Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed the movement’s unwavering commitment to the path of resistance, declaring that the Islamic resistance will preserve its strength and faith to confront the Israeli enemy and defend Lebanon’s sovereignty and dignity.

Speaking at a large Martyr’s Day ceremony held across multiple Lebanese regions, Sheikh Qassem emphasized that resistance, faith, and sacrifice remain the cornerstones of liberation. He said the aggression of the Israeli occupation “cannot continue without limits,” and warned that the resistance will stand firm in the face of any new threats.

Sheikh Qassem reminded the audience that Martyr’s Day marks the historic operation of Ahmad Qassir, who carried out the first martyrdom mission against the Israeli occupation in 1982.

“We chose Martyr’s Day to coincide with the operation of the martyr Ahmad Qassir,” Sheikh Qassem said. “His act represents a distinguished model — a symbol for all martyrs who walk the path of sacrifice.”

He recalled that the operation was coordinated by Haj Imad Mughniyeh and Haj Abu al-Fadl Karaki, and that it struck the Israeli military governor’s headquarters in Tyre, killing dozens of occupation soldiers.

“This act shook the morale of the Israeli entity and paved the way for its eventual withdrawal from Lebanon,” he said, stressing that every martyr since then “has carried the same torch of resistance.”

Sheikh Qassem said the resistance’s power does not lie in its weaponry but in the steadfast faith of its fighters — the mujahideen who have chosen dignity over submission.

“Our mujahideen have done their duty and continued on the path of jihad, and their blood will make us stronger,” he declared.

He added that the resistance was founded on jihad, morality, and dignity, and that despite limited material means, its faith gives it strength far beyond military measure.

“Israel did not withdraw through politics or negotiation,” he noted. “It left without conditions, thanks to the steadfastness of the resistance and the sacrifices of the martyrs.”

The Hezbollah leader criticized the continued American and Israeli interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, accusing Washington of attempting to weaken Lebanon by targeting the resistance movement.

“America and Israel seek to equip the Lebanese Army only to confront the resistance, not the enemy,” he said. “They want to strip Lebanon of its ability to defend itself.”

Sheikh Qassem rejected what he called “American dictates” and warned that any attempt to disarm or marginalize the resistance would only strengthen its resolve.

“Our arms are the guarantee of our sovereignty and protection,” he said. “We will not abandon our weapon that enables us to defend our land and our people.”

The cleric emphasized that Hezbollah’s strength stems from the legacy of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood.

“We are the sons of Hussein and the children of this steadfast land,” Sheikh Qassem declared. “Either we live with honor, or we die with honor.”

He reaffirmed that the movement’s struggle is part of a broader Islamic resistance against oppression and arrogance, extending from Lebanon to Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and beyond.

“We salute the Palestinian people and their heroic resistance, who continue to teach the world the meaning of standing for justice,” he said. “And we send greetings to the Islamic Republic of Iran and its Leader, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the faithful supporter of the resistance, and to our martyred commander, Qassem Soleimani.”

He also extended warm greetings to the people of Yemen and Iraq, praising their steadfastness and their support for the cause of liberation and dignity.

Sheikh Qassem concluded by reaffirming Hezbollah’s spiritual and moral foundation, saying that the resistance stands in an era of steadfastness and independence.

“We will not kneel. You have tested us before, and if you test us again, we will remain in the field. We are victorious through faith — either by triumph or by martyrdom.”

He stressed that the resistance’s mission is not merely political or military, but divine — a sacred duty to defend the oppressed and uphold the honor of the Ummah.

“The aggression cannot last forever,” Sheikh Qassem said. “The blood of our martyrs lights the way to freedom. With patience, faith, and steadfastness, victory belongs to those who resist in the name of God.” (ILKHA)