Hezbollah’s new leader, Naim Qassem, emphasized that his group is not fighting on behalf of Iran but to defend and liberate Lebanese territory.
In a recorded speech on Wednesday, he stated, “We in Lebanon are not fighting for Iran or to further its agenda; our focus is on protecting and liberating our land.”
Qassem, who was elected as Hezbollah chief following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month, asserted, “For 11 months, we have maintained that we do not desire war, but we are prepared to respond if it is thrust upon us.”
He pledged to continue Nasrallah’s strategy, adapting to ongoing developments, and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to resistance against occupation and regional expansion.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, Qassem stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian cause to counter the threats posed by Israel. He articulated that “the people of Gaza have a humanitarian, Arab, Islamic, and national right that demands our support.”
He described the current conflict as not solely Israeli, but a broader struggle involving American, European, and global forces aimed at eradicating resistance movements across the region. He condemned the brutality of these efforts, which he characterized as an extermination campaign against the peoples of the area.
The backdrop to Qassem’s remarks includes Israel’s recent air campaign targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, following a year of escalating cross-border hostilities and a significant offensive against Gaza.
According to Lebanese health authorities, since October of last year, over 2,700 people have been killed and nearly 12,500 injured due to Israeli attacks, further complicating the regional situation.
