No. 47

November 30, 2024

Unwavering Lebanese and World Support
for Palestinian Resistance

Hezbollah Celebrates Victory Over
Israeli Aggression

• Details of Lebanese Achievements and Israeli Defeats

• Lebanese Returning Home, Israelis Are Not

• Vigorous Actions Mark Day of International Solidarity
with the Palestinian People

Unwavering Lebanese and World Support for Palestinian Resistance

Hezbollah Celebrates Victory Over Israeli Aggression

Memorial honouring Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah held November 30 at the site in Beirut where he was killed, September 27, 2024

Referring to the ceasefire Israel was forced to sign on November 27, Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said a significant victory has been achieved over the Israeli aggressors whose hopes to occupy southern Lebanon remained unfulfilled thanks to the Lebanese resistance. "Our support for Palestine will never waver," Sheikh Qassem said, adding, "To those who wagered on our downfall, their bets have failed."

"We emerged victorious because we prevented the enemy from destroying Hezbollah or crippling the resistance," Sheikh Qassem said.

Expressing Hezbollah's role as a political force in Lebanon, he also emphasized its commitment to national unity and cooperation. "Our national efforts will be in collaboration with all forces that believe the homeland belongs to all its citizens. We will engage in dialogue with those who seek to build a unified Lebanon," Sheikh Qassem said. The success against the Israeli aggression was based on the resilience of the Lebanese people and their sacrifices, despite the ferocity of the conflict and U.S. and European support for Israel, he added.

As part of the ceasefire framework, Sheik Qassem affirmed Hezbollah's commitment to coordinate with the Lebanese army to secure Lebanon's southern region. "This agreement was made under the umbrella of Lebanese sovereignty, with our right to self-defence upheld," he said.

Looking ahead, Sheikh Qassem expressed optimism about Lebanon's recovery and outlined Hezbollah's post-war pledges. These include aiding reconstruction, supporting the political process by facilitating the election of a president by the scheduled date of January 9, and playing an active role in the country's political and social development in alignment with Lebanon's needs.

Concluding his speech, Sheikh Qassem extended gratitude to Iran, Yemen and Iraq for their support during the conflict. He reiterated Hezbollah's determination to remain a formidable force in both resistance and nation-building efforts, with a vision for a unified and sovereign Lebanon.

How Hezbollah Achieved Victory

Speaking at the time of the ceasefire on November 27, Mahmoud Qomati, Deputy Head of Hezbollah's Political Council, also addressed how victory was achieved, including blocking Israel's plans for occupation of Lebanon and broader war. He too credited the steadfastness and determination of the Resistance, the support of the people of Lebanon and Lebanon's unified political stance in the face of Israeli aggression.

Qomati expressed profound gratitude to the Resistance's support base among the people, praising them as "patient, loyal, and self-sacrificing." He too emphasized, "We will never abandon Palestine," and that Palestine remains the central cause for the Lebanese Resistance. He also relayed messages of gratitude from the Palestinian Resistance organizations, Hamas and Islamic Jihad who recognized Hezbollah's role in supporting the Palestinian Resistance during its ongoing struggle.

In a press conference held in Beirut's Southern Suburb, Qomati said the Resistance in south Lebanon effectively disrupted Israeli plans and prevented the achievement of its broader objectives in the Middle East.

"When the enemy fails to achieve its goals and faces military deadlock, that is victory," Qomati said, addressing the Lebanese public. He described the results as a significant triumph for Arab national security and regional stability.

Qomati also addressed key issues requiring immediate attention, including the fate of detainees held by Israeli forces during the conflict and the reconstruction of areas heavily damaged by Israeli aggression. Plans to rebuild the infrastructure and assist affected families are already in progress.

Preparations are also underway for public funerals honouring Lebanon's leaders and martyrs Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. Qomati noted that these ceremonies would serve as a collective declaration of allegiance to the path of the Resistance.

(Palestine Chronicle, Al Mayadeen)

Details of Lebanese Achievements
and Israeli Defeats

On November 27, Hezbollah's Operations Room provided detailed information on the achievements of the Lebanese Resistance and its fighters since the beginning of the Israeli aggression in September. It spoke both to the defence of Lebanon and her sovereignty against wide-scale Israeli aggression, as well as support for Gaza, which intensified on October 8, 2023. This was statement number 4,638, issued as part of Hezbollah's work to inform the public. The statement was written "in solidarity with the resilient people of Palestine, in support of its valiant and steadfast Resistance, and in defence of our resilient Lebanese people."

The statement pointed out that "the Resistance remained steadfast in its pledge and struggle for more than 13 months and was able to achieve victory against the delusional enemy, rendering it incapable of diminishing Hezbollah's determination or breaking its resolve."

The statement also noted that the last word was that of the battlefield, which with the bravery and resilience of its fighters during the many battles, was able to shatter the enemy's objectives and defeat its army.

Speaking to the defence of Lebanon and outlining the victory over Israel, the Operations Room stated that 1,666 multifaceted military operations have been conducted since the start of the aggression on Lebanon on September 17, 2024. These include 105 military operations in its Khaybar series, targeting tens of sensitive and strategic military and security bases for the first time since the establishment of Israel.

These operations employed advanced ballistic rockets, cruise missiles, and high-end assault drones, which reached territories beyond Tel Aviv, at a distance of 150 kilometres deep into occupied lands. They also supported Gaza, as they served to weaken Israel's military operations.

The statement said that throughout the entirety of the Israeli ground operation into Lebanese territories, the invading forces failed to occupy or settle in any of the frontline towns.

Israel is also reported to have failed to establish a military and security "buffer" zone and it was unable to obstruct rocket and drone launches into occupied territories.

The statement said Israel's so-called second phase of the ground operation was nothing but a political and media declaration, as Israel was unable to advance into second-tier towns on the southern front.

The Israeli army suffered significant losses in Khiam, from which it withdrew three times, as well as in Ainata, Tallousa, Bint Jbeil, and al-Qawzah.

The only attempt to advance was toward the towns of al-Bayyada and Shama in the western sector, which, the statement said, "became a graveyard of the enemy's elite forces' tanks and soldiers." Israeli forces later withdrew under the Resistance fighter's strikes and fire.

Hezbollah's Operations Room also explained that its defensive plans are based on a patchwork defence system, with more than 300 defence lines south of the Litani River, which is about 29 kilometres north of the Lebanon/Israeli border. Each patch is "at its highest level of readiness in terms of manpower, equipment, and resources," as the defence of al-Bayada and Khiam made clear.

The Operations Room concluded by saying that Hezbollah fighters will remain at utmost readiness to confront Israel's violations to the ceasefire and any further aggression.

The fighters' "eyes will remain fixed on the movements and withdrawals of enemy forces beyond the borders, and their hands will remain on the trigger, defending Lebanon's sovereignty and upholding the dignity and pride of its people," the statement said.

Achievements Since October 8, 2023

The Operations Room also detailed the achievements of the Resistance and its fighters since the beginning of the U.S./Israeli genocide, detailing the military targets of its operations, and the losses incurred by the enemy. It affirms once again that the resistance targets the military and strives to protect the people.

The total number of declared military operations carried out by Hezbollah since October 8, 2023, reached 4,637, averaging 11 per day.

In terms of losses for Israel, the statement outlined:

- more than 130 killed Israeli soldiers and over 1,250 wounded;

- 59 destroyed Merkava tanks, 11 military bulldozers, two Humvees, two armoured vehicles, and one armoured personnel carrier; and

- six Hermes 450 drones, two Hermes 900 drones, and one Quadcopter.

The tally does not include the Israeli losses at military bases, sites, settlements, and cities.

(Palestine Chronicle, Al Mayadeen)

Lebanese Returning Home, Israelis Are Not

One of the main aims of Israel's aggression against Lebanon, especially its most recent massive bombings, was to occupy a portion of southern Lebanon and ensure that Israelis living in northern Israel could return to their homes. In this regard, their aggression failed. The Israelis are not returning and that is not expected to change.

On the other hand, now with the ceasefire, thousands of Lebanese are returning to their homes. This includes those who were displaced to Syria over the course of the year-long battles with Israel. Many families had endured over a year of displacement. There was both joy in returning, and anger and sorrow at the deaths of so many and the massive destruction and lost harvests.

Many thousands of Lebanese wasted no time in setting out to return to their homes in southern Lebanon, with cars honking in celebration. Many headed home just hours after the ceasefire went into effect. Many waved the yellow and green flag of Hezbollah, others carried posters with images of the martyred leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed along with 200 civilians, in a massive Israeli bombing strike two months ago.

Families were proud and joyful and confident about returning, despite knowing the devastation that awaited them.

For many this is a time of celebration. Referring to the ceasefire, a person returning with his family said, "What happened is very good. This is a victory for the resistance." Expressing the sentiments of many, he said "The resistance is a source of honour and pride for us. Without its existence, there would be no homeland, no south, nothing." He is returning to the village of Houla, right next to the border.

In the southeast village of Kfarhamam, for example, where most returnees lost their homes due to Israeli bombings, people were unfazed and organized to return home. "Displacement is unjust, humiliating, and deeply disturbing," said one. Showing their determination, he said, "We'd rather live in tents on the ruins of our homes than remain in school halls, crammed alongside five to eight other families. So, we returned, carrying mattresses and blankets on the roofs of our cars."

Those returning know there will be difficulties for rebuilding homes, replanting lands, and restoring life to the many villages impacted. But reflecting the resilience of the Lebanese, many thousands are returning and building with the support of the Resistance and Lebanese government.

Vigorous Actions Mark Day of International
Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Around the world on November 29, mass actions marked the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This year's observance of the occasion was also the 419th day of the U.S./Israeli genocide in Gaza, and nearly 14 months of steadfast resistance by the Palestinian people, with the peoples of the world standing by them in support of their just cause at every turn.

November 29 marks the day in 1947 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 181 (II) on the partition of Palestine. In 1977, the General Assembly passed Resolution 32/40 B calling for the annual observance of the day, specifically calling on Member States to give it the widest support and publicity.

Posted below are photos and reports from the November 29 Day of Solidarity and other actions, across Canada and around the world.

Montreal

Early in the evening of November 29, hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Montreal as part of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Prior to the march, a representative of the Palestine Youth Movement spoke with determination and conviction about the ongoing struggle for justice. She said: "Brothers and sisters, let us speak with clarity and conviction: the struggle for liberation is more alive than ever, and no force on earth will ever extinguish it.

"On October 7, 2023, Gaza broke free. After decades of siege, starvation, and massacres, Gaza's resistance broke the chains of its prison. And as the world watched in shock, Lebanon stood with Gaza with unshakable solidarity and action. While much of the Arab world watched quietly, Lebanon sacrificed. Lebanon faced daily bombings, daily destruction of its villages and the murder and displacement of thousands of their people. And despite this, Lebanon stood firm, showing us the true meaning of solidarity: sacrifice. Lebanon's courage, its sacrifices, and its unwavering support for Gaza are a model for us all. Lebanon caused massive casualties to the Israeli occupation forces, disrupted Israel's economy, and shook the reserves of its imperial backer, the United States.

"The sight of hundreds of Lebanese returning to their villages in the south is a promise and declaration: Lebanon today, Palestine tomorrow."

She said that the struggle continues worldwide in support of Palestine and pointed out that for the first time in history the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two allies of the U.S., Israeli Prime Minister Neyanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant which apply in more than 120 countries. She said "This is not just a symbolic moment: it is a crack in the wall of impunity that the Zionist entity and its imperial backers have hidden behind for decades," a weapon to, among other things, confront Canada's complicity as it continues to manufacture and send arms to the Zionist regime to massacre Palestinians in violation of the rulings of the International Court of Justice.

She denounced banks like Scotiabank that continue to invest millions of dollars in Iraeli weapons companies, and Canadian universities that brutalize students and invest in corporations that profit from genocide. "As long as Canada continues to supply weapons to the occupation, Canada will forever remain an active participant in the genocide in Gaza," she said and added: "So, as we gather for the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, let us be as brave as our Lebanese brothers and sisters, let us be as relentless and as uncompromising in our solidarity. Let us demand nothing less than for Canada to stop manufacturing weapons for war crimes. Nothing less than full divestment from companies that arm this fascist entity."

She continued saying, "And to our people here, we remind you: the struggle does not end with a ceasefire, and it does not end with rulings from international courts. It continues in every street, in every square, and every corner of our communities. It continues in the heart of each and every one of us. The streets of the diaspora will never quiet down. The streets of Montreal will never surrender. We should be proud of ourselves. We are a people who refuse to accept genocide, who demand justice, and who will march until liberation is achieved.

"So we say, Lebanon today, Palestine tomorrow. Gaza today, Al-Quds [Jerusalem] tomorrow. Victory is on the horizon. From the camps to the villages, from Lebanon to Palestine, our people are one, steadfast and unyielding, walking arm in arm toward liberation."

Throughout the march and without respite, they chanted: Long Live the Lebanese Resistance!; Trudeau, Trudeau, Take a Stand: Justice or Genocide; Zionists, Fascists, You are the Terrorists; Solidarity with the People Who Resist; No Peace in Quebec without Justice in Palestine; Gaza, Gaza, Montreal Is with You!; Palestine Is in Our Hearts, Free our Brothers and Sisters!; Free Gaza, Free Palestine!; There Is Only One Solution: Stop the Occupation!, and many other slogans.

On Sainte-Catherine Street, in the thick of Black Friday shopping, the organizers explained several times the struggle of the Palestinian people and the fact that Canada participates by providing weapons and bombs against the Palestinian people. On several occasions, they invited passers-by to join the march to all together loudly demand an end to the occupation. This is how the contingent grew in size amidst the applause of passers-by. The march ended near the Concordia metro station, to cheers and applause from the crowd.

November 29

Toronto

More than 1,000 people in Toronto took part in a militant rally and march on November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. As the rally began, people spilled out into the intersection at Yonge and Dundas in downtown Toronto. Waving flags, banners and pickets they listened to speakers and chanted many slogans such as One, We are the People, Two, We Won't Be Silenced, Three, Stop the Bombing Now, Now, Now, Now!; Arms Embargo Now!; Justin Trudeau You will See, Palestine Will be Free!; Lift the Siege, Let them Breathe!; and From the River to the Sea, Palestine Is Almost Free! in Arabic and English.

The main theme of the short speeches at Dundas Square was appreciation for the steadfast support of the Canadian, Quebec and world's people for the Palestinians for more than 400 days. Another theme was the heroism of the Resistance which has forced the U.S./Zionist aggressors to sign a ceasefire with Hezbollah and Israel to withdraw once again from southern Lebanon. Speakers also denounced the ongoing criminalization of the pro-Palestinian protesters by the Canadian state which continues to be silent in the face of the escalating terror and violence of the U.S./Zionist war criminals.

Following the speeches, the participants marched north up Yonge Street to the Israeli Consulate at Yonge and Bloor. Here, in the early evening, the sound of more slogans denouncing the Zionist criminals, Canada and the U.S. could be heard for blocks around. At the end, the organizers called on everyone to continue to step up support for the Palestinian people by talking to their friends and neighbours, keeping informed and also participating in upcoming actions for Palestine.

November 29

London

November 29

Windsor

On November 29, Windsor4Palestine held a noon hour “People’s Flag Raising” to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. It was organized after the City turned down their request for an official raising of the Palestinian flag that day. With supporters gathered around holding high their own flags and the Palestinian national anthem playing, activists hoisted a large Palestinian flag on a portable flagpole where it flew high alongside other flags flying with the City’s official approval. During the moving ceremony patriotic songs were played as videos of huge crowds marching in support of Palestine in the streets of Canadian cities and others around the world were displayed on a television screen -- a testament to the fact that the world’s people stand with the Palestinian people and their resistance. Many people driving by on University Avenue honked their horns and made other gestures of support upon seeing the bold action taking place.

Vancouver

November 29

November 29

Saint John

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Halifax

On November 26 at 2 pm, students from Halifax universities rallied at Dalhousie University's Board of Governors' meeting, where a vote was being held on whether the university should divest from financial ties that support Israel's war and occupation in Gaza.

Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) President Mariam Knakriah brought forward the divestment motion, the result of collaboration between the Dalhousie Palestinian Society and the DSU. The motion was supported by the Dalhousie Faculty Association's previous divestment motion and by a petition signed by university community members, including students, staff, alumni and faculty. The motion did not pass and further attempts by the students to have their demands put on the agenda were blocked.

Consequently, the students organized to occupy the building to press their demand. When the occupation ended more than 40 hours later on November 28, the students had made clear that they would continue to hold the university to account.