Cairo (EFE).- Naim Qassem, the leader of Hezbollah, reaffirmed on Sunday that the Lebanese movement will not disarm until Israeli troops withdraw from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon as part of their ground offensive launched after the outbreak of war in the country on Mar. 2.
«We support the continuation of the resistance and will work to ensure its continuity against the enemy until it withdraws from our territory, and we achieve the total liberation of the occupied territory,» Qassem said in a televised speech marking the second anniversary of his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination by Israel.
Qassem stated that the Iran-aligned movement is «open to dialogue» with the Lebanese government regarding disarmament amid international efforts and demands for the Mediterranean nation’s government to consolidate its monopoly on weapons.
«We are open to dialogue and discussion, but first, liberate the south and allow its inhabitants to return. Then, we will reach an understanding among ourselves,” he said, insisting that Hezbollah prevented Israel from consolidating its occupation and establishing settlements in Lebanon.
The war in Lebanon began on Mar. 2 when Hezbollah attacked Israel in solidarity with Iran in response to the United States-Israeli offensive against the Islamic Republic that began a few days earlier.
The war has claimed over 4,300 lives and displaced over one million people.
«In the wake of these immense sacrifices, we have no choice but to persevere. We cannot be defeated, and we will continue. Humiliation is far from us,» Qassem insisted, noting that much of southern Lebanon has been destroyed by Israeli bombing.
He once again criticized the direct negotiations held by the governments of Lebanon and Israel under US mediation and without Hezbollah’s participation. These talks produced a framework agreement in late June that stipulated a roadmap to end the war.
«Freeze the direct negotiations, opt for indirect ones, speak out, and rest assured that everyone will support you when you defend Lebanon’s sovereignty,» the cleric said.
He warned that Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement and that the Lebanese government «is supporting the Israeli-American project instead of confronting it.»
The Lebanese government has also harshly criticized Hezbollah, claiming that the country has been dragged into a war it did not choose. Various sectors of society accuse Hezbollah of being responsible for the destruction of much of the country’s territory and property by fueling the war.
In light of this situation, Qassem announced that Hezbollah is committed to «providing shelter, restoration, and reconstruction» using its «own resources and donations.» EFE
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