Iraq Mourns Nasrallah and Reaffirms Commitment to Resist Israel

The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has triggered widespread mourning and protests in Iraq, as citizens express outrage against Israel. Iraqi leaders condemned the assassination, highlighting the region’s solidarity with Lebanon and the Palestinian cause amidst escalating conflicts. There are also fears of potential spillover violence into Iraq.

Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, Iraqis have expressed profound grief and anger. Imad Qusay Abbas, a resident of the Nineveh Plain, learned of Nasrallah’s demise upon leaving a solidarity event organized by the Iran-affiliated militia Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, where attendees had rallied in support of those suffering under Israeli attacks in the region. “We never imagined that we would return from the solidarity vigil and hear the news of the martyrdom of Nasrallah,” he lamented to Al Jazeera, reflecting the shock felt nationwide. In the wake of Nasrallah’s confirmed killing, protests erupted across various provinces in Iraq, including Basra, Karbala, Baghdad, and Mosul, as citizens mourned the loss of a significant figure in regional resistance against Israel. Protests grew intense in Baghdad where demonstrators attempted to breach the Green Zone and set fire to the US embassy, vocally declaring that Nasrallah’s assassination signified a collapse of the international order. Political leaders from across Iraq’s spectrum condemned Israel’s actions. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani labeled the killing as “shameful” and a crime, affirming that “the Zionist entity has crossed all the red lines.” He also dubbed Nasrallah as “a martyr on the path of the righteous,” announcing a three-day official mourning period. Notable reactions included statements from influential Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who bid farewell to Nasrallah as a comrade in resistance. Furthermore, KSS Secretary-General Abu Alaa Al-Walae reaffirmed Iraq’s unyielding support for Lebanon against any siege. The highest Shia authority in Iraq, Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, called upon citizens to contribute to alleviating humanitarian suffering in Lebanon, leading to charitable efforts throughout various cities. In the village of Khazna, east of Mosul, communities held memorial services for Nasrallah, underlining that while his physical presence may have ended, his legacy and ideals remain vibrant among his followers. “They thought they had gotten rid of him, but they have established his permanent presence in the consciousness of the nation,” proclaimed Sheikh Hassan Al-Shabaki. While vigils echoed sentiments of solidarity and resistance against Israel, fears regarding the conflict’s potential escalation into Iraq were also articulated. Imad Abbas articulated this concern, stating, “The Zionist entity is exterminating the Palestinians and now it is exterminating the Lebanese, and Iraq’s turn is coming. We sense the coming danger.”

The article revolves around the ramifications of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and how this event has resonated deeply with the Iraqi populace. It highlights the emotions of grief, anger, and a call for continued resistance against Israel, as well as the regional implications of escalating conflicts. The overarching context centers on ongoing hostilities between Israel and its opponents in the region, primarily focusing on Lebanon and the support from Iranian-backed factions within Iraq.

In conclusion, the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah has sparked widespread mourning and outrage among Iraqis, manifesting in protests and calls for resistance against Israel. This event has galvanized a collective determination to support Lebanon and the Palestinian cause while simultaneously raising alarms about potential threats to Iraq. The responses from Iraqi leadership emphasize a broader regional alliance against perceived aggressions, underscoring the complex interplay of local and international politics in the context of Middle Eastern conflicts.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com