Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah Has Recovered, Martyrs’ Legacy Guides Path to Victory
On the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah vows continuity, resilience, and unity
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM - At a central ceremony attended by Lebanese and international dignitaries, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem commemorated the first anniversary of the martyrdom of former leaders Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine.
Opening his address, Sheikh Qassem saluted the crowds gathered at the burial sites of the Resistance leaders—Sayyed Nasrallah in Beirut, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine in 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.
He emphasized that the late Secretary-General “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 intellect, spirituality, and sacrifice.
Nation’s Supreme Martyr
Tracing the Resistance’s trajectory, Sheikh Qassem highlighted pivotal victories—from confrontations in 1993 and 1996, to the liberation of southern Lebanon in 2000, the 2006 July War, and the 2017 triumph over terrorism.
He recalled Sayyed Nasrallah’s iconic words: “The era of defeats is over; the era of victories has begun.” This ethos, he said, continues to define Hezbollah’s 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, describing him as “the master of the martyrs of the nation and the world—the international Resistance leader who inspires freedom-seekers everywhere.”
Tribute to Sayyed Safieddine and Comrades
Sheikh Qassem paid tribute to Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, praising his steadfastness beside Nasrallah and his deep care for both fighters and ordinary people. He also honored martyr commander Haj Ali Karki (Abu Al-Fadl), lauding his role in training and leading Resistance cadres.
Resilience Amid Global War
According to Sheikh Qassem, Hezbollah has faced a global war waged by “Israel,” backed by the United States and Europe, aiming to dismantle the Resistance and impose 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,” he asserted.
Post-War Social and Political Presence
Sheikh Qassem underlined Hezbollah’s swift recovery after the latest Israeli war on Lebanon. He cited the million-strong funeral procession for the martyrs, the rapid return of displaced families to their southern villages, and sweeping success in local elections as signs of enduring strength.
“Reconstruction efforts moved at full speed, with over 400,000 housing units restored. The unprecedented Ashura commemoration reaffirmed the Resistance’s vitality. Additionally, Hezbollah has maintained a powerful political and social presence across all levels of national life,” Sheikh Qassem stressed.
“Our military forces have recovered. We are ready for any confrontation with the Israeli enemy,” he declared.
Defying Disarmament, Defending Sovereignty
Sheikh Qassem warned against U.S. attempts to dismantle Hezbollah under the guise of supporting the Lebanese Army.
“The US-Israeli threat is existential. Disarming the Resistance is fulfilling the Israeli enemy’s goals. We will not allow it. This is a Karbala-like confrontation—a battle of existence,” he said.
He called on the Lebanese government to uphold sovereignty by implementing UN Resolution 1701, halting Israeli aggression, ensuring full withdrawal from occupied territories, releasing prisoners, and prioritizing reconstruction.
A United Lebanon Against the Enemy
Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to national unity and a comprehensive defense strategy:
“We are committed to internal unity and ready to stand in one trench for Lebanon’s revival. A strong Lebanon must respond to threats with defense, not surrender.”
He urged full implementation of the Taif Agreement, parliamentary elections on time, and correction of what he described as the government’s “mistaken” decision to disarm the Resistance.
Salutes to Allies and Supporters
In his closing remarks, Sheikh Qassem extended salutes to Iran, Yemen, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, Tunisia, and international pro-Palestine movements.
“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, sacrifices, and unwavering resolve that make victory possible,” he affirmed.
“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. (PW)