Gaza deal demonstrates Resistance's steadfastness: Sheikh Naim Qassem
The Hezbollah chief describes the Palestinian people and their Resistance fighters as "the pride of the nation, the symbol of dignity, and the architects of a liberated Palestine."
The Gaza ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago remains unchanged from the proposal presented in May 2024, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said Saturday, pointing out that this demonstrates the steadfastness of the Resistance, which achieved what it sought while "Israel" failed to obtain its objectives.
In his speech at the 13th International Conference "Gaza: Symbol of Resistance," Sheikh Qassem emphasized that this agreement represents a victory for the Palestinians, despite the "collusion of Israeli-American criminality against our people in Gaza."
He also highlighted that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood revitalized the Palestinian cause, resonating across the globe, citing demonstrations in the United States, France, Britain, and other Western nations as evidence of a profound shift in the global landscape.
Hezbollah's chief described the Palestinian people and their Resistance fighters as "the pride of the nation, the symbol of dignity, and the architects of a liberated Palestine," for they have thwarted "Israel's" dangerous schemes.
On Gaza's sacrifices and resilience, Sheikh Qassem asserted that they underscore the capability of the Palestinian people and their Resistance to reclaim their land. He added that these sacrifices halted a nefarious project aimed at annihilating the Palestinian cause and laid the groundwork for future triumphs.
The Lebanese leader pointed out that the alternative to such sacrifices during the war would have been to surrender, praising the Hamas movement and its military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, for their leadership and steadfastness, alongside the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement and its military wing, the al-Quds Brigades, as well as all other Resistance factions.
Regarding the losses "Israel" incurred during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Sheikh Qassem urged an assessment of the extensive damage to the Israeli occupation military, economy, psychological state, education system, and political environment. He noted that "Israel's" international image is tarnished and its reputation is in decline.
He further stated that the International Criminal Court's condemnation of "Israel" highlights the significant impact of the Palestinian people's resistance in exposing the occupation's atrocities.
Sheikh Qassem warned that Israeli settlers would not find stability in Palestine, adding that the coming days and months will reveal the repercussions of the current situation.
He also pointed to growing internal divisions within "Israel", reiterating that the only solution in Palestine lies in restoring it to its rightful owners.
Resistance in Lebanon will remain immune to the American-Israeli agenda
Regarding Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the country offered its most precious, invaluable sacrifices through Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and the Lebanese people, at the top of which was Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, along with Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, Resistance commanders, martyrs, the wounded, and detainees, all in support of Gaza and in defense of Lebanon against aggression.
He elaborated that the battle that Hezbollah fought contributed to supporting Gaza and thwarted "Israel's" objective of eliminating the Resistance in Lebanon, which emerged with pride, heads held high, and weapons in the hands of its fighters, who stood as a formidable barrier against Israeli advancements and engaged in a legendary confrontation.
The Resistance in Lebanon will remain immune to the American-Israeli agenda and continues to be strong, prepared, and committed to the sacrifices made to liberate the land, Hezbollah's chief underlined.
Regarding the ongoing Israeli violations since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on November 27, 2024, Sheikh Qassem stressed that "they cannot persist," pointing out that the patience exercised by the Resistance aims to give an opportunity to the Lebanese state and the mediators to act, urging them [the Israelis] "not to try our patience."
On Lebanon’s presidential election, Sheikh Qassem credited Hezbollah and Amal Movement's efforts in facilitating a consensus to elect President Joseph Aoun. He emphasized that no one can exclude the two parties from active and influential political participation, asserting, "We are an essential component in Lebanon’s structure and its revival."
On support fronts
Touching on the fronts opened in support of Gaza and its Resistance, Sheikh Qassem affirmed that history will recognize, just as the battlefield has, those who supported the Palestinian enclave with sacrifices and contributions, highlighting their vital role in dismantling the Israeli project.
He particularly praised the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Sayyed Ali Khamenei, who "has not missed an opportunity to affirm his support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation, from the river to the sea."
Iran has provided all forms of military, moral, material, and political support, along with martyrs for the Palestinian cause, he emphasized.
Sheikh Qassem noted that Iran has faced decades of sanctions for directing its efforts toward liberating al-Quds, expressing gratitude to the Iranian people for their steadfast backing of this cause under the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei.
He extended his greetings to Yemen and the leader of the Ansar Allah movement Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, as well as the Yemeni people for their sacrifices. He also saluted Iraq, its religious authorities, people, and Popular Mobilization Forces for their support of the Palestinian cause.
Read more: Sheikh Qassem says Hezbollah to act whenever, however it sees fit