On Martyr's Day, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem delivered a powerful speech under the slogan "When We Are Martyred, We Triumph," paying tribute to the Ummah's Martyr, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, symbolizing his everlasting presence and the continuity of the Islamic Resistance's struggle against the occupation. 

As gatherings were organized across eleven locations in Lebanon, from Beirut to Nabatieh to Baalbeck, Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed the enduring legacy of the martyrs and the unwavering commitment of the Resistance to defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression and Western interference.

Martyrdom as a path to liberation, dignity

Opening his address, Sheikh Qassem invoked the words of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: “When We Are Martyred, We Triumph.” He said that martyrs reject humiliation and choose to live freely and honourably.

Commemorating Martyr Ahmad Qassir, whose martyrdom operation targeted the Israeli occupation's military governor headquarters, Sheikh Qassem hailed him as a symbol of sacrifice and divine purpose.

Martyr Ahmad Qassir’s operation, which resulted in 76 Israeli deaths and 118 injuries, shook the occupying entity’s morale and laid the foundation for its eventual retreat. “He taught us with his blood, nurtured us through his sacrifice, and paved the way toward Allah, dignity, and liberation,” Sheikh Naim said.

He also honored the Qassir family, noting that four of Ahmad’s brothers were later martyred in the same path, making their family an embodiment of devotion and self-sacrifice.

Resistance founded in struggle, forged in faith

Sheikh Qassem outlined the background of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, explaining that “Israel” claimed it was targeting Palestinian factions but instead entrenched itself as an occupying force.

Through proxies like the so-called Free Lebanon Army, later renamed the “South Lebanon Army,” “Israel” attempted to portray the occupation as a civil conflict.

“But Hezbollah was born from this reality,” Sheikh Qassem declared, “founded on jihad, on confronting occupation, and on standing with Palestine.”

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He emphasized that the core strength of the Resistance is its faith and willpower, which give both weapons and voices an unmatched impact.

2000 to 2024: deterrence, battles, and victories

Hezbollah's leader underscored that “Israel” withdrew in 2000 not through negotiations or diplomacy, but unconditionally under the pressure of the Resistance’s blows. From then until 2023, he said, Lebanon’s stability was preserved through deterrence and the golden equation of resistance.

During the recent People of Might battle, 75,000 Israeli soldiers were unable to advance more than a few hundred meters, he recalled, giving thanks to the legendary steadfastness of Hezbollah's Resistance fighters.

The November 27, 2024, ceasefire agreement called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south of the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese Army, a provision that Hezbollah accepted, as the Armed Forces and Resistance are forged in the same fire. 

Having borne the burden of national defense for 42 years, Sheikh Qassem said Hezbollah welcomed the government’s decision to take responsibility. “Any party willing to defend this nation, we protect and support,” he said.

Ongoing aggression and foreign interference

Despite the ceasefire, Sheikh Qassem pointed out that “Israel” continues its violations. Citing UNIFIL figures, he noted over 7,000 Israeli violations, while Hezbollah had fully complied with the agreement. Yet some still blame Lebanon, he said, instead of acknowledging the real aggressor.

He condemned the blatant US-Israeli interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, particularly efforts to weaken the Resistance. “Tom Barrack openly stated he wants to arm the Lebanese Army against its own people,” Sheikh Qassem said. “How can the government tolerate this?”

He reiterated that the ceasefire agreement pertains only to the area south of the Litani River and that the Israeli enemy must withdraw and release Lebanese prisoners it had abducted. There is no threat to northern settlements, and if blood continues to spill in the South, it will spill across all of Lebanon, “due to America and Israel.”

Resistance will not surrender

Addressing existential threats, Sheikh Qassem was unequivocal: “Israel is not looking for an excuse; our very existence is the excuse.” He said the goal of “Israel” is extermination, and that the Lebanese are facing a genuine existential threat.

“We will not give up our weapons, which allow us to defend ourselves. We are being attacked and will respond. The price of resistance is far less than the cost of surrender. We are confident that we will be victorious.”

He concluded with a reaffirmation of the Resistance’s unwavering principles: “We are guided by three truths: that the Resistance and its people cannot be defeated, that we will be victorious or martyred, and that this is a time for steadfastness and for building the future.”

Salutes to allies

In his closing remarks, Sheikh Qassem extended greetings to the Palestinian people and their Resistance, praising their sacrifices. “We salute the Palestinian people and their Resistance, and their sacrifices. They are heroes who taught the world what it means to stand for what is right. The compass will always remain Palestine.”

He also paid tribute to the Islamic Republic of Iran and its leadership, which supported and continues to support the resistance, and to Sayyed Ali Khamenei, "the loving and supportive leader, as well as a salute to our martyr commander Qassem Soleimani.”

Sheikh Qassem further acknowledged the unwavering support from regional allies, saying, “Salute to the leadership and people of Yemen. You are, God willing, the vanguard of liberation. And salute to Iraq, its government, people, and tribes, who have always stood by our side.”

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