Iraq Says It Played Vital Role in Facilitating Ceasefire in Lebanon
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iraq played a central role in facilitating the recent ceasefire between the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah and the Israeli regime, according to government spokesperson Basim al-Awadi.
"Iraq played a central and essential role in coordinating between (several) countries, and its (talks) were an essential key to reaching the results of the ceasefire between Lebanon and the occupying entity," al-Awadi stated on Wednesday.
He emphasized Iraq’s ongoing commitment to supporting the people of Gaza and Lebanon until stability is achieved.
Al-Awadi described the ceasefire as a crucial step in preventing a broader conflict and expressed hope that it could lead to a similar truce in Gaza.
Iraq also proposed reconstruction efforts for Lebanon and Gaza, suggesting that workers in Iraq contribute 1% of their salaries to these initiatives.
The ceasefire, which came into effect at 04:00 local time (0200 GMT) on Wednesday, followed months of intensified Israeli aggression on Lebanon, where at least 3,823 people were killed and 15,859 wounded.
Israel, facing significant losses and failing to achieve its objectives, agreed to the truce under mounting pressure.
The Lebanese ceasefire has spurred renewed diplomatic efforts in Gaza, where Qatar and Egypt are leading negotiations for a truce.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss extending the peace process to Gaza.
“We discussed the truce agreement in Lebanon. And we express our hope that this agreement will result in a real ceasefire, and also that its effect will extend to the Gaza Strip – ending this human suffering as soon as possible,” Al Thani said during a joint news conference in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
Egypt's foreign minister highlighted the relentless efforts by both nations over the past year to achieve a sustainable ceasefire, halt violence against Palestinians, and facilitate a prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestine.
Diplomatic talks across Arab nations, including Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, have intensified in response to Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis.
Despite Hamas’s willingness to consider proposed ceasefire terms, Israel’s insistence on self-serving conditions continues to hinder progress.
Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli genocide in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 44,282 Palestinians and injuries to 104,880 others, further compounding the crisis.