was to create a leadership vacuum in Hezbollah and weaken its internal cohesion. However, the images transmitted from the funeral showed that not only was this objective not achieved, but the unity of the resistance axis was strengthened.
Israel's reaction to this massive gathering was also noteworthy. While its fighter jets twice flew at low altitude over the ceremony, breaking the sound barrier, this action did not create fear but instead provoked a strong response from the participants, intensifying their anti-Israeli slogans.
Additionally, televised messages from resistance leaders, especially Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's new Secretary-General, emphasized unity and the continuation of the resistance path.
Sheikh Naim Qassem declared in his speech that Hezbollah is not only undeterred by this tragedy but will continue with increased motivation and effort to confront its enemies.
Looking ahead: New position of resistance
The magnificent and unprecedented ceremony held in Lebanon yesterday demonstrated that Hezbollah, despite losing two of its most prominent leaders, continues to enjoy widespread popular support. Moreover, the regional support for the group indicates the continuity of Hezbollah's role in the political and security equations of West Asia.
Given the recent developments, it is expected that in the coming months, the power equations in Lebanon and the region will undergo changes in which Hezbollah's role will be decisive. The enemies of resistance have realized that the assassination of Hezbollah's leaders not only fails to create a rift in the resistance front but also strengthens its cohesion.
The funeral of Hezbollah's martyrs was not merely a mourning ceremony but a symbol of the resistance's power, unity, and a brighter future for the front. This event not only indicates Hezbollah's strengthened position in Lebanon but also sends a strong signal to all enemies and supporters of resistance that Hezbollah will continue to play a significant role in regional and global equations.
NOURNEWS