MIDDLE EAST
Attack on Lebanon strengthens Resistance unity
"With honor and pride, we bid farewell to the great commander Haitham al-Tabatabai and his comrades, martyrs of Lebanon and its people"
A large-scale funeral was held in suburban Beirut for martyred Hesbollah commander Haitham al-Tabatabai, known as Saied Abou Ali, and his comrades who were martyred alongside him in the Israeli air raid on Sunday (23). The ceremony was widely attended by supporters of the Resistance and was marked by a eulogy delivered by the head of the Hesbollah Executive Council, Sheikh Ali Daamoush. In his speech, Sheikh Daamoush paid tribute to the commander and his comrades, stating:
“With honor and pride, we bid farewell to the great commander Haitham al-Tabatabai and his comrades, martyrs of Lebanon and its people. “
Shaikh Daamoush described al-Tabatabai as a prominent commander who played a central role in all the confrontations. He emphasized that al-Tabatabai was one of the key figures behind the resistance’s main achievements, referring to him as “one of the architects of liberation and victory.” According to Daamoush, the late commander was among the highest-ranking leaders who led the People of Power, one of Hesbolah’s factions, into battle with courage and effectiveness.
He added that Tabatabai received several commendations from the late Secretary General, Saied Hassan Nasserala, in recognition of his leadership and contributions on the battlefield. Commenting on the assassination of al-Tabatai, Daamoush said that the aim was to destabilize the Resistance and force it to retreat from its positions. However, he insisted that the attempt would fail, saying that such acts only strengthen the resistance’s determination.
He also stated that the martyrdom of al-Tabatabai would not prevent the continuation of his work and plan, noting that Hesbollah has “men capable of taking responsibility, regardless of the sacrifices”. Daamoush reiterated that although “Israel” believes that the assassination of leaders can weaken Hesbollah, the group, on the contrary, is strengthened by its martyrs.
Regarding national obligations and the ceasefire, Sheikh Daamoush also addressed the wider political context, stating that Hesbollah is not concerned with any proposals as long as “Israel” does not abide by the ceasefire. Emphasizing that it is the duty of the state to protect its citizens and its sovereignty, he urged the Lebanese government to adopt plans to this end, rejecting foreign pressures and impositions.
He also criticized the government’s performance, saying that the concessions made so far have not produced tangible results, reaffirming Hesbollah’s commitment to its mission, promising to continue the path of the martyrs and remain in the field until all objectives are met. With this situation, Lebanese demonstrators gathered in Beirut against Israeli aggression, expressing support for the Resistance and the martyrs.
The demonstration began in Hamra Street, in the center, expressing collective indignation at the attacks on the country and the prolonged detention of Lebanese citizens in Israeli prisons. The protest also condemned US interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, rejecting Israeli violations, including daily assassinations and the systematic destruction of border villages.
