Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem addressed a message of support on Friday to "the dear and resilient Yemeni people, their honorable leadership, and their armed forces who stood firm when the world abandoned Palestine, Lebanon, and the axis of resistance, despite all their difficult circumstances."
According to Yemen News Agency, speaking at the conclusion of the Ashura procession in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sheikh Qassem expressed his solidarity with the Yemeni people, acknowledging their resilience and steadfastness. He also praised the Iraqi people, including their religious authorities, the Popular Mobilization Forces, leadership, and government, for their support and solidarity. Emphasizing the importance of unity and resistance, Sheikh Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and independence, highlighting the need for Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanese land.
He outlined five pillars believed in by Hezbollah, starting with the unconditional retreat of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories. He asserted that any form of aggression by Israel should cease, and Lebanon's sovereignty should remain intact, without compromise or normalization of relations with Israel. Sheikh Qassem stressed that the resistance movement remains pivotal in safeguarding Lebanon's independence and liberation.
Sheikh Qassem urged Lebanese authorities to reconsider their political stance and unify against Israel, cautioning against succumbing to external pressures from countries trying to influence Lebanon's decisions in favor of American or Israeli interests. He emphasized the necessity of rebuilding Lebanon, addressing economic issues, and fostering collaboration with countries that truly support Lebanese sovereignty.
He also highlighted the significance of the understanding between Iran and the United States as a critical support mechanism for Lebanon's sovereignty, advocating for the utilization of Iran's support for a free and independent Lebanon. Sheikh Qassem called on Lebanese authorities to resist pressures from countries seeking normalization with Israel and to cooperate with those aiding Lebanon's sovereignty and rebuilding efforts.
In his address, Sheikh Qassem celebrated the Ashura commemoration as a revolutionary mobilization against tyranny and expressed solidarity with global resistance movements, particularly in Gaza and Palestine. He reiterated Hezbollah's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the liberation of Palestine, declaring it a fundamental symbol of freedom, dignity, and liberation.