Lebanon: Hundreds of thousands attend Hassan Nasrallah's funeral

Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Sunday, coinciding with the funeral processions of former Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine. The timing of the strikes heightened tensions already present in the region.

Hundreds of thousands of Hezbollah supporters gathered in southern Beirut to attend the funerals of Nasrallah and Safieddine, his designated successor. Nasrallah and Safieddine reportedly died five months prior in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, according to sources within the organization.

The funeral procession began at 1 p.m. local time (11 a.m. GMT) at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium. The stadium and surrounding roads were packed with supporters, many dressed in black and carrying pictures of Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags. The stadium, expanded to hold 78,000 people, was filled to capacity, with an additional 35,000 seats allocated for men and 25,000 for women outside the stadium.

Many supporters were moved to tears while watching footage of Nasrallah's speeches on large screens. Thousands of people streamed toward the stadium, while others sat on the ground nearby. Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Qassem, addressed the massive funeral via television, vowing to continue on Nasrallah's "path." Qassem stated, "We will uphold the trust and walk this path. We will adhere to your will. You are still with us. Your path and struggle live in our hearts."

Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes flew at low altitude over Beirut and its suburbs. Prior to the funeral procession, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in southern Lebanon and west of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley. The state news agency reported that Israeli warplanes struck the Brissa area in the Hermel mountains of eastern Lebanon, causing no casualties. Israeli airstrikes also hit the Bodai suburb between the al-Jadawi and al-Hafir mountains west of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley. Further attacks struck the Marisa area near Ansar, the river area between al-Hallousiyah and Zarariyah, and a river valley near Maaroub. Israeli warplanes also conducted airstrikes between al-Qalila and al-Samiya, and local sources reported heavy Israeli drone activity over Jabal Rihan.

The Israeli military later confirmed that it conducted the airstrikes, claiming the target was a military site containing rocket launchers and military equipment. These airstrikes were a violation of the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in November 2024. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the overflight of Beirut by Israeli warplanes sent a clear message that "anyone who threatens to destroy Israel and attack it, that will be his end."