Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem said that the Lebanese resistance movement will never accept normalization of relations with Israel and will continue to fight the regime’s aggression against Lebanon, IRNA reports.
He made the remarks in a speech on Sunday on the occasion of Ashura. That’s the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram, marking the martyrdom anniversary day of the third Shia imam, Imam Hossein (RA) and his 72 companions, who were killed at the hands of the tyrant of their time, Yazid, during the battle of Karbala 14 centuries ago.
Sheikh Qassem rejected plans for normalization with the Israeli regime, describing it as an insult to the dignity of regional nations. He emphasized that Hezbollah will never be part of such a process, as genuine peace is impossible while the occupation persists.
“We confront the enemy by defending Lebanon, and this defense will continue, even if the whole world stands against us. Liberation is a duty, no matter how long it takes,” Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen news network quoted the Hezbollah chief as saying.
“How can you expect us to stop when the enemy persists in its aggression? We cannot accept this,” he further said, adding “We will never accept surrender. We are men of the field, and our position is clear: either our rights prevail or their falsehood is defeated.”
He also praised the vast participation of people in the Ashura ceremony, calling it a response to ill-wishers and a sign of the deep bond between the Lebanese people and the path of resistance.
The Hezbollah leader referred to a ceasefire with Israel, which came into force in late November last year but was repeatedly violated by the regime.
He said that the Israeli regime has committed thousands of violations, emphasizing “We cannot be intimidated into submission. No one has the right to demand we soften our position or disarm as long as the enemy's attacks persist.”
Sheikh Qassem also said that the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire must be accompanied by a halt to aggression, full Israeli withdrawal, and the release of prisoners.
He added that Hezbollah would be ready for discussions once the first phase of the truce was implemented.
Referring to the significant role of Iran in the West Asia region, he said that the support and wisdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, are the main pillars of resilience for the Resistance Axis.
He also said that the resistance of the Iranian people thwarted the enemies’ plots during the 12-day Israeli war of aggression last month.
Sheikh Qassem further praised the resilience of the Yemeni and Palestinian peoples in the face of Israeli aggression, saying that Hezbollah will stand in solidarity with these nations.
bd-pratidin/GR
