Iraqi national security advisor condemns collective punishment in Gaza during meeting with German ambassador

BAGHDAD, October 14 — National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji told German Ambassador to Iraq Christiane Hohmann on Saturday that collective punishment of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable, and rejecting any operation to eliminate Gaza and displace its residents.

Al-Araji’s office released a readout of the meeting, which stated:

The National Security Advisor, Mr. Qasim Al-Araji, received the new German Ambassador to Baghdad, Mrs. Christiane Hohmann, in his office today, Saturday.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Al-Araji welcomed the new German Ambassador to Baghdad, wishing her success in her duties. He affirmed Iraq’s readiness to cooperate with friendly countries in all areas, particularly those that serve the mutual interests of Iraq and the world.

Mr. Al-Araji also discussed the historic relationship between Iraq and Germany, especially in cooperation on counterterrorism and the exchange of information. He expressed Iraq’s aspiration to continue and strengthen these relationships, to the benefit of both countries and their friendly peoples.

The meeting also covered the Palestinian issue and the challenges faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza. Mr. Al-Araji reaffirmed the clear and explicit position of the Iraqi government regarding the events in Palestine, as reflected in the government’s statement, the statement of Grand Ayatollah Sistani, and the popular activities, all of which call for supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and their right to establish an independent state.

Mr. Al-Araji also emphasized that collective punishment of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable, the killing of children is rejected, and cutting off water, electricity, and supplies is against humanitarian principles. He pointed out that any operation to dismantle Gaza and displace its residents is unacceptable and that any invasion of Gaza will lead to an escalation in the region.

For her part, the German Ambassador pointed out that their shared goal, along with the rest of the world, is to halt the escalation in Gaza, cease the firing of rockets, and open the way for international humanitarian efforts to save civilian lives.