MADRID- Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, addressed the public last Friday, April 5th, on the occasion of Al-Quds Day, an annual event of pro-Palestinian demonstrations established by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Nasrallah began his speech by addressing the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the need to remember the "martyrs caused by the Zionist attack." In this context, it is important to highlight that both Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic base the concept of martyrdom on the paradigm of so-called defensive jihad. For Hezbollah, jihad entails defending the cause of God, which is defined, by extension, as the cause of the oppressed defending the sacred, Islam, and the values the group considers as "humanity's values." It is this idea of defending the cause of God that makes defensive jihad central to the group's perspective on martyrdom.

While the concept of defensive jihad exists in both Sunni, the majority tradition within Islam, and Shia traditions, represented by Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic among others, it is the history of sacrifice and martyrdom that distinguishes the two. In this regard, Hezbollah, as a Shia group, bases its entire discourse on martyrdom in the historical tradition of events that occurred in Karbala, located in present-day Iraq, in the year 680 AD in the Christian era or the 61st year of the Islamic calendar. In summary, the Battle of Karbala took place between the Caliph Yazid I and the supporters of Ali, led by his son Husayn ibn Ali. Husayn refused to recognize Yazid as caliph and denounced his oppression and tyranny. Husayn and his followers were brutally massacred by Yazid's forces after enduring several days without water or food. In Shia tradition, the martyrdom of Imam Husayn has not only become a historical example but also an onto-political paradigm of resistance against oppression.

The figure of the martyr is therefore of special significance for the Lebanese group, as Hassan Nasrallah made clear in his speech by stating that "the martyrdom of these beloved individuals, especially General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, is of great importance to us due to the generosity he has shown towards the Lebanese resistance over many years."

Nasrallah also stated: "Iran offers its high-ranking leaders as martyrs, and Tehran's position is decisive, cemented with the blood of its martyrs." The willingness to martyrdom and its superiority over the enemy, referred to by the Hezbollah leader, is manifested in their special relationship with God and, at the same time, in their constant struggle against oppression, defined in existential terms. It is essential to remember that the fight against oppression and the establishment of justice are fundamental elements in the Quranic language. 

In a speech that stood out for its different tone, the leader of Hezbollah explained that Zionist and American hostilities against Iran stem from Iran's support for the Palestinian resistance. He also recalled that "Iran has made enormous sacrifices in this path, and since Imam Khomeini firmly declared his support for the Palestinian cause, Iran has been exposed to attacks from its enemies."

Several experts have interpreted Nasrallah's words as an attempt to speak on behalf of Iran. However, the important point is to highlight the discursive affinities that allow both Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic to share a certain political vision, without this implying that either of them dictates the path for the other. In other words, it's about shared political affinities.

Nasrallah took the opportunity during his speech to send a message to those countries in the region that have "normalized" their relations with Israel. The process of "normalization" refers to the political, economic, and security rapprochement between Israel and several Arab countries. From the perspective of Hezbollah, Iran, and the other members of the so-called Resistance Axis, "normalization" with Israel represents a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and, as such, must be rejected.

He also criticized the friendly relations between several countries in the region and the United States, whom he considered "responsible for the crimes and wars in the region." Again, it is important to highlight the discursive affinity between Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic. For both, the presence of foreign forces in the region, especially from the United States, represents a threat to regional stability.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, described as a "war of butchers and criminals," Nasrallah explained that after more than six months of brutal occupation, Israel has not been able to eliminate Hamas. From a political standpoint, this suggests that the occupying army cannot eradicate the Palestinian resistance movement or assert control over the besieged territory.

Tel Aviv's inability to dismantle Hamas's extensive tunnel network further underscores the inadequacy of its military efforts. Israeli authorities have confirmed that, despite months of airstrikes and ground operations, around 80 percent of Hamas's tunnel system remains intact.

This failure can be analyzed from two distinct but complementary perspectives. Firstly, Hamas's form of military resistance is asymmetrical, allowing the group to inflict damage on the enemy without exposing itself to significant casualties. Understanding the need to safeguard its dual political-military structure, Hamas organizes military operations into independent cells under the authority of the Al-Qassam Brigades.

And secondly, Hamas is not just an armed group, it represents an ideology deeply rooted in the Palestinian struggle for national liberation. The potency of this anti-colonial movement, and particularly its broad and entrenched popularity among the people, makes eradicating it an almost impossible task.

For Nasrallah, the Zionist failure in Gaza extends to the region, particularly to the actions of the Resistance Axis in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Finally, he stated that the Iranian response to the Zionist attack on the embassy in Damascus is "inevitable" and "imminent," although Iranian timelines may differ from those of Hezbollah. He pointed out that the Iranian response would signify a "new phase for the region" and would lead to the "resolution of the battle." He also warned the rest of the countries in the region not to "bury their heads in the sand" and to prepare for any eventuality, meaning a large-scale regional war.

It is important to understand that Nasrallah's speech is already part of the response of the Resistance Axis. Seeding fear and paralyzing the daily life of the Zionist Entity is essential within the psychological warfare strategy of the Resistance Axis. It also indicates confidence in the Iranian response and the readiness of all members of the Resistance Axis to turn the Zionist threat of total war into an opportunity.