BEIRUT, (PIC)
Hezbollah condemned Israel’s assassination of Ezzedine al-Haddad, the commander-in-chief of Hamas’s armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, saying the attack showed that Israel is using negotiations and ceasefire agreements to “buy time” while continuing its genocide in Gaza.
Al-Haddad, also known as Abu Suhaib, was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza along with his wife, daughter and several civilians. Dozens of others were also wounded.
In a statement, Hezbollah described the assassination as a “flagrant violation” of ceasefire agreements and said it reflected Israel’s disregard for international commitments and its continued reliance on bloodshed.
The Lebanese group offered condolences to Hamas, the Palestinian people and the families of those martyred, saying the assassination of resistance leaders would not weaken Hamas but would instead strengthen its resolve.
In a separate statement marking the 43rd anniversary of the May 17, 1983 agreement, Hezbollah rejected what it called “foreign dictates and pressure” aimed at forcing Lebanon into a political settlement with Israel.
The group warned against efforts to push Lebanon toward a “full and comprehensive” peace agreement with Israel under US-sponsored negotiations, saying any normalization track would violate Lebanon’s constitution, laws and history of resistance. Hezbollah also said Israeli statements about settlement projects on Lebanese territory exposed what it called Israel’s continued ambitions in Lebanon’s land and resources. It warned that direct talks could grant Israel additional gains at Lebanon’s expense.
The group called on Lebanese authorities to reject any path that treats Israel as a peaceful state, urging them instead to focus on Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanese territory, an end to attacks, the release of prisoners, the return of displaced people and reconstruction without conditions.
Hezbollah’s remarks came as Lebanese and Israeli delegations concluded a round of talks in Washington, which both sides said resulted in a 45-day extension of the ceasefire.
Israel has waged war on Lebanon since March 2, 2026, killing 2,969 people and wounding 9,112 others, according to official figures. More than one million people have also been displaced.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 17, Israel has continued attacks on Lebanon, including bombing, destruction and forced displacement.
Hezbollah has responded by targeting the Israeli army in southern Lebanon and border settlements.