Iraqi Prime Minister criticizes international response to Gaza situation

JORDAN – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani criticized the international community’s handling of the Gaza crisis, urging an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Speaking at a conference to support Gaza at the Dead Sea, Jordan, Al-Sudani highlighted the severe impact of the conflict on Gaza’s population.

“The magnitude of the crimes and atrocities committed against civilians has damaged the credibility of international laws and the international system, eroding trust,” Al-Sudani said. He praised Norway, Spain, and Ireland for recognizing the Palestinian state and called for global mobilization to support its recognition.

Al-Sudani detailed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that over 80 percent of the nearly 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and 500,000 workers have lost their jobs due to the war. He pointed to the destruction of 370,000 housing units and damage to more than 53 percent of water and sanitation facilities.

“The Gaza power plant has been non-operational since October 2023 and requires 400,000 liters of fuel daily,” Al-Sudani stated. He added that 82 percent of schools are out of service, depriving nearly 625,000 students of education.

The Iraqi prime minister also noted the destruction of 32 out of 35 hospitals, as well as damage to over 195 archaeological sites, 13 public libraries, 227 mosques, and three churches. Al-Sudani accused Israel of committing “war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity” through actions such as killings, starvation, and displacement of Palestinians.

“The suffering of Palestinians has been exacerbated by food and medicine shortages and the lack of drinking water and fuel due to the occupation’s closure of crossings and blockade of aid,” he said.

Expressing frustration with the international response, Al-Sudani stated, “We were shocked by the way the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court have been dealt with, and by the disdain shown by major powers.”

He commended the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for its role in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and emphasized the need for coordinated humanitarian aid.