Israeli jets attempt to intimidate mourners at Sayyed's funeral

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Feb 2025 15:38
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Despite attempts at intimidation, the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium was nearly full hours before the funeral ceremony began, with supporters gathering in solidarity and defiance.

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Israeli warplanes are seen flying at low altitude at the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025. (Social media)

Israeli fighter jets flew at low altitude over Beirut on Sunday, blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement as tens of thousands gathered to mourn Hezbollah's two late secretaries generals, leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, who were martyred in separate Israeli strikes five months ago. The jets circled the skies above the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium, where mourners, carrying pictures of Sayyed Nasrallah and Hezbollah flags, honored the beloved leader.

The provocative flyover was seen as an attempt to intimidate those paying their respects, with Israeli news outlets openly boasting about the display. Security Minister Israel Katz openly admitted the intention behind the flyover, stating, "The Israeli Air Force jets currently circling the skies of Beirut over Hassan Nasrallah's funeral are sending a clear message: Whoever threatens to destroy Israel and attacks Israel - that will be their end. You will be busy with funerals - and we will be busy with victories."

For the second time, Israeli warplanes flew at a very low altitude in an unsuccessful attempt to spread fear among those who gathered in the funeral procession of Sayyed Hassan and Sayyed Hashem.#Lebanon #AlMayadeen pic.twitter.com/WyCd89Sfll
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 23, 2025

Despite attempts at intimidation, the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium was nearly full hours before the funeral ceremony began, with supporters gathering in solidarity and defiance. The stadium, with a capacity of 78,000 people, was filled with mourners carrying Hezbollah flags and images of the martyrs, signaling unwavering support for the Resistance.

The funeral was also marked by a surge in international flights to Beirut International Airport, particularly from Iraq and Turkiye, with hotel occupancy reaching 90%, reflecting the international significance of the event.

Hezbollah resilience

A high-level Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, attended the funeral, accompanied by representatives from the Office of the Leader, the Judicial Authority, and families of martyrs including martyrs Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, and General Qassem Soleimani. Ghalibaf stated, "I come here leading an envoy of representatives... to be part of the procession of the two martyred Sayyeds."

Delegations from Iraq, including Shiite politicians and Resistance commanders, and representatives from Yemen's Ansarallah were also present, reflecting the broad regional support for Hezbollah. Representatives from 79 countries attended in official and popular capacities.

During the ceremony, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem pledged to continue the legacy of Martyr Sayyed Nasrallah, vowing that Hezbollah would remain steadfast. In his speech, Sheikh Qassem described Nasrallah as "a historic, exceptional, patriotic, Arab, Islamic leader, the model of the free people of the world." He affirmed, "We will continue Sayyed Nasrallah's path, even if our houses should be destroyed over our heads, even if we are all killed."

Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed the continued commitment to resistance, declaring, "We will remain true to the pledge, O' Nasrallah." He also condemned the ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, asserting, "We have fulfilled our commitments under the agreement, while Israel has not."