Hezbollah Spurns Call for Disarmament

Addressing a mourning ceremony held in commemoration of Ashura in Beirut, Sheikh Naim Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to resisting against Israel and defending Lebanon.

He condemned the ongoing Israeli violations, rejected normalization, and voiced strong support for Gaza and Yemen.

The Hezbollah chief noted that this year’s overwhelming turnout at the commemoration was striking and deeply symbolic, particularly since some had expected public participation to wane in light of the recent regional events, Al Mayadeen reported.

“This resistance is that of Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr and the master of the martyrs of the Ummah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and it will uphold the covenant,” the secretary-general of Hezbollah stated in his speech. He further emphasized that “the flame of resistance will remain ignited, even if the circumstances were difficult.”

Sheikh Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to preserving the resistance movement, which he described as a sacred duty that must be protected. He firmly rejected any role in normalizing or justifying occupation in the region, describing normalization as deeply degrading and unacceptable.

“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,” Sheikh Qassem stated, adding, “How can you expect us to stop when the enemy persists in its aggression? We cannot accept this, and we carry the wills of our martyrs on our shoulders.”

“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 asserted.

The Lebanese leader affirmed that Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, do not lack any strength or capabilities, emphasizing that the two stand united in every confrontation.

“We find it ridiculous to be asked to hand over our rockets, which form the foundation of our defense. We are determined to live in a free, sovereign, and dignified country,” Sheikh Qassem indicated, highlighting that were it not for the resistance, the Israeli regime would have overrun Lebanese towns and villages a long time ago.

“We will keep resisting and confronting (the enemy). The ceasefire agreement was supposed to halt the aggression, but the occupation has committed thousands of violations,” the secretary-general emphasized, adding, “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 stated that the Zionist regime must implement the first phase of the agreement by withdrawing its forces, halting all aggression and aerial attacks, releasing prisoners, and allowing reconstruction efforts to begin, emphasizing that “once the first phase is completed, we are ready for discussions.”

“We are not concerned by threats from the occupation or Washington, be it of killing or calls for surrender,” he underlined.

“We are ready for peace and state-building, just as we are prepared for confrontation and defense, and we will not relinquish our rights, no matter the sacrifices,” Sheikh Qassem stated.

The Hezbollah leader addressed the people of Gaza and Palestinian Resistance factions, stating, “With your resistance, you are among the most honorable people in the world and the finest of this land.”

“Palestine will remain for its people, and we will continue to stand by you,” he added.

Additionally, Sheikh Qassem hailed the role of Yemen in the region, emphasizing that “Yemen has become a torch of resistance and honor, setting a unique example by humiliating both America and Israel.”

Elsewhere, the Lebanese leader saluted the Iranian people “who stood firm and prevented Israel from achieving its objectives.”