Iraq Reaffirms Solidarity with Lebanon in Confronting Israeli Strikes

(MENAFN) Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reaffirmed his country's unconditional solidarity with Lebanon on Sunday, condemning ongoing Israeli airstrikes in a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, according to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's office.

Al-Sudani made clear that Baghdad's support extended beyond government policy to encompass the Iraqi public at large, emphasizing "Iraq's unwavering position, both government and people, in supporting the brotherly Lebanese people and standing with them in confronting these blatant assaults."

Aoun welcomed the gesture, expressing his "appreciation for the Iraqi government's positions, efforts, and continued support for the Lebanese people."

Both leaders called for greater international accountability, jointly stressing "the necessity of high-level coordination and for major powers, international institutions, and the United Nations to assume their responsibilities regarding the violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and the direct targeting of innocent civilians."

The call came as Lebanon's death toll from Israeli strikes continued to mount. Since Hezbollah launched a cross-border attack on March 2 — itself triggered by the broader regional fallout from the joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran — Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 2,055 people and wounded nearly 6,600 others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Saturday to intensify military operations across Lebanon, stating that Tel Aviv would not entertain any negotiations unless Hezbollah is fully disarmed and a peace deal "that endures for generations" is reached.

Amid the escalating violence, Lebanon's presidency announced Friday that Beirut and Tel Aviv had agreed to convene their first direct meeting in Washington, DC on April 14 — a development swiftly and sharply condemned by Hezbollah.

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