Latest news with #NaeemQassem
Saba Yemen
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Hezbollah SG: Defending homeland requires no one's permission
Beirut – SABA: The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naeem Qassem, affirmed on Friday that 'defending the homeland requires no one's permission', adding that the resistance remains open to discussions when a serious and effective alternative for national defense is proposed. In remarks delivered during the ninth night of Ashura commemorations at the Sayyed al-Shuhada Complex, as reported by Al-Manar, Sheikh Qassem stated: 'We are not far from discussion and understanding with those who claim to be capable of protecting the country. But we will not accept demands to hand over our weapons without first demanding an end to aggression.' He criticized those calling for disarmament while remaining silent about the Israeli occupation, saying: 'It is illogical to criticize only those resisting occupation while ignoring the occupier itself.' Addressing those betting on foreign powers or hiding behind hostile forces, Qassem said: 'You miscalculated. The people of resistance do not fear enemies, nor will they surrender their rights. True achievement lies in liberating land and restoring sovereignty — and we are always ready for this mission.' He emphasized that Ashura commemorations are a revival of Islam's broad and timeless teachings, noting that Islam is not a set of rigid rituals, but rather a comprehensive project for humanity, built on unchanging values and flexible practices that adapt to time and experience. Sheikh Qassem added that the emergence of pioneering figures in Lebanon who adhere to Islamic principles reflects a living embodiment of the values Hezbollah believes in. He also recalled the resistance's role in recent confrontations: 'In our last two battles — 'Al-Awliyaa' al-Ba's' and 'Al-Aqsa Flood' — we fought alongside the people of Gaza and sacrificed many martyrs, including women and children, because our resistance is comprehensive and inclusive.' He concluded by stressing that true patriotism lies in attachment to the land and defending it, educating future generations to love and belong to it: 'We believe in our country. There is no contradiction between Islam and patriotism. Islam encourages love of the homeland and urges its defense.' Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah's choice of resistance stems from Islam, inspired by the paths of Imam Hussein (A.S.) and Lady Zainab (A.S.), stating: 'Our resistance is not a slogan, but a firm stance against the Israeli enemy. He must leave — and we have no option but to resist him until he does.' Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Saba Yemen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Hezbollah Secretary-General: "We will proceed according to our national project; normalization aims to eliminate Palestinian cause"
Beirut – Saba: Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naeem Qassem affirmed that "the party will continue to confront challenges through sustained resistance as a liberation project, rejecting all forms of occupation, settlement, and normalization." In an interview with Iqtidar magazine, he stated, "Hezbollah is a capable and influential force within Lebanon on all levels—alongside the Amal Movement and their popular base, as well as with allies and their representation. We will proceed according to our national project to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and independence." Sheikh Qassem reiterated the commitment to "cooperate with partners from political forces, parties, and sects to revive the country's economy, rebuild what the Zionist enemy has destroyed, restore depositors' funds, combat corruption and the corrupt, and uphold the rule of law." He added, "We will confront challenges through the continuity of resistance as a liberation project, rejecting all forms of occupation, settlement, and normalization." He pointed to "the targeting of our region by the arrogance of America and its criminal tool, the Israeli entity, through expanding land occupation, displacing their rightful owners, enforcing subservience to regimes, buying off consciences , followers, cultural and educational deception." Sheikh Qassem emphasized that "normalization between the Israeli entity and Arab regimes, in particular, aims to eliminate the Palestinian cause," warning that "Lebanon will be targeted to undermine its resistance." Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Shafaq News
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Acute debate in Lebanon, anticipation in Iraq, amid Iranian plane crisis
Shafaq News/ Tensions continue to escalate regionally, particularly in Lebanon and Palestine, with varying positions from different factions and actors, as Israel attempts to impose new equations on the ground. The latest tensions in Lebanon reflect this dynamic, especially after the Lebanese government decided to halt flights between Beirut and Tehran until further notice. Lebanon's Internal Tensions The Lebanese authorities decided to suspend the reception of Iranian flights into Lebanon until further notice. The decision not to allow an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese passengers to land at Beirut's airport sparked widespread protests by Hezbollah supporters, who condemned the Lebanese authorities' compliance with US and Israeli orders. Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Naeem Qassem, called on the Lebanese government to reconsider its decision, describing it as "an execution of Israeli orders." Qassem claimed that Israel had warned that it would target the airport if the Iranian plane was allowed to land. This decision followed Israeli warnings, with the Israeli military alleging that the Iranian Quds Force and Hezbollah were using civilian flights to smuggle funds for weaponry. Israel confirmed that it would not allow Hezbollah to arm itself and would take all necessary measures to prevent this. Lebanese military and strategic analyst, retired Brigadier General Said Al-Qazah, explained that the prevention of the Iranian plane was part of US commitments to Israel to prevent funds from reaching Hezbollah, a commitment that the Lebanese government adhered to. He noted that Iran had previously financed Hezbollah through overland routes via Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, but with the collapse of the Syrian regime, this supply route was cut off, prompting Iran to resort to air routes, which Israel is now seeking to block. Al-Qazah added that "Israel has threatened to target any plane carrying funds for Hezbollah, even bombing Beirut Airport," which led Lebanese authorities to stop the Iranian plane from landing. Iran's Retaliatory Actions In an attempt to de-escalate, the Lebanese government sent two Lebanese airliners to transport Lebanese citizens stranded in Iran, but Tehran rejected their landing, which Al-Qazah considered "an Iranian attempt to incite unrest and pressure the Lebanese government." He pointed out that Iran's influence in Lebanon has been facing setbacks, including military losses, halted supply routes to Hezbollah, and political losses following the election of a president and prime minister who are not aligned with Hezbollah and the Amal movement. Al-Qazah dismissed the possibility of a renewed war between Hezbollah and Israel, stating that Israel "has achieved its goals by destroying Hezbollah's capabilities and pushing it away from its borders." He believed Hezbollah "will not risk starting a new war," especially after the large-scale displacement of southern Lebanese residents, who are "angry at the party due to the aftermath of the last confrontation." Hezbollah's Strategic Caution Lebanese political analyst George Al-Akouri shared this view, noting that Hezbollah is not as it was before the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, when its military and financial capabilities were significantly weakened. In an interview with Shafaq News, Al-Akouri explained that the party is now promoting a discourse of "strategic patience" and "avoiding putting Lebanon at risk." However, he pointed out that the party did not consult the Lebanese state when opening the front on October 8, 2023. Al-Akouri emphasized that the new Lebanese government must focus on securing stability by committing to a ceasefire, adhering to international resolutions, and ensuring the state retains a monopoly on arms, as outlined in the new president's speech. He also expressed optimism that "Lebanon has a historic opportunity to rid itself of Iranian influence and the Resistance Axis," linking this to international changes, including the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, which is expected to take a tough stance on Iran and its allies. Al-Akouri concluded by urging Lebanon to strengthen its internal unity, integrate further within the Arab League, and benefit from support from friendly countries 'to avoid any negative repercussions in the future." What About Iraq? Salam Al-Jazaeri, a member of the political bureau of the Iraqi movement Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq, told Shafaq News that the developments in the region, especially in Lebanon are "not far from the Axis of Resistance." However, he noted that the position of Iraqi factions depends on the Iraqi government, while Hezbollah's stance is determined by the requests of the Lebanese. Al-Jazaeri emphasized that Iraqi factions have become an integral part of Iraq's security framework, with continuous coordination between them and the government, meaning any future actions will depend on the official stance of the Iraqi state. Warning that war today only serves Israel's interests, he stressed that "the Iraqi government is not far from helping Lebanon, as it has done in the past." He concluded by stating that the religious authority in Iraq aims to keep the region away from wars, a goal "adhered to by the Iraqi state and armed factions."
Shafaq News
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Israeli Army intercepts Hezbollah drone
Shafaq News/ Israel intercepted a drone belonging to Hezbollah launched towards Israeli territory, the Israeli army announced on Thursday. The army did not detail in its statement whether the interception occurred in Lebanese airspace or after the drone crossed the border, noting that no sirens were sounded in northern Israel. On Wednesday, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, 36 people were also injured in two Israeli airstrikes on Nabatieh, a major city in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army stated that it had targeted vehicles transporting weapons belonging to Hezbollah. The ministry also reported that Israeli forces killed at least 24 people and injured 141 in southern Lebanon on Sunday and Monday, in addition to 49 others injured during the last few days, as thousands of people are still attempting to return to their homes in defiance of Israeli military orders. The Israeli military had initially been expected to complete its withdrawal by Sunday, marking the end of the ceasefire's first 60-day phase between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Israel has not yet fully withdrawn its forces from southern Lebanon, stating it will continue to act 'against any threat to its security and citizens.' For his part, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Naeem Qassem, rejected on Monday the justification for the deadline extension, emphasizing that 'the resistance has the right to act against the occupation on its terms.' Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, urged US General Jasper Jeffers, head of the ceasefire monitoring committee, to pressure Israel into adhering to the agreement under international law.
Shafaq News
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Hezbollah's Secretary General refuses extension of 60 days for Israel withdrawal from Lebanon
Shafaq News/ The Lebanese Hezbollah Secretary-General, Naeem Qassem, on Monday rejected the justification for extending the 60-day deadline for the Israeli army's withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He also expressed gratitude to "Iraq, its people, its religious authority (Marjai'a), and its mobilization" for their support of Lebanon and Gaza. In a televised address, Qassem stated that "resistance operations have intensified, and Israeli forces have failed to advance more than a few hundred meters, thanks to the steadfastness of the fighters and the support of the displaced and citizens." Qassem revealed that Israel had requested a ceasefire, which was agreed upon in coordination with the Lebanese state, describing it as "a victory for the resistance." He also thanked "Yemen for its sacrifices, Iraq for its people, leadership, and mobilization, and Lebanon for presenting the leader of the martyrs, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah." The Hezbollah leader pointed out that "the aggression against Lebanon and Gaza is supported by the US and the West without any constraints," asserting that "this aggression aimed at ending the resistance." Qassem emphasized that the aims of "Toufan Al-Aksa" operation has been achieved, as the Israeli project to destroy the resistance and Hamas has failed. He declared that "the victory of Gaza is a victory for the Palestinian people, for all the peoples of the region who supported the cause, and for all the free people of the world who endorsed and supported it." Last Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced plans to not withdraw the Israeli army from southern Lebanon after the expiration of the 60-day deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. A statement from Netanyahu's office read: "Due to the failure to fully implement the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal will continue beyond the 60-day period." In his address, Qassem insisted that 'resistance can operate against the occupation according to its standards' stating that Israel violated the cease fire 1350 times. The Israeli army had been expected to complete its withdrawal from Lebanon on Sunday, marking the end of the first 60 days of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
