WHO IS HASSAN NASRALLAH, THE HEAD OF HEZBOLLAH?

Sat 28 September 2024:

Hassan Nasrallah, the influential and long-serving leader of Hezbollah, may have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27 in Beirut, according to Israel’s military. However, Hezbollah has yet to confirm the claim, leaving the fate of the 64-year-old cleric uncertain.

Nasrallah: From Marginalized Cleric to Regional Power Player
Nasrallah has spent more than three decades transforming Hezbollah from a Shi’ite militia into a formidable political and military organization. Hailing from a poor family in Beirut, he joined Hezbollah in the 1980s after Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon and quickly rose through the ranks due to his charisma and leadership.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Hezbollah’s Rise Under Nasrallah
Following the assassination of Hezbollah’s then-leader, Abbas al-Musawi, in 1992, Nasrallah took the reins at just 32 years old. Under his guidance, Hezbollah evolved into a major force, benefiting from financial and military support from Iran. Nasrallah’s role in driving Israeli forces out of Lebanon in 2000 and leading Hezbollah in the 2006 conflict with Israel elevated his status in the region.

A Polarizing Leader
Admired by many in Lebanon’s Shi’ite community, Nasrallah is viewed as a hero, but others see him as a divisive figure who has embroiled Lebanon in wider regional conflicts. Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, as well as its support for Hamas, has extended its influence far beyond Lebanon. However, Nasrallah has often operated from the shadows, rarely appearing in public due to security risks.

Hezbollah’s Setbacks Amid Rising Tensions
Despite Nasrallah’s long-standing leadership, Hezbollah has faced significant losses in recent months, with Israel targeting key leaders and military assets. Most recently, in a speech on September 19, Nasrallah vowed retribution against Israel following strikes on Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure. His rhetoric has remained fierce, even as Hezbollah and Israel continue to exchange fire amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Legacy and Uncertain Future
If Israel’s claim of Nasrallah’s death is confirmed, it would mark the end of an era for Hezbollah. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah became a central player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, deeply entrenching itself in Lebanon’s political landscape while drawing both admiration and condemnation on the global stage. The organization’s future without Nasrallah remains unclear, as the conflict with Israel shows no signs of abating.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22