Hezbollah's retaliation to the assassination of Martyr Fouad Shokor is "separate from the aggression on Gaza and the ceasefire agreement," Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed on Thursday, adding that the Islamic Resistance rejects any ceasefire on the northern front if the onslaught on Gaza continues. 

During a speech he gave at the late Sheikh Hassan Trad's memorial, Sheikh Qassem said three scenarios exist for the current situation. 

The first scenario, according to Sheikh Qassem, entails the resumption of the genocide in Gaza, which means the resumption of multi-front confrontations, "no matter the price". He emphasized that the Israeli occupation could not achieve victory in this case, because the Resistance and the Palestinian people's decision would not allow "Israel" to achieve its objectives, even if it continued committing massacres. 

The second scenario entails a ceasefire, which would consequently lead to the cessation of operations on support fronts.

The third scenario entails Hezbollah's retaliation to the Israeli aggression on the Southern Suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, during which Martyr Fouad Shokor was assassinated, as well as the Iranian response to the Israeli aggression against Tehran, during which the head of Hamas' political bureau, Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated. 

Sheikh Qassem clarified that the response was planned, and was "completely separate from the first two paths," affirming that it was going to happen. He further added that its timing and implementation were "linked to the leadership's assessment of the interest of the response and its limits."

He also commented on US envoy Amos Hochstein's latest visit to Beirut, saying it was "a show, to insinuate that the US was taking action." 

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Hochstein "does not have anything, and there are no specific American proposals," Sheikh Qassem added, noting that "Washington does not have a plan so far." 

He expressed confidence that "the result achieved during the July 2006 war, through disrupting all of Israel's goals and achieving a great victory, will also be achieved in this battle, with all the sacrifices and patience."

He said that the current battle is "more intense and harsher, and it is a battle of choices," stressing that the choice of resistance "is clear and one of liberation and independence."

Hezbollah says not to give up fight with Gaza on July War anniversary

Earlier on Thursday, Hezbollah released a statement on the 18th anniversary of the victory in the July 2006 War, reaffirming its commitment to resistance against the Israeli occupation and its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

The Islamic Resistance recalled the "great July War" as a turning point in the struggle against the Israeli occupation, taking the opportunity to laud the heroism and sacrifices of those who fought against "Israel".

Hezbollah highlighted the impact of the 33-day war on the Israeli occupation, noting that despite overwhelming military force and international support, the Israeli occupation failed to achieve its objectives, resulting in a lasting psychological and strategic setback. The statement stressed that the victory solidified Hezbollah's position as a formidable force, one that the Israeli occupation and its allies must consider seriously.

The statement also underscored Hezbollah's resolve to prevent any future occupation of Lebanese territory and to resist normalization efforts with the occupation. Hezbollah paid tribute to the new generations of fighters who continue to uphold the values of Resistance, strengthened by education and an unwavering commitment to defending Lebanon.

The Islamic Resistance framed the current geopolitical shifts in the region, including the recent Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, as part of a broader resistance movement. The organization reiterated its support for the Palestinian people and pledged to continue defending Lebanon against any threats, with the promise that it would fulfill its commitments with "courage, wisdom, and strength."