Iraq PM says regional stability tied to stopping Israel’s destructive war in Gaza

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has reiterated that regional stability is tied to stopping Israel’s destructive war on the besieged Gaza Strip which, since 7 October, 2023, has claimed the lives of 46,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Speaking on Wednesday during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s firm condemnation of the genocidal war waged by Israel against the Palestinian people. “Israel is systematically targeting defenceless civilians, in full view of the international community, which has failed to perform its duty to stop the violations and serious crimes that threaten regional and international security and peace,” he said.

The Iraqi official pointed out that the way to stabilise the region is to “stop this destructive war, and guarantee the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of their free state.”

Turning to the developments in Syria, Al-Sudani said that stability there is also key to regional stability. He called for a comprehensive political solution that preserves Syria’s independence and sovereignty, and limits foreign interference.

“We respect the Syrian people’s will, and support any political or constitutional system chosen by the Syrians, without foreign interference,” he added. “Iraq is ready to cooperate with all parties to enhance stability in Syria.”

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