Hezbollah Supporters Mark Second Anniversary of Nasrallah’s Killing in Beirut

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Thousands of Hezbollah supporters gathered near the tomb of the group’s late leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday to mark the second anniversary of his killing by Israel, reaffirming their allegiance to his legacy despite the group’s heavy losses in recent conflicts.

AFP correspondents reported that many of those attending the gathering carried Hezbollah flags as they assembled in the group’s stronghold, an area that has come under Israeli bombardment during conflicts in 2024 and this year.

Ali Nasser, 30, from Haddatha in southern Lebanon, described the anniversary as a historic occasion and said supporters were gathering to renew their pledge to follow Nasrallah’s path.

“The former chief illuminated the path for us and God willing, we'll carry on,” Nasser said, adding that the turnout demonstrated supporters’ continued loyalty.

Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for more than three decades, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sept. 27, 2024, during a major escalation in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

His designated successor, Hashem Safieddine, was also killed in an Israeli strike days later.

Hezbollah supporters also commemorated Safieddine during Sunday’s gathering, where current leader Naim Qassem was scheduled to deliver a televised address.

“This is a sacred occasion for us,” said Ibrahim Hijazi, 56, from Blida in southern Lebanon, a border town currently under Israel's control. He said supporters would continue on the same path despite the deaths of Hezbollah leaders and fighters.

The gathering comes as Hezbollah faces significant pressure over its weapons and military role in Lebanon following its latest conflicts with Israel.

A November 2024 ceasefire called for the group to give up its weapons in southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese state to consolidate control over armed forces, while Israel was also required to withdraw from Lebanese territory under the agreement.

Hezbollah has rejected calls for its disarmament. The group later became involved in renewed regional fighting after launching attacks against Israel, saying they were in response to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes, according to the supplied report.

Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground operation in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities say the fighting has killed more than 4,300 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Violence has since declined following a fragile ceasefire announced in June after a US-Iran understanding on the wider conflict, while Lebanon and Israel subsequently reached a framework agreement.

Israel, however, has continued military strikes and maintains troops inside a self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon.

Under the framework, Hezbollah is expected to disarm while the Lebanese army deploys in designated areas of southern Lebanon as Israeli forces withdraw.

Implementation has largely stalled after Hezbollah refused to disarm as required under the framework agreement, while Israel has said it will maintain its positions as long as the group continues to pose a threat.

The anniversary gathering underscores the continued importance of Nasrallah to Hezbollah’s supporters even as the group faces the loss of senior leaders, military setbacks and pressure from the Lebanese state over its armed presence.