Sun Feb 02 18:10:13 UTC 2025: ## Hezbollah to Hold Grand Funeral for Slain Leader Nasrallah in February
**BEIRUT, Lebanon –** Hezbollah announced Sunday that a large public funeral will be held on February 23 for its slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, both killed in Israeli airstrikes last September. Nasrallah, who served as Hezbollah’s secretary-general for over 30 years, was killed in an Israeli attack on September 27th, just days before Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon. Safieddine, who was elected as Nasrallah’s successor but killed before the announcement could be made, will also be buried with the title of secretary-general.
Hezbollah’s current leader, Naim Qassem, revealed that Nasrallah’s initial burial was a temporary measure due to the challenging circumstances at the time. The deaths of Nasrallah, Safieddine, and numerous top military commanders significantly destabilized the group.
The announcement comes amidst a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, agreed upon in late November. While a 60-day deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon has been extended to February 18th, both sides continue to accuse each other of ceasefire violations. Hezbollah claims Israel is responsible for the breaches and calls upon the Lebanese state and international sponsors, the US and France, to intervene. However, Hezbollah has not threatened to renew hostilities.
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