Thousands mourn Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah after deadly airstrike

In late September 2023, Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of Hezbollah and a key figure in Lebanon's political and militant landscape, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the militant group’s main operations room in southern Beirut. His assassination, which took place on September 27, marked a significant blow to Hezbollah, particularly because of Nasrallah's influential role in shaping the organization as a formidable force in the Middle East. Reacting to his death, tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Beirut to pay their respects nearly five months later during a mass funeral held in February 2025. The funeral took place at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, where the attendance demonstrated the enduring support for Nasrallah among his followers despite significant losses Hezbollah faced in the preceding conflicts. The tragic events that led to his death were compounded by a broader regional context, where Hezbollah had been actively engaged in confrontations with Israel as part of a multi-front conflict involving Palestinian groups. After Israel declared war on Hamas in October 2023, Hezbollah started to exchange fire, escalating tensions and resulting in significant casualties within the organization. Leading up to the funeral in February 2025, Hezbollah attempted to solidify its position by hosting numerous dignitaries and supporters from various countries, showcasing its regional connections. The event was seen as a means to project strength amid criticisms and calls for disarmament from its domestic and international rivals. Nasrallah's death not only disrupted Hezbollah’s leadership but also raised critical questions concerning its future and the broader implications for Shiite representation in Lebanon, particularly given the group's close alignments with Iran. In light of ongoing Israeli military actions and the geopolitical dynamics within the region, the aftermath of the funeral served as a stark reminder of Hezbollah's complex relationship with both Iran and Israel. Additionally, the deterioration of support from Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad further complicated Hezbollah's operational capabilities and strategic alliances. While Nasrallah was celebrated by his supporters as a defender of Lebanon and Shiite rights, his death highlighted the challenges facing the group as it navigated a shifted regional landscape marked by instability and conflict.