Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance movement, has officially confirmed the assassination of its Secretary General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, following a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential areas in southern Beirut.
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, Hezbollah expressed profound grief over the loss of their leader. The statement read:
“His Eminence, the Master of Resistance, the righteous servant, has joined his Lord and His pleasure as a great martyr — an outstanding, courageous, wise, and insightful leader — joining the ranks of the radiant martyrs of Karbala in the divine journey of faith, following in the footsteps of the prophets and martyr imams.”
The group described Nasrallah as a pivotal figure in the resistance movement, highlighting his qualities of bravery, wisdom, and faith. His death, they say, marks a significant moment in their ongoing fight but strengthens their resolve.
Hezbollah further pledged to continue its efforts in confronting the Israeli enemy, standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its citizens:
“The leadership of Hezbollah vows to the highest, most sacred, and dearest martyr in our journey, filled with sacrifices and martyrs, to continue its struggle against the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast, honorable people.”
The organisation reiterated its belief in the importance of resistance, affirming that it will persist, regardless of the challenges posed by Israeli forces. According to Hezbollah, the loss of any leader only serves to strengthen their movement.
“Whenever its leaders become martyrs, they will be succeeded by a new generation of leaders, who are more determined and stronger, resolutely committed to confronting this Zionist enemy until it is defeated and eliminated from our land and region,”
the statement added, reaffirming the group’s long-term commitment to its goals.
Earlier that day, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, condemned the Israeli airstrikes, labelling them as an example of Israel’s misguided and reckless policies. Khamenei referred to Israel as a “rabid Zionist dog” and called for the unity of the Muslim world in supporting Lebanon and Hezbollah during these turbulent times.
“The Zionist criminals need to know that they are far too weak to be able to inflict any significant damage on the solid structure of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. All the resistance forces in the region stand with and support Hezbollah,”
Khamenei stated.
In his remarks, Khamenei also reflected on Hezbollah’s historic role in defending Lebanon from Israeli forces. He reminded the Lebanese people of a time when Israeli soldiers were advancing towards Beirut, only to be halted by Hezbollah fighters. This, he noted, was a point of pride for Lebanon and its people.
“The Lebanese have not forgotten that there was a time when the soldiers of the occupying regime were advancing toward Beirut, and Hezbollah stopped them, and made Lebanon proud. Today too, by the grace and power of God, Lebanon will make the transgressing, malicious enemy regret its actions,”
Khamenei said, underscoring Hezbollah’s resilience and confidence in prevailing against Israeli aggression.
The assassination of Nasrallah marks a critical moment in the region’s ongoing conflict, but Hezbollah’s statements suggest that his death may further galvanise the movement. The group’s leadership seems resolute in continuing its mission of resisting Israeli occupation and defending Lebanon’s sovereignty.
