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Zarif Calls on Iraq to Expel US Forces In Response to Soleimani's Killing

A handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday, shows Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (right) posing for a picture with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein prior to a meeting over issues of mutual interest in capital Tehran. Photo: AFP
A handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday, shows Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (right) posing for a picture with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein prior to a meeting over issues of mutual interest in capital Tehran. Photo: AFP
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Zarif Calls on Iraq to Expel US Forces In Response to Soleimani's Killing

A handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday, shows Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (right) posing for a picture with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein prior to a meeting over issues of mutual interest in capital Tehran. Photo: AFP
A handout picture provided by the Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday, shows Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (right) posing for a picture with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein prior to a meeting over issues of mutual interest in capital Tehran. Photo: AFP

Iran said the expulsion of US troops from the Middle East would be a suitable response to the assassinations of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in a US strike in Baghdad last year.

This came as Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with his Iranian counterpart Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Wednesday.

“The expulsion of US troops from the region would be a suitable response to the US assassinations of Soleimani and Al-Muhandis," Zarif said.

He also praised the Iraqi government for its role in the judicial process of the assassinations, hoping that the perpetrators of the crime will be punished through legal proceedings.

For his part, Shamkhani echoed the same remarks, describing the US military presence in Iraq as a source of instability.

He stressed the importance of joint cooperation between countries in the region, stressing that stability is achieved through dialogue and cooperation without any foreign intervention.

Shamkhani highlighted the importance of the agreements signed between Tehran and Baghdad.

The Iraqi FM praised Iran for helping Iraq in its war against ISIS.

“The Iraqi nation appreciates Iran’s cooperation with Iraq to fight terrorists, especially ISIS. Iraq will never forget it.”

He also expressed Iraq’s intention to boost bilateral ties between both countries, affirming that no foreign party could influence the Iraqi-Iranian ties.

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Families of Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Start Hunger Strike

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)
Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)
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Families of Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza Start Hunger Strike

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)
Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza hold banners and photos during a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on September 30 (EPA)

Family members of Israelis held in Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip began a hunger strike, accusing the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of completely abandoning their cause by waging a brutal war in Lebanon.
They said Israel’s decision to expand the war to the north with Lebanon and possibly to a regional war with Iran, is “a death sentence for their sons and daughters” who were taken captive by Hamas a year ago in Operation Al-Aqsa.
The hunger strike came after the Israeli Army’s Home Front Command ordered a ban on gathering for fear of Hezbollah, Houthis and other parties firing rockets at the protesters.
Despite this decision, some family members of Israeli hostages chose to continue their protest. But there were only a few hundred who participated.
Meanwhile, 18 Israelis continued a hunger strike, demanding a deal that would bring the hostages home.
Danny, the brother of Itzik Algert, one of the hostages in Hamas captivity said he understands that the hunger strike is a desperate move, but added that he cannot remain silent while his brother faces the danger of death in captivity.
“We have a government that does not shy away from committing a crime against its children,” he said. “Demonstrations are now limited and forbidden while the public is indifferent. They will not move until they watch us die, and even then, I'm not sure they will. But, we can't celebrate the holiday while our children suffer,” Danny added.
There are 101 hostages held by Hamas since October 2023, about 31 of whom Israeli officials estimate have died. Their families urge the country's leadership to secure a ceasefire deal that would free the captives before they see more deaths.
The hunger strike was started by activist Orna Shimoni, who is 83 years old. Shimoni became prominent during the first Lebanon war in 1982 when she established a movement called the Four Mothers.
Protesters who joined Shimoni include David Agmon, a retired Brigadier General in the Israeli army, and Rabbi Avidan Freedman.
Those striking are staying outside the Knesset west of Jerusalem.
Michal Deutsch, who is taking part in the protest, accused right-wing activists of attacking and insulting everyone at the hunger strike. She said those activists were sent by the government to harass the strikers.