Iraq welcomes US initiative to end Gaza war, warns against West Bank annexation

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it welcomes an initiative put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Gaza, while stressing opposition to any annexation of the West Bank.

In a statement, the ministry said the plan includes “proposals related to halting the war, rebuilding the sector, and preventing the displacement of the Palestinian people.” It also underscored “the need to reject any attempts to annex the West Bank.”

The remarks follow the late September unveiling of a 20-point peace proposal jointly announced by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan, which Israel has accepted, calls for a ceasefire and the return of hostages within 72 hours, the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities, and the creation of a transitional governance structure under international supervision.

Full statement by the ministry:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The ministry stresses the importance of what the announcement included, particularly proposals related to halting the war, rebuilding the sector, and preventing the displacement of the Palestinian people, in addition to reaffirming the need to reject any attempts to annex the West Bank.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expresses its hope that these proposals will contribute to ending the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, including the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the sector without restrictions, and preventing any attempts to displace them.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq

October 1, 2025