The leaders of Iraq and Lebanon have issued a joint appeal for urgent international intervention to halt what they describe as a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. In a meeting held in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations and called on the global community to act swiftly to protect Palestinian civilians.
The high-level meeting, which took place on Sunday, focused primarily on the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip, where months of Israeli bombardment have led to the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of a majority of the population. The two leaders described the situation as a “genocide” and warned that continued international inaction would only worsen the crisis.
“We are witnessing a humanitarian disaster in Gaza that demands immediate action,” al-Sudani said during a joint press conference. He emphasized Iraq’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and reiterated calls for an end to Israeli aggression, stating that silence from world powers amounts to complicity.
Nabih Berri, speaking alongside the Iraqi prime minister, echoed those sentiments and urged Arab and Islamic nations to unite in pressuring international institutions such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to take legal steps against Israel. “The world must hold the occupying regime accountable for its crimes against humanity,” Berri stated, urging regional solidarity and decisive diplomatic moves.
The leaders also accused Israel of violating international law by targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and aid distribution centers. Recent attacks in Gaza, including a deadly strike on an aid distribution point, have intensified global outrage and prompted renewed scrutiny of Israeli military tactics. The Israeli government maintains that it targets Hamas fighters and infrastructure, though the high civilian toll has drawn widespread condemnation.
Al-Sudani and Berri emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow the safe delivery of food, medicine, and shelter supplies. They warned that the complete collapse of Gaza’s health and aid systems could lead to irreversible consequences for the Palestinian population.
Beyond Gaza, the two leaders discussed broader regional cooperation, especially the need to strengthen resistance to foreign interventions and enhance bilateral ties. They underlined that continued instability in Palestine threatens the wider security of the Middle East and could provoke further unrest in neighboring countries.
In addition to diplomatic coordination, both Iraq and Lebanon have taken symbolic and practical steps in solidarity with Gaza. Iraq has sent multiple aid shipments and opened medical facilities to treat wounded Palestinians, while Lebanon has hosted rallies and mobilized political support through its alliance with Hezbollah, a major regional actor opposing Israeli policies.
The joint statement issued after the meeting called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League to convene emergency sessions to draft a unified strategy. The statement also urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to expedite proceedings against Israel over alleged war crimes.
As the war in Gaza continues with no signs of de-escalation, the appeal from Iraq and Lebanon adds to a growing chorus of voices demanding a halt to the violence. The leaders warned that the credibility of international institutions is at stake if they continue to ignore the “systematic extermination” of Palestinians.
Their appeal comes at a time when diplomatic initiatives for a ceasefire remain stalled, and humanitarian agencies warn of an impending famine in Gaza. With tens of thousands already dead and many more injured or missing, the need for a robust and immediate global response grows ever more urgent.
Source; Tehran Times
