Quds Force commander congratulates Sheikh Qassem, voices solidarity
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The commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commends Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem after his election.
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Commander of Iran's Revolution Guard Quds Force, Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani, chants the slogan "Death to Israel" during the funeral ceremony of the late IRGC Gen. Abbas Nilforushan in Tehran, Iran, on October 15, 2024 (AP)
The Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, sent a letter to Hezbollah's newly appointed Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, on Thursday, expressing gratitude for Sheikh Qassem's appointment to lead the organization during what he described as a "historical and decisive phase."
In his letter, General Qaani addressed Sheikh Qassem, saying, "You are a seasoned and honorable fighter, widely respected among the noble fighters in the resistance." He emphasized Iran's unwavering support, stating, "The Quds Force in the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps will remain alongside Hezbollah until the malignant Zionist tree is uprooted and Palestine, along with holy al-Quds, is liberated."
General Qaani extended his greetings to the memory of "the master of the martyrs of the Ummah," the martyred Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, and all the leaders, officials, and martyred fighters within Hezbollah. He prayed that this resistance path would continue with strength and resolve under Sheikh Qassem's leadership.
"I pray to Almighty God that this enlightened and Jihadi path of the martyrs will continue under your leadership with greater strength and resolve," he said.
Sheikh Qassem had stated that his work plan is "a continuation of the work program of the martyred Sayyed Nasrallah in all fields, whether political, military, social, or cultural," stressing his commitment to pursuing the war plan laid out by the late secretary-general in Operation People of Might.
In his first speech as Secretary-General on Wednesday, Sheikh Qassem highlighted Iran's support for Lebanon's Islamic Resistance, clarifying that "Iran does not fight with us but supports our project without asking for anything in return."
Sheikh Qassem to safeguard Hezbollah's legacy
On his election as Secretary-General, Sheikh Qassem extended his gratitude to the Hezbollah leadership and its Shura Council for entrusting him with "this heavy burden," viewing it as "a sign of trust."
He emphasized that this responsibility "is the legacy of martyr Sayyed Abbas al-Moussawi, who told us that the fundamental commandment is to safeguard the Resistance and martyr Sayyed Nasrallah."
Recalling Sayyed Nasrallah's words upon the martyrdom of Sayyed al-Moussawi, Sheikh Qassem said, "By killing our Secretary-General, they aimed to defeat our spirit of resistance and crush our will for jihad, but his blood will continue to pulse within us."
Addressing the martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Sheikh Qassem expressed admiration for his 32-year legacy of instilling faith, allegiance, and resistance, saying, "You were and will remain the banner of the victorious Resistance, beloved of the fighters, a reservoir of hope, a herald of victory, and a beloved icon for those yearning for a life of dignity."
He also recalled the Executive Council Chairman of Hezbollah, martyr Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, affirming that he was "one of Sayyed Nasrallah’s most trusted associates" and adding, "We have lost him, but he has won."
Sheikh Qassem also recalled the head of Hamas' political bureau, martyr Yahya Sinwar, noting that he was "firm, courageous, faithful, principled, dignified, and free—a symbol of heroism and resistance for Palestine and the free people of the world," who was martyred on the battlefield after confronting the occupation "until the last breath."
