Tens of thousands of supporters flooded Beirut on February 23, 2025, to attend the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, nearly five months after his assassination by Israeli airstrikes. The commemoration, described as a show of strength, unfolded at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, which was packed to capacity with mourners carrying Hezbollah flags and portraits of Nasrallah, demonstrating the group's ongoing influence despite recent setbacks.

The atmosphere was charged, with Israeli aircraft flying low over the stadium during the ceremony, prompting chants of “death to Israel” from the crowd. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the flyover as "an act of terror," emphasizing the heightened tensions between the two forces. Israel's Defense Minister issued a statement that the flyovers conveyed a clear message: “those who threaten to destroy Israel will meet their end,” according to Newsweek.

The mass funeral, while commemorating Nasrallah, also honored Hashem Safieddine, his designated successor, who was killed shortly after him. Nasrallah's leadership had been pivotal in turning Hezbollah into one of the most formidable military forces in the Middle East, and followers regard his martyrdom as a continuation of his legacy.

A Lebanese official estimated the crowd at approximately 450,000, while some reports suggested it reached as many as 1.4 million, indicating Hezbollah's substantial support among the Lebanese population. Participants included delegations from various countries, notably Iran, which sent high-profile officials as a demonstration of solidarity with the group as reported by Al Jazeera.

The funeral's location and scale were purposefully chosen to counter negative narratives about Hezbollah's potency after losing many leaders during the recent conflict with Israel, which claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more. This was characterized by Hezbollah as a decisive moment of renewal and a reaffirmation of its position in the face of perceived threats.

Prominent figures at the funeral included Iranian and Iraqi officials, with thousands of international supporters also present. As the coffins were paraded through the crowd, attendees showed their respect by throwing flowers and clothing toward them—a symbolic act reflecting their belief in the sanctity of the deceased leaders. Despite the devastation wrought by Israeli operations, Hezbollah leaders delivered defiant messages, asserting the group's resilience and commitment to its cause, products of Nasrallah's enduring legacy.

As the proceedings continued, Israeli airstrikes were reported in southern Lebanon, escalating the already fraught relationship between the nations and highlighting the fragile state of the ceasefire that was brokered in November following protracted hostilities. Intense discussions are underway as Lebanon grapples with its future amidst ongoing external pressures and internal political strife as mentioned by The New York Times.

In a climate of historical grievances and geopolitical maneuvering, the mass attendance at Nasrallah's funeral represents both a mourning of a pivotal leader and a reassertion of Hezbollah's enduring resolve.