Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem emphasized the readiness of Hezbollah fighters for martyrdom attacks in response to ongoing Israeli threats. Speaking during a televised address marking International Al-Quds Day, Sheikh Qassem highlighted the significance of this day as a symbol of solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, particularly in occupied Al-Quds.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem invoked the legacy of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, who established Al-Quds Day as a confrontation between the oppressed and the occupiers. He also referenced Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei's assertion that the Palestinian cause is both religious and strategic for Iran, noting significant developments since the fall of the Shah regime.
Sheikh Qassem discussed the advancements in resistance capabilities, which have facilitated operations like 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,' thereby highlighting the internationalization of the Palestinian cause. He described Israel as a "cancerous and expansionist gland" manipulated by US arrogance and credited the resistance for forcing the Zionist scheme to retreat in certain areas.
Hezbollah's support for Gaza, underscored by the martyrdom of Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, reinforces its belief in the Palestinian cause and the necessity of liberating sanctities in Palestine. Sheikh Qassem reiterated that Lebanon's interest lies in confronting settler and naturalization schemes, committing to the covenant with Al-Quds.
Addressing Israeli threats, Sheikh Qassem pointed out the Israeli schemes to build settlements and naturalize Palestinian refugees, asserting that only resistance can deter these threats. Although unable to prevent attacks, the resistance has managed to thwart large-scale Israeli military invasions and frustrate the enemy's objectives, compelling them to accept ceasefires.
Hezbollah has allowed the Lebanese state to assume defense responsibilities against the enemy, yet categorically rejects normalizing ties with Israel. Sheikh Qassem warned that Hezbollah's patience is not indefinite, and if limitless attacks persist, the resistance will not remain passive.
Sheikh Qassem highlighted the accomplishments of resistance fighters in South Lebanon and the significant participation in the funerals of Hezbollah's leaders, Martyr Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Martyr Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. He revealed receiving letters from fighters requesting permission for martyrdom operations, advising patience for divine victory.
Finally, Sheikh Qassem stressed Hezbollah's role in state reform and construction, urging the government to secure Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon and reconstruct infrastructure destroyed by Zionist warfare. He denied Hezbollah's involvement in eastern border incidents and called on the Lebanese Army to safeguard towns from Syrian armed group attacks, clarifying that Hezbollah is not implicated in Syrian incidents affecting Alawites and Christians.