The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) affirmed that the "resistance front, particularly the brave Palestinian fighters, will put an end to the disgraceful presence of the occupiers in Palestine."

In a statement marking the first anniversary of the assassination of commanders Mohammad Reza Zahdi, Haji Rahimi, and their companions in an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the IRGC emphasized that "resistance against arrogance and Zionism is an undeniable reality that will inevitably lead to final victory."

The statement noted that the occupation had deluded itself into thinking that such an attack would weaken the resistance front and deprive the cause of liberating al-Quds of Iranian support, yet it failed to achieve its objectives.

It added that the events following this crime, along with other Israeli crimes in the region, have failed to extinguish the light of the resistance’s triumph.

The aggression, which occurred on April 1, 2024, claimed the lives of seven high-rank IRGC advisors. Among the martyrs was Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who made significant contributions to the Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria.

Then-Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed the US and "Israel" for the aggression. However, the US dismissed the accusation, saying it had "no involvement" in the attack. 

Axios reported that shortly before "Israel" launched the strike on the consulate, it informed the Biden administration without asking for a US green light.

Not only did "Israel" not include any details in its heads-up to the US, like sharing that it was going to bomb a building in the Iranian embassy compound, but the Israeli occupation jets were also already in the air when that piece of information was received by the US, according to the Axios report.

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'Israel' unable to restore security

The IRGC stressed that the Palestinian resistance had proven that the Israeli entity has been unable to restore its shaken security and political foundations. Instead, "it was ultimately forced into a humiliating acceptance of a ceasefire, bowing before the steadfast faith and determination of Hamas and Palestinian fighters."

The statement also highlighted the legacy of the late commander Zahdi, whose military career spanned over four decades in defense of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic world, distinguishing him with wisdom and bravery on the battlefield.

Furthermore, the IRGC reiterated that Operation al-Aqsa Flood dealt an irreversible strategic defeat to the Israeli occupation, prompting it to extend its aggression beyond Gaza to target Syria and Lebanon. 

The statement concluded by asserting that Zionist and American conspiracies in the region "will not succeed in stopping the accelerating collapse of the Zionist entity."

Resistance undefeated

Hamas' representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, asserted on Saturday that the Resistance had not been defeated, emphasizing that wars consist of multiple rounds—some won, others involving painful blows—but never surrender.

Speaking during an event marking International Quds Day in Lebanon's Bekaa region, he stated, "We are engaged in a long struggle. Despite the painful blows and great sacrifices, we have not been broken, nor have we surrendered. We still possess weapons, willpower, and determination. Our flag remains raised, and we will continue in the arenas of resistance until complete victory is achieved."

Abdel Hadi stressed that "the blood of our martyrs, especially our leaders, has not been shed in vain. Anyone who believes that the assassination of our leaders will bring an end to the resistance in Lebanon, Palestine, or any part of our land, is delusional."

He also clarified that history proved that the martyrdom of leaders across the region, from Lebanon to Palestine, has only fueled the Resistance with even greater momentum rather than halt it.

Hamas' representative further affirmed that "the occupier will inevitably leave our region in defeat, by God's will, because we believe in our rightful cause, in al-Quds, Al-Aqsa, Palestine, and in every inch of our land and its resources."