Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem extended condolences and congratulations to the Palestinian people on the martyrdom of Mohammad Deif, the chief of staff of Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades, and his deputy, Marwan Issa.

"Blessed is the Palestinian people for the scene of prisoner releases and the results achieved through Operation al-Aqsa Flood," Sheikh Qassem stated.

Addressing the ongoing Israeli violations in Lebanon, Qassem held the Lebanese state fully responsible for taking action. "The Lebanese state must follow up and exert pressure through the mediators to stop this breach and Israeli aggression," he said, emphasizing that these violations are "not just breaches, but an initial act of aggression that must be confronted firmly."

He called on the United States to enforce commitments, stating, "Since America considers itself a guarantor, let it exert pressure to ensure compliance with the agreement."

Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's commitment to the path of resistance, stating, "Resistance is a course and a choice. We act according to our own assessments at the appropriate time."

He warned of an orchestrated campaign against the resistance, saying, "There is a counteroffensive backed by the US, Israel, and foreign states, accompanied by an internal faction promoting defeat."

While acknowledging the complexities of the struggle, Sheikh Qassem rejected absolute victory narratives. "We have never spoken of absolute victory. This is a battle with gains and losses," he noted.

People, Resistance determined to defend their land

He praised the return of Southern Lebanese residents to their villages, calling it "a noble stance to reclaim the land," and asserted that Lebanon's liberation was achieved through "its resilient people, army, and resistance."

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"Southern Lebanon has declared that Israel cannot remain or occupy it. Let everyone know that sacrifices will lead to liberation," he affirmed.

Sheikh Qassem rejected external pressure on Hezbollah, asserting, "Those who have principles do not surrender under pressure." He warned against foreign-backed agendas, stating, "This is a plan for subjugation and the entrenchment of Israel. If we do not stop it now, we will not be able to stop it later."

The Islamic Resistance will endure, and Hezbollah will remain steadfast. We will not change our direction or beliefs," Sheikh Qassem declared.

He also condemned those who justify the Israeli occupation's aggression, saying, "Some justify Israel’s attacks, killings, and refusal to withdraw."

Sayyed Nasrallah funeral procession

Sheikh Qassem went on to pay tribute to late Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah: "Our highest martyr, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has captured the hearts of the nation and the world, becoming a true symbol and icon."

Sheikh Qassem announced that the funeral procession for Sayyed Nasrallah would take place on Sunday, February 23 in a large public ceremony.

"We have chosen this day for a grand popular funeral for our highest martyr, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah," Sheikh Qassem stated.

He also confirmed that Sayyed Hashem Safieddine will be laid to rest on the same day, "in his capacity as Secretary-General."

Sheikh Qassem revealed that Sayyed Hashem Safieddine had been elected as Secretary-General following the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah but was martyred before the announcement could be made.

"Sayyed Hashem Safieddine was elected Secretary-General after Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's martyrdom, but he, too, was martyred before the news was announced," Sheikh Qassem said.

Sheikh Qassem also announced the official slogan for the funeral ceremonies: "We remain true to the pledge". "We have chosen the slogan 'We remain true to the pledge' for the funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safi al-Din," he stated, emphasizing the continuity of Hezbollah’s path of liberation despite the losses.