Premium

Watch: Israeli fighter jets fly over funeral of Hezbollah chief in Beirut

Hours before the funeral, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers, further escalating tensions.

An Israeli fighter jet flies over the city during the funeral procession of Lebanon's former Hezbollah leaders, Hassan Nasrallah and his cousin and successor. (AP photo)

Israeli fighter jets flew low over Beirut, Lebanon, as thousands gathered for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September. The flyover prompted the crowd to chant, “Death to Israel, death to America, we respond to your call, Nasrallah,” according to The Times of Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the matter, stating on X, “Israeli Air Force aircraft currently flying over Beirut, over the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, convey a clear message: Those who threaten to destroy Israel and attack Israel, it will be their end.”

بالفيديو: الطيران الحربي الاسرائيلي فوق بيروت pic.twitter.com/riIfGY1PWZ

— Lebanon Debate (@lebanondebate) February 23, 2025

Massive funeral gathering in Beirut

Lebanese media outlets reported that the jets flew over the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, where the funeral was being held. The stadium, which has a capacity of nearly 50,000, was nearly full hours before the ceremony commenced at 1:00 PM local time (11:00 GMT), as per BBC.

קול המטוסים שחגים מעל ביירות ואחריו קריאות “מוות לישראל” בהלווית נסראללה pic.twitter.com/XDUwoUKhvh

— Nurit Yohanan (@nurityohanan) February 23, 2025

Mourners, dressed in black, gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects to Nasrallah, who was one of the most influential figures in the Middle East. His coffin was paraded through the crowds, with many attendees waving flags and holding portraits of the late leader.

Hezbollah supporters also mourned Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s successor, who was killed in a separate Israeli strike before he could officially assume his role, BBC reported.

Story continues below this ad

A trailer carrying the coffins containing the bodies of Hezbollah’s former leader Hassan Nasrallah and his cousin and successor Hashem Safieddine drives through the crowd. (AP photo)

Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for 30 years, was considered a key figure in the group’s expansion, strengthening its military capabilities with support from Iran. Under his leadership, Hezbollah trained fighters from Hamas, as well as militias in Iraq and Yemen, and acquired missiles and rockets for use against Israel.

Also Read: | Woman killed as Israeli forces fire on returnees to southern Lebanon ahead of ceasefire deadline

Israeli response and continued conflict

Hours before the funeral, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers, further escalating tensions.

Israel’s actions come amid ongoing cross-border hostilities that began with the war in Gaza. Lebanon has been subjected to intense Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion in the south, leading to significant casualties and displacement. The conflict has killed around 4,000 people in Lebanon, including many civilians, and displaced over 1.2 million residents before a ceasefire deal was struck in November, BBC reported.

(With inputs from BBC, The Times of Israel)

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

‘Violence in Nepal is heart-rending’: PM Modi expresses concern as KP Sharma Oli resigns

India6 hr ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed worry about the turmoil in Nepal and stressed the need for peace and stability. The Nepal Army and security officials called for dialogue to restore order amidst growing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The Indian government issued a safety advisory for Indian citizens, advising against travel until the situation improves.

View all shorts

Live Blog