Hezbollah Announces Funeral for Hassan Nasrallah Amid Rising Tensions

Beirut, Lebanon – Hezbollah has announced that the funeral for its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, will take place on February 23, months after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike in a southern Beirut suburb.

The announcement was made Sunday by Hezbollah’s current Secretary-General, Naim Kassem, in a pre-recorded speech. The funeral will also include Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah official and Nasrallah’s expected successor, who was also killed in the conflict.

Nasrallah’s Death and the Ongoing Conflict

Nasrallah was assassinated on September 27 when Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple buildings in southern Beirut. According to security sources, he was inside Hezbollah’s war operations room when the strikes took place.

His death marked a significant moment in the months-long war between Hezbollah and Israel, which has seen heavy casualties on both sides. A recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, set to last until February 18, has momentarily halted hostilities, though tensions remain high.

Israeli troops are still present in parts of southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire stipulating their gradual withdrawal. Hezbollah militants are expected to move north of the Litani River, while Lebanese army soldiers take over security in the area. However, protests have erupted in several villages, with residents—many waving Hezbollah flags—clashing with Israeli troops.

Protests and Rising Tensions

Speaking on the protests, Kassem praised the demonstrators, saying, “The South says that there is no possibility for Israel to remain in it… the sacrifices, no matter how great, will ultimately lead to the liberation of the land and the exit of Israel.”

On Sunday, Israeli forces opened fire on protesters in the villages of Yaroun and Kfar Kila. While the Lebanese Health Ministry did not report casualties from this incident, last week, 24 protesters were killed when Israeli troops fired on demonstrators, according to the ministry.

Despite suffering heavy losses in the conflict, Israel maintains that it must continue operations in Lebanon to eliminate Hezbollah’s remaining military infrastructure, including its extensive tunnel network.

Nasrallah’s Legacy

Hassan Nasrallah led Hezbollah since 1992 and played a key role in transforming the group from a local militant faction into a powerful regional force with both military and political influence. His leadership saw Hezbollah become deeply embedded in Lebanese politics while expanding its military capabilities.

With his death, Hezbollah faces a leadership transition at a critical time, as Lebanon remains mired in political and economic turmoil. The funeral on February 23 is expected to draw massive crowds and could serve as a rallying point for the group and its supporters.

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the situation remains fragile, with the potential for renewed violence looming over Lebanon and the broader region.