In a powerful address marking the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Hezbollah Secretaries‑General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, the group’s Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed the movement’s recovery on military, political, and social fronts and vowed to carry forward the great martyrs’ legacy until victory is achieved.
Honoring the Exceptional Martyred Leaders
Speaking at a central ceremony attended by Lebanese and international dignitaries, Sheikh Qassem opened by saluting the crowds gathered at the burial sites of the Resistance leaders—Sayyed Nasrallah in Beirut, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine in the southern town of Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr, and Sayyed Abbas Al-Moussawi in Bekaa’s Nabi Sheet.
“Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, the martyr and leader, has departed. But his light shines ever brighter. He was a commander—now he is a source of inspiration for generations of commanders,” Sheikh Qassem declared.
His Eminence emphasized that the nation’s Supreme Martyr, Sayyed Hasan, “held fast to the rope of salvation, bound to the guidance of Imam Khomeini and the leadership of Imam Khamenei,” shaping Hezbollah’s ideological and operational course with his intellect, spirituality, and blood.
“Sayyed Nasrallah planted the love of Palestine in our hearts, and it blossomed into an unyielding resistance.”
Nation’s Supreme Martyr
Sheikh Qassem traced the trajectory of the Resistance’s triumphs, beginning with pivotal confrontations in 1993 and 1996, the liberation of southern Lebanon in 2000, the steadfastness during the 2006 war, and the victory over terrorism in the eastern mountain ranges in 2017.
His Eminence recalled Martyr Sayyed Nasrallah’s iconic words, “The era of defeats is over; the era of victories has begun,” affirming that this ethos continues to shape Hezbollah’s spirit and determination.
“The people loved him, and he loved the people. Sayyed Hasan lives on in our hearts—his soul has ascended, but his presence remains with us,” Sheikh Qassem added.
“This Resistance is for all religions, for every free person on Earth. It is the child raised on dignity, the family nourished by purity, the fighter armed with truth, and the struggle itself.”
His Eminence called Sayyed Hasan “the master of the martyrs of the nation and the world—the international Resistance leader who inspires freedom-seekers everywhere.”
Sheikh Qassem stressed that the path laid by Sayyed Nasrallah and his comrades is eternal. “They killed your body, but your soul was set free. You live on, and we will not rest while your cause lives within us.”
Tribute to Hezbollah’s Sayyed Safieddine
Sheikh Qassem also paid homage to Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, describing him as the steadfast pillar beside Sayyed Nasrallah, who cared deeply for the group’s fighters as well as for the people’s needs.
His Eminence also remembered martyr commander Haj Ali Karki (Abu Al-Fadl), praising his role in training martyrdom-seekers and leading logistical operations.
Resilience Amid Global War
Sheikh Qassem spoke of the immense international pressure Hezbollah has endured, revealing that the group faced a global war—waged by the Israeli occupation army and backed by the United States and Europe—aimed at dismantling the Lebanese Resistance and advancing the project of a so-called “Greater Israel.”
“The assassination of Sayyed Hasan, Sayyed Safieddine, and their comrades was intended to collapse our structure. However, we responded by electing a new secretary-general, appointing new leaders, and continuing the battle. The Resistance did not fall—it rose,” His Eminence asserted.
Post-War Social and Political Presence
Following the latest Israeli war on Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem affirmed Hezbollah’s swift and determined recovery on all fronts.
His Eminence pointed to the massive, million-strong funeral procession held for the martyrs as a clear sign of the people’s unwavering loyalty and to the immediate return of displaced families to their southern villages, defying the destruction and reasserting their presence at the border.
Sheikh Qassem noted Hezbollah’s sweeping success in local elections, with uncontested victories in more than half of the towns, as a reflection of the trust and support the Resistance enjoys.
“Reconstruction efforts moved at full speed, with over 400,000 housing units restored as part of a broad campaign to rebuild and shelter affected families. The Ashura commemoration was held on an unprecedented scale, reaffirming the spiritual and social vitality of the Resistance’s base. Additionally, Hezbollah maintained a powerful political and social presence across all levels of national life,” Sheikh Qassem emphasized.
“Our military forces have recovered. We are ready for any confrontation with the Israeli enemy. The Resistance stood firm—neither in the field nor in politics did they achieve what they hoped,” His Eminence declared.
Defying Disarmament, Defending Sovereignty
Sheikh Qassem warned against American efforts to dismantle Hezbollah under the guise of empowering the Lebanese Army. “They want to weaken Lebanon, not strengthen it. Their vision is to arm the army not to defend Lebanon, but to fight Hezbollah,” His Eminence cautioned, pointing to recent admissions by US officials as evidence.
“The US-Israeli threat is existential—not just against the Resistance, but against Lebanon. Disarming the Resistance is fulfilling the Israeli enemy’s goals. We will not allow it. This is a Karbala-like confrontation. We are in a battle of existence.”
His Eminence called on the Lebanese government to fulfill its obligations under UN Resolution 1701, including halting Israeli aggression, ensuring withdrawal from Lebanese territory, releasing prisoners, and launching a genuine reconstruction effort.
“National sovereignty must top the government’s agenda. Sovereignty means expelling the Israeli occupation army from our land, deploying the army along the borders, and resisting any form of occupation.”
A United Lebanon Against the Enemy
Reaffirming Hezbollah’s commitment to national unity, Sheikh Qassem affirmed that Lebanon belongs to all its people.
“We are committed to internal unity and ready to stand in one trench for Lebanon’s revival. A strong Lebanon must integrate its strength into a comprehensive national defense strategy. We must respond to threats with defense, not surrender.”
His Eminence called for full implementation of the Taif Agreement, including liberating remaining occupied territories, asserting state sovereignty over all lands, and conducting parliamentary elections on time under the current law.
Addressing the Lebanese government, Sheikh Qassem said, “You erred in your decision to disarm the Resistance. Correct this mistake. This country belongs to all of us.”
Salutes to Allies, Resistance Supporters
Sheikh Qassem extended salutes to Iran and its leadership, the people of Yemen, Iraq’s authorities and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and the global pro-Palestine movement—including Tunisia and international solidarity efforts.
His Eminence praised the steadfast support base of the Resistance, declaring, “To the people of the Resistance in Lebanon, Palestine, and across the region—from the unborn in the womb to the wounded and the families of martyrs—you are the bedrock of this Resistance. It is your lives, your sacrifices, and your unwavering resolve that make victory possible.”
“This land, watered by the blood of martyrs, will drive out the Zionists. No one can defeat you. Together, we shall triumph and show the enemies the defeat of their project,” Sheikh Qassem concluded.
Source: Al-Manar Website
