News - Middle East: The Secretary-General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, praised Sayyed Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi and the Yemeni people, commending them for presenting an honorable model of resistance.

In his speech on Sunday commemorating the tragedy of Ashura and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), Sheikh Qassem described Yemen as “a flame of jihad and dignity” and “a unique model that has succeeded in humiliating America and Israel.” He highlighted Yemen’s remarkable support for Gaza and Palestine and praised the resistance of Iraq, as well as all countries and peoples within the Axis of Resistance.

He noted that this year's large-scale public turnout was significant and symbolic, especially after some had bet on a decline in popular engagement due to regional developments. “Today, O great Imam,” he said, “we tell you, in the face of falsehood and injustice: ‘We will never abandon you, O Hussein,’ and we say, ‘At your service, O Hussein.’”

Sheikh Qassem affirmed that the resistance would continue: “We have come out of our meetings in these Ashura gatherings and marches to renew our pledge that we will remain steadfast on this path.” He stressed that defense would go on, as liberation is a duty—no matter how long it takes or how great the sacrifices.

He explained that the Israeli enemy continues its violations and occupation of five border points and declared, “We will not accept this aggression. We will protect what was sacrificed for.” He also pointed out that following the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and its adoption of the cause of Al-Quds and Palestine, a new era of resistance began. “We are responsible for continuing the path of resistance. We will not legitimize the occupation in Lebanon or the region. We reject normalization, and our choice is the path of Hussein—we will continue and confront.”

Sheikh Qassem noted that the ceasefire agreement was supposed to stop Israeli aggression, but instead, the attacks continued with American support. He stressed that threats of a new agreement would not lead to surrender: “The aggression must be told to stop. We cannot be asked to soften our stance or lay down our arms while the attacks continue.”

He reiterated that resistance remains one of the only viable solutions, and the continued existence of Israel is a fundamental crisis that must be confronted.

He called on the Zionist entity to first implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement, and then proceed to UN Resolution 1701. He urged Israel to begin with withdrawal, halting aggression and air raids, returning prisoners, and initiating reconstruction.

Sheikh Qassem emphasized that if it weren’t for the resistance’s ability to defend even at the minimum level, Israel would have overrun Lebanese towns and villages. He saluted the sacrifices and steadfastness of the people of Gaza, saying they have demonstrated unmatched patience and resilience in the face of occupation.

He concluded by affirming that Palestine belongs to its people, that its liberation is inevitable, and that the resistance will always stand by it. He praised Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei for his courage, faith, and unwavering support, and commended the steadfastness of the Iranian people, who have prevented Israel from achieving its objectives.

Since the escalation of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, Yemen has emerged as a key player in the regional Axis of Resistance, launching missile and drone attacks in support of the Palestinian people. Its role has drawn widespread admiration across the region, particularly from allied resistance movements such as Hezbollah, which views Yemen as a model of steadfastness and revolutionary defiance.

Ashura, a sacred occasion for Shiite Muslims commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, often serves as a platform for reaffirming resistance ideologies.