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Hezbollah's former leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli air strike in September, is to be buried in Beirut's southern suburbs, a traditional heartland for the group, its secretary general announced.
In a televised speech late on Sunday, Naim Qassem said Mr Nasrallah would be buried on February 23 “in a plot of land we chose between the old and new airport roads”, on the outskirts of Beirut. The long-time leader of the group was temporarily buried elsewhere because "security conditions prevented holding a funeral” after Israel launched an all-out war on Lebanon in the same month the leader was killed.
“We hope that it will be a grand funeral procession befitting this great personality,” Mr Qassem said.
Mr Nasrallah was killed as Israel intensified its bombardment of Lebanon after a year of cross-border hostilities. He had led Hezbollah for three decades and his assassination was a major blow for the group, which went on to lose almost all of its senior commanders.
Mr Qassem also confirmed for the first time that Hashem Safieddine, who was assassinated on October 3, had succeeded Mr Nasrallah as secretary general, but was killed days before the announcement could be made.
Mr Safieddine will be buried as “secretary general” on the same day as Mr Nasrallah in his hometown in southern Lebanon. Mr Qassem urged people to refrain from firing weapons into the air before, during or after the funeral.
Mr Safieddine was Mr Nasrallah's maternal cousin and head of Hezbollah's Executive Council. Despite Mr Qassem being the long-term deputy secretary general, it was Mr Safieddine who was expected to be Mr Nasrallah's successor.
The planned funerals will come five days after Israeli troops are supposed to leave Lebanon under a ceasefire deal agreed on in November.
The Israeli army missed a deadline of January 26 to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon and has since launched strikes there, killing dozens of Lebanese civilians. It now has until February 18 to pull out. Lebanon has accused Israel of breaching terms of the truce hundreds of times.
During his speech, Mr Qassem also pressed Lebanese authorities to put pressure on Israel to stop breaching the ceasefire conditions.
“The Lebanese state is fully responsible for following up, pressuring and trying to prevent as much as it can, through sponsors and international pressure, this violation and this Israeli aggression,” he said.
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
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Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
If you go
The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road.
The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
UPI facts
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.