Huge gathering for historic farewell to great martyrs Nasrallah and Safieddine
Huge gathering for historic farewell to great martyrs Nasrallah and Safieddine
BEIRUT - Massive crowds from various regions of Lebanon and around the world are converging in Beirut to attend the historic funeral procession for Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah's Executive Council chief Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, who were assassinated in Israeli massive bombardments of Lebanon in late 2024.
Despite the chilly weather since the early morning hours, large numbers of people are making their way to Beirut, causing significant traffic congestion on major roads leading to the capital, particularly the Sidon-Beirut and Bekaa-Beirut roads.
The crowds, comprising women, children, and the elderly, are carrying pictures of the martyrs and holding banners bearing memorable quotes from Nasrallah.
Units from the army and internal security forces have been deployed to guide the surging crowds and maintain order.
The Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar television station reported that multiple screens have been put up at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in the Bir Hassan area of Beirut, and to the site to enable mourners to follow up the event.
All logistical and technical preparations for the funeral ceremony have been completed.
The funeral will begin at 1:00 PM local time, starting with a Quran recitation, followed by the national anthem and Hezbollah’s anthem, Press TV reported.
The coffins will be transported in a special vehicle, and the ceremony will conclude with a speech from the current Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem before the procession makes its way to the burial site.
The funeral is expected to be an exceptional event in terms of participation, as about 70 countries have confirmed their official presence through diplomatic delegations, current and former parliamentarians, ministers, and distinguished political figures.
Additionally, thousands of individuals affiliated with various political and religious parties and resistance groups have arrived in Beirut to attend the ceremony, paying their respects to the martyred leaders.
Moreover, thousands of citizens from various Arab and Muslim countries, such as Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait and Turkey, are participating in the funeral, which marks a turning point in the history of Lebanon and the West Asia region.
In the same context, airlines have recorded a significant increase in the number of flights heading to Beirut.
Iraqi Airways and Middle East Airlines have increased their flights between Baghdad and Beirut this week, ahead of the funeral, as demand for tickets has surged.
The Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces have adopted strict security measures before and during the funeral, deploying 4,000 troops for this sake.
Moreover, over 25 thousand discipline squad members are reportedly organizing the movement of the mourning crowd, and 4 thousand organizers are coordinating the event.
Four field hospitals have also been set up close to Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, the funeral road, the burial site, and the old Beirut airport road.
In addition, more than 70 ambulances and medical teams have been deployed along the ceremony route.
Nasrallah was assassinated in Israel’s bombardment of southern Beirut on September 27, 2024. Using 85 tons of explosives, Israeli jets leveled six residential buildings in Dahiyeh, following a week-long bombing campaign that hit many areas from southern Lebanon to Beirut.
Safieddine was assassinated in an Israeli attack on October 3, 2024.
Hezbollah postponed funeral ceremonies for both leaders as Lebanon was under relentless Israeli attacks.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s message to be read out at the funeral procession
A four-person team representing the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei attended the funeral ceremony.
A written message by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution is planned to be read out by Hojjtoleslam Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini, the representative of the Leader in Iraq who is part of the four-member delegation.
Iran FM: Funeral shows Resistance and Hezbollah are alive
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi who arrived in Lebanon to participate in the funeral procession said, “Today’s funeral procession will show that the Resistance and Hezbollah are alive and they are loyal to their cause and continue the path.”
He added, “As the Resistance has achieved many victories so far, God willing the final victory will also be achieved.”
Araghchi also said large numbers of Iranians were eager to participate in the funeral of these “two heroes”.
The foreign minister also said he has participated in the ceremony on behalf of Iran and its people.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also visited Beirut to attend the funeral procession.
Lebanon’s security is owed to Hezbollah
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also visited Beirut to attend the funeral procession.
Talking upon his arrival, the top legislator thanked the people of Lebanon and Gaza and said, “Today, we are witnessing stability, security and pinning hope on the progress of Lebanon, and these achievements are owed to the resistance and resilience of Hezbollah and the people of this country.”
source: tehrantimes.com