- विज्ञापन -
Beirut: Hezbollah’s Secretary General, Naim Qassem, reiterated the group’s commitment to removing any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, emphasizing Hezbollah’s strength and its role in defending the country. In an interview with al-Manar TV, Qassem stated that although Hezbollah had paused its operations during the ceasefire agreement, the group remained fully prepared for military action.
He accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement repeatedly over the past 60 days, which stipulated that Israel must pull back beyond the Litani River. On internal matters, Qassem affirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, while also endorsing the security forces’ exclusive authority over domestic security. However, he argued that Hezbollah’s weapons are vital for protecting Lebanon from Israeli threats, asserting that resistance against Israel is Lebanon’s right.
Qassem also addressed the need for Lebanon’s reconstruction, asserting that rebuilding the war-damaged areas is the responsibility of the state. He affirmed that Hezbollah would continue to play a role in both political and military spheres as long as the threat from Israel persists.
A ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US and France, was reached on November 27, 2024, which halted over a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, including a two-month ground war. The agreement required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, Israel has remained in five strategic positions along the border, citing ongoing security threats from Hezbollah.
On Sunday, Israeli gunfire near Kafr Kila, a village in southern Lebanon, injured a Lebanese soldier and a civilian. The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli forces shot at the soldiers near the Fatima Gate, and a civilian was critically injured. Additionally, a blast in the village of Blida injured a person collecting scrap metal, though his condition is stable.
Since the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued operations in Lebanon, claiming they are targeting Hezbollah threats, despite the agreement calling for their full withdrawal.
