“Iraq welcomes the decision of the Security Council calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the support it included for the full withdrawal of the Zionist occupation forces, and the safe return of displaced Palestinian citizens to their homes in various areas of the Strip,” Iraq’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
In late May, United States President Joe Biden announced what he described as an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire. The proposal called for the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from “populated areas” of Gaza, an increase in humanitarian aid, the return of Palestinians to their homes, the exchange of some of the hostages, a permanent end to hostilities, and the reconstruction of the Strip.
The US-drafted resolution saw overwhelming support from the UN Security Council, and it was adopted on Monday with 14 of the 15 members voting in favor, and Russia abstaining.
Iraq is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has on several occasions condemned the lack of global support for justice for Palestinians.
Violence has been raging in the Gaza Strip for over half a year since Palestinian Hamas militants launched an all-out incursion into southern Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,170 people, according to official Israeli figures.
The Hamas assault prompted a brutal response from Israel, which launched a retaliatory offensive into Gaza, killing over 37,000 people, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
By Didar Abdalrahman
