“The purpose of our visit is to appreciate Iraq for what it provides to Palestine in these difficult circumstances and the West Bank and Jerusalem, specifically Gaza,” said Ahmed al-Ruwaidi in a meeting with Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, the official representative of Iraq’s highest Shiite authority Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
A landmark ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect last Sunday after arduous negotiations from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, and after 15 months of brutal conflict between the two sides.
Ruwaidi also thanked Sistani “for the humanitarian and financial support he provided in the past period to the sons of the Palestinian people, providing treatment for the wounded, and education.”
Iraq is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and frequently condemns the lack of international support for Palestine.
As the ceasefire was coming into effect, Baghdad thanked Qatar, the US, and Egypt for brokering the agreement and labeled it as one that came after “great sacrifices” made by Palestinians.
Palestinian Hamas militants launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive ongoing offensive in Gaza, killing more than 46,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
