Iraq condemns Israeli strikes on Beirut as ‘brutal attacks’ undermining ceasefire

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government condemned Israeli military strikes on Beirut and other Lebanese cities on Wednesday, describing them as “brutal attacks against civilians” that undermine international ceasefire efforts and calling on the international community to act immediately to protect civilian lives.

“The government expresses its condemnation and denunciation of the brutal attacks carried out by the Zionist occupation army against civilians in a number of Lebanese cities, today Wednesday, including the capital Beirut, which resulted in hundreds of martyrs and wounded,” the government spokesperson said.

The statement said the strikes reflect “aggressive plans to undermine the truce,” describing them as “a persistence by Netanyahu’s government in committing more crimes, in a systematic process to disregard the last considerations of international laws and the requirements of global peace.” Iraq called on “the international community, international organizations, and major powers, to assume their responsibilities to prevent further crimes and to work with full force to protect innocent civilians.”

The government offered condolences to Lebanon and expressed solidarity with its government and people, wishing a speedy recovery for the wounded and calling for “security and stability to prevail across all countries of our region.”

Israeli forces carried out around 100 airstrikes Wednesday targeting areas in central Beirut including Ain al-Tineh — the official headquarters of Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri — as well as the southern suburbs, the Bekaa region and southern Lebanon. Lebanese media reported extensive damage, dozens of casualties and a state of emergency in Beirut hospitals.