Sheikh Naim Qassem, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, said that on Sunday “we bid farewell to an exceptional historical leader, nationally, Arably, and Islamically, who was a symbol of the free people in the world.”
He spoke about the martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, saying that he led the nation to resistance and made the resistance an integral part of the nation, noting that the relationship between them was united as one heart.
Sheikh Qassem emphasized during his speech at the funeral ceremony of the martyrs Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, that Sayyed Nasrallah loved the people and they loved him, highlighting that he was a leader of minds and hearts, and his destination was always Palestine and Al-Quds (Jerusalem). He also referred to his great contributions to reviving the Palestinian cause.
Qassem stressed the commitment to preserving the approach and following the path of resistance, saying, “We are committed to the covenant, Nasrallah, and we will complete the path even if we are all martyred.”
He described the Lebanese people as loyal and generous, affirmed that this day is an unprecedented historical moment in the history of the country.
Regarding the war with the Israeli occupation, he explained that Hezbollah confronted the Israeli entity and the American tyrant behind it, which attacked Gaza, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran. He also referred to the enormous pressure that the resistance faced, but he confirmed that its steadfastness was also equal to the challenge.
In addressing the issue of prisoners, Sheikh Qassem saluted them and stressed the commitment not to leave them under the grip of the Israeli occupation.
On the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and the Israeli entity, he stated that Lebanon adhered to the agreement while Israel did not. Qassem stressed the responsibility of the Lebanese state after the expiration of the deadline for this agreement to complete the Israeli withdrawal.
About the decision to approve the ceasefire request, Qassem explained that it came to preserve the national interest due to the absence of any political or field horizon to continue fighting, emphasizing that this step represented a point of strength for the resistance. He added that the resistance continues in its readiness and equipment and that inevitable victory is coming.
He pointed out that the resistance is a faith-based and political choice and a right that no party can take away from free peoples seeking liberation. He also announced the entry into a new phase that differs in its tools and mechanisms, confirming that the resistance will act according to the appropriate circumstances and will not be forced to make any political concessions.
Sheikh Qassem added his categorical rejection of any American intervention in Lebanon, demanding Israel’s withdrawal from the areas still under its occupation. He called on all advocates of sovereignty to take a clear position against the Israeli occupation and American hegemony.
As for the Lebanese state, Qassem stressed the importance of building a strong and just state under the umbrella of the Taif Agreement, affirming the inclusiveness of Lebanon for all its people. He announced a unified position between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement that supports building the nation.
He also expressed his support for the role of the Lebanese army and its commitment to expelling the occupation, rebuilding, and preserving national unity and civil peace. Regarding former US President Donald Trump’s plan for displacement, Sheikh Qassem stressed that the resistance will stand against this project in cooperation with the liberation forces in the region.
The funeral of the two martyred Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine was held on February 23, 2025, at Camille Chamoun Sports City in the capital Beirut at one o’clock in the afternoon. The funeral procession headed to Sayyed Nasrallah’s burial site on the outskirts of Beirut, while Sayyed Safieddine is expected to be buried on Monday in his hometown of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr in the south.
