Yemeni Ansar Allah leader Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badreddine al-Houthi, lauded the steadfastness of Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades despite the assassination of its chief of staff, Mohammad Deif, attributing their resilience to Deif’s lifelong dedication and sacrifice.

In a speech on Sunday marking the anniversary of the assassination of former Yemeni President Saleh al-Sammad, Sayyed al-Houthi extended condolences to Hamas and the Palestinian people, emphasizing that al-Qassam’s endurance during Operation Al Aqsa Flood preserved its achievements.

"Deif was among the great exemplary leaders, possessing unwavering faith, determination, and a high fighting spirit," Sayyed al-Houthi stated, crediting him with shaping al-Qassam into a formidable resistance force in Palestine.

Sayyed al-Houthi underscored Yemen’s unique role in backing the Palestinian cause, asserting that the Yemeni people have stood out in their unwavering support for Gaza’s struggle.

He condemned the Israeli occupation's war on Gaza, asserting that the US-backed Israeli assault aimed to annihilate the resistance, expel Palestinians, and exert complete control over the enclave. However, he noted that the perseverance of Palestinians had thwarted these objectives.

"The enemy seeks to eliminate the resistance, seize full control, and force the complete displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, yet their legendary steadfastness continues to obstruct these plans," he stated.

'Israel's' broad ambitions

He also warned that the Israeli occupation's ambitions extend beyond Gaza, with efforts to permanently annex the West Bank, systematically targeting Al Aqsa Mosque and occupied al-Quds.

Discussing the broader regional conflict, Sayyed al-Houthi praised the Lebanese people’s determination to reclaim their border villages and affirmed Ansar Allah’s readiness to resume military escalation if the Israeli regime violates ceasefire agreements in Gaza or Lebanon.

Addressing Syria, Sayyed al-Houthi accused "Israel" of seeking to cement its occupation and take advantage of regional instability. He stressed that the Palestinian resistance, alongside Hezbollah, plays a crucial role in countering Israeli aggression, with Iran providing vital support.

"The Palestinian resistance, Hezbollah, and Iran have all played key roles in thwarting Israeli expansionist ambitions," he concluded.

Deif martyred

The Ezzeddine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas Resistance movement, announced Thursday the martyrdom of the faction's Commander-in-Chief, Mohammad "Abu Khaled" Deif, alongside several other senior commanders, as part of Operation Al Aqsa Flood.

Speaking in a video published through al-Qassam's official military media channels, spokesperson Abu Obeida said the announcement came "After completing all necessary procedures and addressing all security concerns imposed by the conditions of battle and the field, and after conducting the necessary verifications and taking all relevant measures."

"We announce to our great people, our nation, and all supporters of freedom and resistance around the world the martyrdom of a group of senior fighters and heroic commanders from the General Military Council of the al-Qassam Brigades," he declared.

Among the fallen leaders, Abu Obeida said, is Mohammad "Abu Khaled" Deif, the Commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades' General Staff, alongside Marwan "Abu Baraa" Issa, the Deputy Commander of the General Staff.

"This is what befits our commander Mohammad Deif, Abu Khaled, who has exhausted the enemy for more than thirty years. How, by God, could Mohammad Deif be mentioned in history without the title of martyr and the honor of martyrdom in the path of God?" Abu Obeida declared, praising the martyred leader.