BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb 20, (V7N) – Lebanon’s Hezbollah is preparing for an enormous gathering on Sunday to honor its late leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in what is expected to be a significant demonstration of strength following its prolonged conflict with Israel.

Nasrallah’s death, nearly five months ago in a major Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, sent shockwaves through Lebanon and beyond, leaving his supporters in mourning.

The nation will come to a standstill for the funeral, scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT) at the Camille Chamoun Sports Stadium on the outskirts of the capital.

To ensure security, Hezbollah has announced strict measures and called on security forces to assist in managing the massive crowds anticipated. Tens of thousands of supporters, including those traveling from Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and from abroad, are expected to attend.

Hassan Wehbe, a 60-year-old electrician from Beirut’s southern suburbs, described the funeral as a "historic moment," emphasizing that it would be an opportunity to show Israel that "we are not afraid."

Hezbollah has extended invitations to high-ranking Lebanese officials, including the president. Iran, Hezbollah’s primary international ally, has confirmed it will send a senior delegation, though it has not specified who will represent the country.

Nicholas Blanford, an expert on Hezbollah and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted the group’s need to reaffirm its strength and widespread support. "This event will serve as a clear demonstration that they remain a dominant force within Lebanon’s Shiite community," he told AFP.

The funeral, expected to last approximately an hour, will include a speech from Hezbollah’s current leader, Naim Qassem, who has urged the public to turn out in large numbers.

Following the ceremony, Nasrallah’s body will be taken in a procession to his final resting place near the airport road, now decorated with yellow Hezbollah flags and images of Nasrallah and other fallen leaders.

As part of the arrangements, Beirut’s airport will suspend all flights from midday until 4:00 pm, authorities confirmed. Meanwhile, the US embassy has advised American citizens to avoid the area.

Hezbollah endured heavy losses during its conflict with Israel, which escalated into full-scale war over a two-month period before a ceasefire was reached on November 27.

Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike on September 27, but concerns over security led to a delay in his funeral.

Sunday’s event will also serve as a farewell for Hashem Safieddine, who had been chosen to succeed Nasrallah before he too was killed in a later Israeli attack. Safieddine’s burial will take place on Monday in his hometown of Deir Qanun al-Nahr in southern Lebanon.

Nasrallah, known for his strong leadership and unwavering rhetoric, held a revered status among his followers. For Ahmed Hallani, 35, attending the funeral is more than a responsibility—it is "a religious and moral obligation."

"He was our leader, the symbol of our victories. We will stand by him, in life and in death," Hallani declared.

In anticipation of the funeral, both Iraqi Airways and Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines have increased flights between Baghdad and Beirut. Representatives from Iraq’s pro-Iran factions, along with several Iraqi lawmakers, are expected to attend.

Nasrallah, one of Hezbollah’s founding members in 1982, became secretary-general in 1992 after his predecessor was killed by Israel. He gained immense recognition across the Arab world following Hezbollah’s military successes, particularly Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000 after 22 years of occupation.

Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah evolved from a guerrilla movement into Lebanon’s most influential political force. However, the group suffered severe setbacks in the recent war.

Since hostilities erupted in October 2023, Lebanon has reported more than 4,000 casualties, with the majority occurring after Israel intensified its military operations in September and deployed ground forces. Among those killed were hundreds of Hezbollah fighters, including key commanders.

Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel has yet to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, having missed two deadlines. Troops remain stationed at five locations along the border, even after a partial pullback earlier this week.