Fri Feb 21 21:17:00 UTC 2025: ## Thousands Gather in Beirut for Hezbollah Leader’s Funeral

**BEIRUT, Lebanon –** Thousands of mourners, many arriving from Iraq and other countries, are converging on Beirut for the Sunday funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike nearly five months ago. Nasrallah’s death, along with that of his successor Hashem Safieddine, killed days later, dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah, which has suffered heavy losses in recent conflict with Israel.

The funeral, to be held at Beirut’s main sports stadium, is expected to draw massive crowds. Flights from Iraq, where Hezbollah enjoys significant support, have been fully booked for days, with an estimated 6,000 people flying in. The event has also attracted international attention, including controversial American commentator Jackson Hinkle, who posted photos of himself in Lebanon waving a Hezbollah flag.

However, the funeral has not been without controversy. Lebanese authorities denied entry to a passenger plane from Iran, stranding dozens of mourners and sparking protests, following accusations from Israel that Iran was using civilian flights to smuggle cash to Hezbollah. This led to some speculation that the Lebanese government bowed to Israeli pressure. Despite the ban, some Iranian mourners are reportedly entering Lebanon via Iraq. Representatives from Iran-backed groups across the region are also attending.

The event has drawn criticism from US Representative Joe Wilson, who condemned any Lebanese politicians attending the funeral, calling Nasrallah a “murderous terrorist.” The scale of the funeral underscores Nasrallah’s enduring influence and the deep loyalty he commanded within Hezbollah and amongst Shia communities globally.

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