Thousands gather for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's funeral in Beirut, Israeli jets fly overhead
Thousands of people gathered at the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium to attend the funeral ceremony of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed five months ago in an Israeli strike.
The death of the Hezbollah leader marked a massive blow to the Iran-backed group.
Israeli Fighter Jets
During the ceremony, several Israeli fighter jets flew over the stadium.
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that jets flew over the funeral venue and wrote on X: "The Israeli Air Force planes that are currently circling in the skies of Beirut above Hassan Nasrallah's funeral are conveying a clear message: whoever threatens to destroy Israel and attacks Israel - that will be the end of him."
"You will specialize in funerals - and we will specialize in victories," he wrote in his message posted on X.
Funeral Stadium
Several massive portraits of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and his slain successor Sayyed Hashem Safieddine were put up across South Beirut ahead of the funeral.
The stadium has a capacity of around 50,000 but Hezbollah organizers have installed thousands of extra seats on the pitch and many more outside, where mourners will be able to follow the ceremony on a giant screen, reported Naharnet.
IDF Posts Strong Message
In a strong message, Israel Defense Forces wrote on X: "Today is Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral. Today the world is a better place."
Khamenei Vows 'Resistance' To Israel
Meanwhile, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed 'resistance' to Israel on a day when the funeral ceremony is ongoing.
"The enemy should know that resistance against usurpation, oppression, and arrogance is not over and will continue until the desired goal is achieved," Khamenei said in a statement published on his official website as quoted by Naharnet.
Nasrallah was buried temporarily in a secret location following his death.
His official funeral was delayed to give time for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon.
The forces withdrew as part of the US-backed ceasefire deal that ended the war last year.
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