Hezbollah Chief: Gaza Ceasefire Deal Demonstrates Ongoing Resistance Against Israel

Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem congratulated the Palestinians on Saturday regarding the Gaza ceasefire deal. In his speech, he stated that the agreement demonstrated the “persistence of resistance” against Israel. These remarks were the first public comments made by the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reached on Wednesday.

“This deal, which was unchanged from what was proposed in May 2024, proves the persistence of resistance groups, which took what they wanted while Israel was not able to take what it sought,” he said.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in a conflict parallel to the Gaza war in November. That ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States and France, requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, and for Hezbollah to remove all its fighters and weapons from the south.

Both sides have since accused each other of breaching the ceasefire.

“Don’t test our patience and I call on the Lebanese state to deal firmly with these violations that have exceeded 100,” Qassem said.

He also referred to the election of Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, who commanded the Lebanese military until parliament elected him as head of state on January 9.

“Our contribution as Hezbollah and the Amal movement led to the election of the new president with consensus,” Qassem said.

The nomination of Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam had angered Hezbollah, which accused opponents of seeking to exclude it.

Last week, Salam was nominated by a majority of lawmakers to form a government; however, he did not receive support from the Shi’ite parties Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. Salam expressed optimism about forming a new government, stating that it would not be delayed and indicating a positive atmosphere surrounding discussions about its composition.

Team BharatShakti

(With inputs from Reuters)