BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – In a moving tribute during the funeral of Hezbollah’s slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, his deputy, Naim Qassem, vowed that the group would continue to follow the path set by Nasrallah. The statement was made during a televised address at Nasrallah’s massive funeral on the outskirts of Beirut.

“We will uphold trust and walk on this path; we will uphold your will,” Qassem said, referring to Nasrallah’s enduring influence on the group. He further emphasized, “You are still with us: your path and struggle live within us,” and expressed his personal loyalty to Nasrallah’s legacy, declaring, “I am loyal to the legacy Nasrallah.”

Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for decades, was known for his outspoken resistance against Israeli policies and his leadership in the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. His death in a recent Israeli airstrike marked a significant moment in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Contextual Background: Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group based in Lebanon, has long been supported by Iran and has played a central role in the “axis of resistance” alongside other Iran-backed militias opposed to Israel and the United States. Nasrallah’s leadership was instrumental in shaping Hezbollah into a powerful force within Lebanon and across the broader Middle East. Despite his death, Hezbollah’s leaders, like Qassem, have vowed to continue his fight, ensuring his vision remains central to the group’s operations. The mourning and remembrance of Nasrallah reflect his enduring influence over Hezbollah and its supporters, while the group remains a key player in regional geopolitics.