Qassem says Israel's violation of agreement highlights 'Lebanon's need for resistance'
Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem has announced that the ceaesfire agreement's violation by Israel "highlights Lebanon's need for the resistance," adding that so-called army-people-resistance equation is "still steadfast despite the talk of haters."
In a pre-recorded speech aired Monday, Qassem added that his group won’t accept the extension of the ceasefire deadline, without addressing the fact that the Lebanese government had already done so overnight.
“Israel has to withdraw because the 60 days are over,” Qassem said. “We won’t accept any excuses to extend one second or one day.”
“Any delay in the withdrawal is the responsibility of the United Nations, the U.S., France and Israel,” he added.
Qassem warned that, "We are facing an occupation that is aggressive and refuses to withdraw, and the resistance has the right to act as it sees fit."
Qassem also said his group has not violated the ceasefire terms and acknowledged that they considered retaliating against Israeli airstrikes but were advised by Lebanese authorities against it.
Source: Associated Press, Naharnet, Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/310669 |