Sudani: Iraq Supports Palestinian State on its Historical Soil

Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)
Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)
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Sudani: Iraq Supports Palestinian State on its Historical Soil

Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)
Sudani received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Baghdad (government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shiaa Al-Sudani renewed his country’s support for “the State of Palestine on its historical soil.”
During a meeting on Thursday in Baghdad with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Sudani emphasized “Iraq’s firm and principled stance towards the Palestinian issue”, reiterating “support for Palestine and the continuation of its independent state on its historical soil.”
The Iraqi premier criticized the international community’s inability to stop the brutal crimes committed against the Palestinians and the disregard of international agreements and laws.
He reiterated “Iraq’s readiness to deliver all forms of support to our Palestinian people, despite the obstacles hindering the delivery of food and humanitarian relief supplies, as well as large quantities of fuel that amounted to 10 million barrels...”
For his part, Mustafa praised the Iraqi stance, expressing the Palestinian people’s appreciation for the Iraqi government’s efforts and its pioneering initiatives in sending aid and fuel to Palestine.
“History will not forget the sacrifices of the Iraqis for the sake of Palestine and its just cause,” he said, praising “the progress Iraq is witnessing at various levels, and its growing position as a strong actor in promoting international and regional security and stability.”
According to a statement by the Iraqi government, the two officials discussed the situation in Palestine, the war in Gaza and the “bloody massacres and genocide committed by the brutal occupation.”
They also reviewed challenges facing the Palestinian government, the urgent humanitarian needs, and the difficult humanitarian and service conditions in Gaza.
Locally, Sudani downplayed the threat of terrorism represented by ISIS, compared to the “greater threat of corruption.”
Addressing the first forum of Iraqi governorate councils and offices on Thursday, he said: “We stress the importance of supporting the supervisory, legislative, and policy-making roles of governorate councils, to guarantee an environment that limits corruption.”
According to a statement by the Iraqi government, the forum, which was held in coordination with the Integrity Commission, aims to activate the supervisory role of the provincial councils in line with the government’s priorities to fight corruption.

 

 

 



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.