A year has passed since the majestic farewell of the martyrs, the Secretary General of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, alongside Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, at the Sports City in Beirut.
On that day, thousands of hands rose defiantly against the threats of the Israeli enemy and the United States, raised by people of all ages, reaching for the sky as a pledge of loyalty to the martyrs. Undeterred by Israeli warplanes soaring overhead, the crowd chanted, “We are at your service, O’ Nasrallah!”
The unprecedented turnout for the funerals, combined with meticulous organization and planning in coordination with all Lebanese state institutions weeks in advance, reinforced the perception among friends and foes alike that the popularity of the Resistance remains undiminished. Even after the September 2024 Israeli war, targeted assassinations, and severe attacks on the Resistance and its environment, the movement’s public support grew stronger, gaining new credibility and solidarity.
Video speaks for its self: Stands at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium almost filled before dawn!#Sayyed_Nasrallah#Sayyed_Nasrallah_funeral pic.twitter.com/G8SZWS2C1l
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) February 23, 2025
Israeli-US Campaign Fails to Weaken Resistance
The Israeli-American campaign, backed by some internal and external actors aiming to weaken the Resistance and disarm it, failed to achieve its objectives. Observers noted the robust participation of official, political, party, cultural, and media representatives, as well as thousands of supporters from across Arab and international communities, defying expectations.
Many analysts concluded that the scene sent a strong message: Hezbollah continues to enjoy widespread popular support, disproving assumptions of decline or internal fragmentation due to war and assassinations. It also conveyed a message of steadfastness and defiance toward the occupation, as mourners faced Israeli aircraft with chants of resistance, reflecting an unwavering commitment to continue the struggle against threats.
The scale of the attendance also underscored the profound emotional connection between the martyrs’ leader and his supporters. The resting place of Sayyed Nasrallah has since become a symbolic shrine, strengthening his status as a historic leader of justice confronting oppression.
Sheikh Qassem: Resistance Remains Strong
During the ceremony at Sports City, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that Hezbollah had agreed to the enemy’s request for a ceasefire based on strategic considerations. “We honored the agreement, but Israel did not comply. Here begins the responsibility of the Lebanese state after the ceasefire period ends for the enemy’s withdrawal.”
Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the Resistance remains strong and fully prepared, and that its rights cannot be taken away. He emphasized that Israel must withdraw from all remaining occupied areas and declared, “The Resistance is written in blood, not on paper. Die in your rage; the Resistance remains strong, enduring, and unyielding.”
International and Regional Attendance
The funeral drew political and diplomatic figures from across the globe. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri attended as a representative of President Michel Aoun, while Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar represented Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, alongside prominent political, religious, and civil leaders, and representatives of Lebanese, Arab, and international parties.
A high-level Iranian delegation attended, including Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and senior political and military officials.
A statement from Imam Khamenei, read by Sayyed Mujtaba Al-Husseini, praised martyr Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah as a “great mujahid and pioneering leader of resistance in the region,” affirming that his spirit and path will continue to inspire generations, lighting the way for those who follow.
Solidarity from Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine
The Iraqi and Yemeni delegations were highly visible and impactful, with representatives from the Iraqi government and resistance factions demonstrating full solidarity with Lebanon and its Resistance. Palestinian factions also played a key role, sending representatives to reaffirm their commitment to joint struggle against Israeli occupation and to renew the alliance between resistance movements in Palestine and Lebanon.
Loyal Devotees and Supporters
Delegations of revolutionaries and supporters of the cause from across the globe—ranging from Indonesia to Venezuela—attended the ceremonies. They came to express unwavering support for the principles of freedom and justice championed by the late leader, reaffirming the unity of the resistance in confronting oppression and colonialism worldwide.
Following the completion of the Sports City funeral rites, the bodies of the martyrs were transported to their final resting places. Martyr Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah was laid to rest in his personal shrine in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a site that continues to symbolize steadfastness and defiance in the face of tyrants. Sayyed Hashem Safieddine was transported to his hometown of Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr in southern Lebanon and buried the day after Sayyed Nasrallah, attended by both official representatives and masses of mourners.
The truck carrying the martyrs’ bodies moved slowly through massive crowds, forming an emotional procession as raised hands and tearful eyes followed every moment of the journey. From the early morning, Beirut’s streets swelled with delegations from across Lebanon, carrying sentiments of loyalty and gratitude, marking another day of sacrifice and dignity.
Four Israeli warplanes spotted over Beirut during funeral of #Sayyed_Nasrallah and Sayyed Safeiddine pic.twitter.com/BgZyqOaQGp
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) February 23, 2025
The Kamel Shamoun Sports City was filled with tens of thousands of Hezbollah supporters, who came to honor the two symbols of resistance, Sayyed Nasrallah and Safieddine, both of whom were martyred in Israeli airstrikes during the aggression on Lebanon. Amid the profound sorrow, participants proudly carried Hezbollah flags, Lebanese national flags, and portraits of the martyrs, embedding their memory into the fabric of Lebanon’s resistance history.
The funeral, regarded as the largest and most significant in Lebanon’s history, remains etched in the collective memory as a defining moment of courage, loyalty, and honor. Every step along the procession route, every moment of the ceremony, symbolized a pledge that transcends martyrdom, living on in the hearts and minds of generations to come.
The message was clear: the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine continues unbroken, and the sacrifices of Nasrallah and Safieddine will inspire future generations. The torch of resistance kindled by these leaders, along with other martyred commanders, remains alight until ultimate victory.
Threats to the Funeral
The impact of the funeral on the enemy was evident. The Israeli Channel 14 political correspondent Tamir Morag reported that US envoy Morgan Ortagus, visiting Israel shortly before the funeral, suggested to Israeli officials that they strike the ceremony at Sports City in Beirut, claiming it could target Hezbollah leadership.
Morag noted that Israel ultimately rejected her advice, deciding not to attack the funeral despite Israeli warplanes flying over the capital during the massive farewell.
The same source revealed that the Israeli occupation army had considered striking the funeral of Hezbollah’s Secretaries General, and outgoing Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi reportedly admitted that the army deliberated over bombing Sayyed Nasrallah’s funeral.
According to Channel 14, Halevi told students of the First Infantry Brigade and civilians, “I spent 10 to 15 minutes in the car consulting. Can you guess what we were discussing? Nasrallah’s funeral… we were hesitant.”
Source: Al-Manar Website