Iraq opposes any form of normalization with Israel, Iraqi Shia cleric asserts

A prominent Iraqi Shia cleric has said his country vehemently opposes any form of normalization of relations with Israel as well as attempts to deprive the Palestinian people of their inalienable rights.

“The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People draws attention to the humane and justice-seeking dimensions of the issue of the oppressed Palestinian nation,” leader of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, said in a message on Monday evening.

The occasion “emphasizes the fact that the issue is in the hearts and minds of Arabs and Muslims and will not fade into oblivion with the passage of time,” Hakim noted.

He underlined that Palestinians reserve an inalienable right to their lands, history, and future, which can only be established through the support of Arabs, Muslims, and the international community, as well as the settlement of internal disputes and an active resistance against the Israeli regime.

“On this occasion, we reaffirm our opposition to any form of normalization of relations with the occupying Israeli regime and demand the rights of the Palestinian people to a dignified and sovereign state and a return to their homes and homeland,” Hakim asserted.

Iraq reaffirms support for Palestine, categorically rejects normalization with Israel

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry reiterates Baghdad’s support for the Palestinian cause and its rejection of any normalization scheme with Israel.

The top cleric further stated that “the Iraqi government and nation, together with the religious authority and various political factions, support the Palestinian cause and oppose any attempt aimed at depriving Palestinians of their national identity, lands, freedom, and dignity.”

Earlier this month, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry reiterated Baghdad’s support for the Palestinian cause, stressing that the Arab country categorically rejects any normalization scheme with the Tel Aviv regime.

“We renew the stance of the Foreign Ministry, as it was known, Iraq’s firm and supportive stance towards the Palestinian cause, the implementation of the full legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the categorical rejection of the issue of normalization with Israel,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf said in a statement on November 21.

Sahaf noted that Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein had underscored the Palestinian people’s rights and Iraq’s rejection of any form of normalization with Tel Aviv during the IISS Manama Dialogue forum and other international meetings.

The foreign minister stressed “his saying of ‘No to Normalization’, both at the Manama conference and in televised interviews,” the spokesman noted.

Iraqi Kurdistan says backs Baghdad rejection of normalization with Israel

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has chastised "some of the organizers" of a gathering in the semi-autonomous northern Iraqi region, pushing for a full normalization of ties with Israel.

Back in September 2020, the United Aram Emirates and Bahrain signed normalization deals with Israel. Morocco and Sudan later signed similar agreements with the Israeli regime as well.

The so-called Abraham Accords were pushed by the US under former president, Donald Trump.

Palestinians have denounced the normalization deals, describing them as a “stab in the back” and a “betrayal” to their cause.

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