Hezbollah chief, Sheikh Naim Qassem, announced on Sunday that the funeral of his slain predecessor Hassan Nasrallah and leading official Hashem Safieddine will take place on February 23. He stated that Nasrallah will be buried in a plot of land located between the old and new airport roads, while the body of Safieddine will be laid to rest in his hometown of Deir Qanoun in southern Lebanon.

Qassem confirmed that the funeral will be a large-scale event, urging supporters to avoid celebratory gunfire, whether during or before the procession.

“Shooting in the air harms people, contradicts religious teachings, and goes against human values,” he said.

Nasrallah was killed last September in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburb. Hezbollah’s leading official Hashem Safieddine had been chosen to succeed Nasrallah before he too was killed in an Israeli raid in October.

Denial of Involvement in Motorcycle Parades

In response to recent motorbike processions, Qassem distanced Hezbollah from such provocative parades, urging an end to these behaviors.

“We have no connection to these motorized gatherings, and we call for an immediate halt to such actions,” he stated.

“We oppose this form of expression, whether in moments of joy or mourning,” Qassem said, uring Lebanese security forces to take measures against those responsible for provocative acts.

“Those firing shots or entering neighborhoods in a disruptive manner have no affiliation with us.”

Criticism of Israel and Calls for Accountability

Addressing recent regional tensions, Qassem accused Israel of repeated violations in southern Lebanon, Nabatiyeh, the Bekaa, and the north. He called on the Lebanese government to take a firm stance.

“The Lebanese state has full responsibility to pursue these aggressions rigorously and demand accountability from major international powers overseeing the ceasefire,” he said.

Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah had exercised restraint to allow the Lebanese authorities a chance to act.

“As an Islamic resistance, we have remained patient, giving the state a full opportunity,” he stated. “However, resistance is a path and a choice, and we will act according to our assessment at the right time.”

He acknowledged the losses Hezbollah had suffered, including Nasrallah and other leaders, but maintained that the group remains steadfast.

“We have lost Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, our leader, along with many commanders and fighters,” he said. “These are real battlefield losses, but our supporters continue to live with dignity and remain committed to the path of resistance.”

“Our resistance remains unshaken, and our supporters continue to stand by it,” he said. “We are witnessing an extraordinary level of resilience from the fighters on the ground.”

“If we speak of Lebanon’s liberation, we must credit its people alongside the resistance,” he declared. “The south has shown that Israel cannot sustain an occupation there. Let it be known that sacrifices will lead to the liberation of our land.”

He reiterated Hezbollah’s stance that popular mobilization is a key element of its strategy.

“Popular resistance complements the armed jihadist resistance and the Lebanese army,” he said.

Accusations of Foreign Interference

Qassem alleged that a coordinated campaign against Hezbollah was being led by the United States, Israel, and external powers, with support from domestic political factions.

“A counter-narrative is being promoted to spread the idea of defeat,” he claimed. “We have never declared absolute victory—this is a battle with both gains and losses.”

He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s determination to continue its course.

“Those with firm principles do not abandon them due to injuries or external pressure,” he said. “We are not tempted by American influence.”

“We will neither surrender nor kneel,” Qassem asserted. “The Islamic resistance will remain, and we will not alter our direction or our beliefs, as they are grounded in truth.”