Funeral events for Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah commenced Sunday in Beirut, Lebanon, drawing tens of thousands of mourners and international delegations – with Israeli jets hovering above as the event got underway. In response the crowds started chanting "Death to Israel."
Video: Video showing apparent Israeli flyovers during Nasrallah's funeral / Credit: Social media
The Lebanese newspaper Ad-Diyar reported that the Beirut stadium hosting the ceremony has a capacity exceeding 80,000 people. The venue was meticulously prepared, with large screens erected in the center and separate areas designated for men and women, accommodating 20,000 and 30,000, respectively. Additional space in parking lots was arranged for 30,000 more attendees.
Lebanon welcomed delegations from 65 countries, comprising over 800 individuals, for the funeral. Mohammad Qalibaf, chairman of the Iranian parliament, arrived with a delegation of Iranian officials, describing the event as a "turning point."
The ceremony was punctuated by reports of military activity. Minutes after the event's commencement, Arab media outlets reported an attack in the Ahmadiya area of southern Lebanon. This followed earlier reports of Israeli strikes near Tyre in southern Lebanon.
Video: Fighter jets spotted in Lebanon during Nasrallah's funeral / Credit: Social media
Sources informed the Saudi channel al-Hadath of Israeli drone activity over Beirut and Dahieh. Approximately two hours later, additional reports emerged of another Israeli attack in the Hermel area of northern Lebanon.
Social media platforms in the Arab world circulated images of injured militants en route to the funeral, reportedly victims of the "Pagers attack" five months prior. These individuals were pictured with bandaged eyes and missing fingers, highlighting the ongoing impact of regional conflicts.
