Sadr calls on Iraqis to donate cash for Gaza after coordination with Egypt

BAGHDAD — Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada Al-Sadr on Wednesday called on Iraqis to make cash donations to support people in Gaza, following coordination with Egyptian authorities to deliver aid to the besieged enclave.

“In faith and love for our Palestinian brothers in Gaza and in rejection of the terrorism inflicted upon them, we call on the beloved Iraqi people to collect financial donations exclusively for our brothers in Gaza,” Al-Sadr said in a statement posted on his official X account.

He said coordination had taken place “at a high level with the Arab Republic of Egypt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through their lands.”

Al-Sadr urged Iraqis, “especially those who are well-off, not to fall short in this humanitarian duty,” describing it as “the least expression of faith before God and in solidarity with our brothers in Gaza.”

He announced that donation opportunities would open during Friday prayers this week, supervised by his private office and the Al-Bunyan Al-Marsous organization in every governorate.

Iraq has made multiple donations to Gaza since the start of the war. On March 13, 2024, Al-Sadr launched a campaign in Baghdad’s Sadr City to collect essential food items — including sugar, flour, and lentils — for Palestinians in Gaza. On April 7, 2024, the Iraqi government announced it would send 10 million liters of fuel to Gaza to support hospitals and power generation and agreed to receive wounded Palestinians for treatment.

Further aid followed throughout the year. On November 19, 2024, the Prime Minister’s media office approved a ‘voluntary’ donation program allowing public sector employees and retirees to contribute 1% of their salary, allowances, or pensions for Gaza and Lebanon relief. On May 17, 2025, the government pledged $20 million for Gaza and another $20 million for Lebanon’s reconstruction during the Arab League summit in Baghdad.