Hezbollah Vows to Keep Fighting Israel After Nasrallah’s Killing

AFP/APP

Beirut, Lebanon: Hezbollah has vowed to continue its fight against Israel in support of Gaza following the killing of its leader in a significant wave of airstrikes on Lebanon, which dealt the group a severe blow.

In a televised address on Monday, Naim Qassem, the deputy chief of the Iran-backed group, stated that a new leader would be selected to replace Hassan Nasrallah, who held cult status among his supporters, “at the earliest opportunity.”

He also indicated that the group is prepared for any potential Israeli ground offensive, despite the recent bombardment of its strongholds resulting in the deaths of many top commanders and officials.

Earlier this month, Israel announced that it was shifting its focus from Gaza to securing its northern border with Lebanon to facilitate the return of Israelis displaced since October. However, it has not ruled out a ground offensive to achieve its objectives.

The strikes on Lebanon have resulted in hundreds of casualties and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee their homes, instilling fear of further violence across the region.

Qassem asserted that Hezbollah would continue “confronting the Israeli enemy in support of Gaza and Palestine, in defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the assassinations and the killing of civilians.”

He added, “We will face any scenario, and we are ready if Israel decides to enter by land; the resistance forces are prepared for any ground confrontation.”