Baghdad – IA
Prime Minister Muhammad Al-Sudani confirmed today, Monday, that Iraq strongly renews its initiative to establish an Arab and Islamic fund for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon, while noting that Iraq stood and continues to support the truce and against all forms of escalation.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement – received by the (INA): “Prime Minister Muhammad Al-Sudani participated in the joint Arab and Islamic summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the continuation of the Zionist aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese territories, and developments in the current situation.” In the region.”
Al-Sudani stated – in his speech on Iraq during the summit – that “the conflict did not start on (October 7, 2023) as some portray it, in deliberate disregard for decades of occupation, displacement, usurpation of land, and transgression of international laws and human rights,” noting that the ongoing Zionist aggression caused… In the fall of thousands of martyrs, the wounded and the missing, and millions of displaced people, most of them women and children, in a bloody image recorded with audio. And the image, with disregard from the major powers and the international community.”
He stressed, ”Iraq stood and continues to support the truce and against all forms of escalation, and has repeatedly warned of the entity’s goal of expanding the arena of conflict and causing a comprehensive war, which will increase the suffering of the peoples of the region and lead to dire economic consequences in a region that supplies the entire world with energy.”
Al-Sudani renewed the Iraqi initiative to “establish an Arab-Islamic fund for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon, confront comprehensive destruction, support the afflicted peoples, and prevent the achievement of the aggression’s goal of removing the owner of the land.”
He pointed out that “the international community, with its international organizations and major powers, has largely failed to stop the escalation and prevent genocide and the crime that Gaza and Lebanon are being subjected to,” explaining that “the failure of the international community contributed to the continuation of the aggression, and it spread to Lebanon, a sovereign state.” “In which the entity commits its crimes in the most horrific manner.”
He stressed, “The Palestinians are the owners of the right, the cause, the land, and the decision, and no one has the right to compromise or agree on their behalf,” stating, “We support the establishment of a Palestinian state on its entire territory, with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Al-Sudani stated, “What is required is a strong, firm, and credible position to show the will to stop the war and end the suffering of the Palestinian and Lebanese people,” explaining, “All Arab and Islamic countries must contribute to the duty of relief.”
Al-Sudani continued, “Our commitment to providing relief to our people in Palestine and Lebanon is a humanitarian responsibility, and we seek to find effective arrangements in which everyone participates to prevent deliberate starvation,” noting, “It is time for us to move in accordance with the cultural, economic, and political weight of our countries combined, in a world dominated by economic blocs and alliances.”
He stressed, “It is time for our governments to achieve development by consolidating the moral values of more than one and a half billion Muslims, whose sanctities were insulted, and whose side was weakened by the Zionists, so they committed a crime against Palestine and Lebanon,” pointing out, “The shame of humanity will pursue everyone who contributed to the killing of an innocent.” Or was he helping the oppressor against the oppressed?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Policy Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. With the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Gaza and Lebanon, we’ve seen Iraq’s Prime Minister Muhammad Al-Sudani reasserting his nation’s commitment to supporting these regions. Can you give us some context about Al-Sudani’s recent statements at the Arab and Islamic summit?
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s remarks were quite significant. By renewing Iraq’s initiative for an Arab and Islamic fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon, he’s signaling a broader commitment to regional solidarity. His statements highlight the long-standing impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which he argues isn’t confined to the recent escalation that began on October 7, 2023, but rather stems from decades of occupation and displacement.
Editor: Al-Sudani emphasized that the international community has largely failed to intervene effectively. What are the implications of this perceived failure?
Expert: This view reflects a growing frustration among many states in the Arab world regarding the lack of decisive action from major powers and international organizations. The continued escalation of violence, as mentioned by Al-Sudani, not only results in tragic humanitarian consequences—like the loss of lives and mass displacement—but also exacerbates regional instability. If the international community remains passive, it risks entrenching a cycle of violence that could lead to wider conflicts, given the intertwined nature of these struggles.
Editor: In your opinion, how feasible is the proposed Arab-Islamic fund for reconstruction? What hurdles might it face?
Expert: While the initiative is noble, its feasibility depends on several factors. Securing substantial funding from various Arab states, navigating political differences within the region, and coordinating with international organizations are major challenges. Additionally, there are concerns about governance and ensuring that aid reaches those in need without being siphoned off. The political will from both donor countries and beneficiaries will be crucial for this fund to have a meaningful impact.
Editor: Al-Sudani’s speech acknowledged that the conflict extends beyond Gaza to Lebanon, indicating a broader regional concern. What does this expansion of conflict mean for Iraq and its role in the Middle East?
Expert: Iraq’s position is complex. Historically, Iraq has seen itself as a leader in advocating for Palestinian rights. However, the country faces its own internal challenges, including political instability and recovery from past conflicts. By taking a stand against the escalation of violence, as Al-Sudani has done, Iraq is positioning itself as a mediating entity in the region. However, it must also be wary of its vulnerabilities, as any regional conflict can easily spill over and affect Iraq’s own stability.
Editor: with the suffering of civilians described in Al-Sudani’s speech, what role can international organizations play in addressing these humanitarian crises?
Expert: International organizations have a critical role to play, though their effectiveness is often hampered by political dynamics. They can help coordinate humanitarian aid, provide essential services to displaced populations, and advocate for political solutions. However, realigning the priorities of international powers to focus on humanitarian needs, rather than geopolitical interests, is essential for these organizations to fulfill their mandates effectively.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. It is clear that the road ahead is complicated, but dialogue like this is crucial as we navigate these turbulent times.
Expert: Thank you. It’s vital that discussions continue, as understanding these issues is the first step towards seeking sustainable solutions.