Former President Michel Aoun offering his condolences to members of Hezbollah during tributes to Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, Feb. 26, 2025. (Credit: Elnashra News)
BEIRUT — Former Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday paid tribute to former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, describing him as “a symbol of heroism and sacrifice,” during a visit to a mourning tent in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Aoun offered his condolences to the relatives of Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s designated successor — both were killed in Israeli strikes last September and October.
Aoun called Nasrallah's death "a great loss for Lebanon," and included a message in the book of condolences evoking "a relationship of respect, friendship and mutual trust" between himself and the former party leader.
"Together, we agreed on national objectives and human values that brought us together. To defend Lebanon and its people, we chose the paths of liberation, resistance and reform in order to confront injustice and elevate the greatness of the nation and the citizen," he wrote. "I have known you closely, you are an honorable friend, an exceptional leader and a sincere and courageous fighter. You were great in your life and great in your martyrdom, and you will remain a symbol of heroism and sacrifice," he added, addressing Nasrallah.
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati also visited the mourning tent in Beirut’s southern suburbs to offer his condolences.
On Tuesday, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Gebran Bassil — who was absent from the funeral held at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium on Sunday — also visited the tent to offer his condolences. He was followed by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt of the Progressive Socialist Party.
A delegation from the Amal Movement and several prominent figures, including former FPM MPs Elias Bou Saab, Ibrahim Kanaan and Alain Aoun, also attended.
According to the state-run National News Agency (NNA), members of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and General Security were present, along with delegations from Hezbollah-allied factions in Iraq, Tunisia, Yemen, Nigeria and Iran.
Nasrallah and Safieddine were killed in massive Israeli airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sept. 27 and during the night of Oct. 3–4, 2024, respectively. Nasrallah was buried Sunday in a mausoleum near the road to Beirut international airport, while Safieddine was laid to rest Monday in his hometown of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, in southern Lebanon's Sour district.