A senior Iraqi leader says Israel is the root cause of instability in the region, calling on regional countries to stand united against the occupying regime amid the ongoing war in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Seyyed Ammar Hakim, leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement, made the remarks during a speech after Eid al-Fitr prayers, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in the capital Baghdad on Wednesday.
“The obstinacy and malevolence of the Zionist regime are two big obstacles against any attempt to establish peace and stability in the Arab and Muslim world,” he said, adding, “Wherever an attempt is made to establish peace among the countries of the region, the Zionists immediately take action to create tension and crisis.”
Hakim further denounced as “suspicious” the silence of the international community over Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, saying the “usurping Zionist regime” is continuing its war crimes in the besieged territory despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.
He also called on Arab and Islamic countries to stand united against Israel’s attempts to incite sedition and create division among the Muslim Ummah.
The Iraqi leader went on to say that there would be no comprehensive peace in the region without the recognition of the rights of all, stressing that strengthening the relations between Arab and Muslim countries, securing common interests and fostering constructive dialogue are the “greatest weapon” against the Israeli regime.
The remarks come a day after Iran and Iraq underlined further consolidation of relations within the framework of cooperation among the Islamic countries to stop Israel’s savagery in Gaza.
Israel launched its atrocious onslaught on the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, after Palestinian resistance movements launched Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping regime on October 7. The regime has killed over 33,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since.