Naim Qassem appointed Hezbollah's interim chief after Nasrallah's assassination

Following the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah has appointed senior leader Naim Qassem as its interim chief, sources said on Saturday.

According to Arab media reports, Qassem will oversee the Lebanese resistance organisation's affairs until the selection of a new leader.

Naim Qassem, a veteran member of Hezbollah's Shura Committee, having served three consecutive terms, is expected to steer the organisation through this critical period. 

Reports suggested Sayyed Hashim Safiuddin, cousin and son-in-law of Hassan Nasrallah, may be chosen as the next permanent leader.

Earlier today, Lebanon's resistance group confirmed Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's assassination in a statement, saying he was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut. 

The organisation's statement described Nasrallah as "the Master of Resistance, the righteous servant" who "has passed away to be with his Lord."

The group pledged to continue its fight, saying, "We will continue our jihad in confronting the enemy, in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people."

Hezbollah offered condolences to Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the Islamic nation, and Nasrallah's family.

"We offer our condolences and congratulations to his fellow martyrs who joined his pure and holy procession."

Hezbollah's leadership assured that the mujahideen will remain committed to Nasrallah's legacy.

"You are the trust of the beloved martyr Sayyid [Nasrallah]." 

The Israeli strike on Beirut sparked widespread tensions, with Hezbollah promising to carry forward Nasrallah's vision.

Earlier, Israel claimed that Nasrallah and other senior leaders were killed in the attacks.