Monitor

Iraq’s political scene welcomes Gaza ceasefire as foreign ministry demands swift aid deliveries

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire deal in Gaza announced overnight, calling it a step forward after “heavy sacrifices and suffering endured by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”

In a statement, the ministry praised the “extensive efforts” of Qatar, Egypt and the United States in securing the agreement, noting that “these efforts highlight the importance of international cooperation in alleviating civilian suffering and ensuring regional stability.”

The ministry called for immediate humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and “other affected Palestinian territories.” It also underscored the importance of “intensifying international efforts to rebuild areas devastated by the conflict” in order to restore normalcy and improve living conditions.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after 15 months of devastating war. Hamas is expected to release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with subsequent phases addressing the release of all other living hostages and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. The ceasefire is set to take effect Sunday.

Ammar Al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, praised the “regional and international efforts that culminated in this decision,” but urged mediators and the United Nations to ensure Israel follows the ceasefire agreement.

He stressed the need to uphold international legal standards, stating that such laws “must apply to all parties to preserve their credibility and procedural effectiveness.”

Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, stated, “We congratulate the resilient Palestinian people and their brave and valiant resistance for forcing the Zionist enemy to accept the terms of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.”

Influential Iraqi cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr shared a message on his official X, formerly Twitter, beginning with “Allahu Akbar” and invoking “peace in the name of God.” He addressed Gaza, praising Yahya Sinwar, the killed leader of Hamas, referring to him as a “hero.”

“Peace upon Gaza, peace upon the martyrs of Gaza, and peace upon the heroic Sinwar,” Al-Sadr wrote, adding, “Cast aside divisions, for the arrows of a friend are sharper than those of an enemy.”

Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, first deputy speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, extended “congratulations” to the Palestinian people and their “resistance” on what he described as a “great victory.”

He attributed the ceasefire to “the blessed strikes of heroic fighters,” the “resilience” of Gaza’s residents and their steadfastness in the face of “killing, displacement, and siege.” Al-Mandalawi also commended the roles of Qatar and Egypt in mediating the agreement and called on observer states to hold Israel accountable for “its commitments.”

Khamis Khanjar, head of Iraq’s Sovereignty Alliance, lauded “the resilience” of Gaza’s population and the Palestinian “resistance” following the ceasefire announcement. In a statement, he expressed admiration for the “steadfastness and patience” shown by Gaza’s people during the conflict.

“We congratulate this agreement and pray that it marks the beginning of true relief for our people in Gaza and brings about just peace that safeguards Palestinian rights and ends the occupation,” Khanjar said.

Mohammed Al-Halbousi, leader of the Taqaddum Alliance and former speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, also welcomed the ceasefire, writing, “We congratulate the achievement of an agreement to halt the war on Gaza, which represents an important step toward ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.”