PM: Not attending Christmas Mass in solidarity with Al-Hamdaniya incident and Gaza

INA - BAGHDAD

Prime Minister Muhammed S. Al-Sudani confirmed on Monday, that he will not attend Christmas Mass this year in solidarity with the people of Al-Hamdaniya and the children of Palestine in Gaza.

"Al-Sudani visited Christian families in Baghdad, joining them in celebrating Christmas. He extended congratulations to all Iraqis, with a special emphasis on the Christian community, on this joyous occasion," according to a statement by the PM Media Office, received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He noted, "Christians are the 'salt of the earth', and an integral component of our country and our people. They contributed to building the state," stressing, "the presence of Christians in Iraq is a factor of strength for the country," expressing his pride in all components of the Iraqi people.

The Prime Minister highlighted the government's commitment to engaging with all national components in Iraq, especially the Christian communities, during their festive occasions. 

He explained that his absence from this year's Christmas Mass was in solidarity with the people of Al-Hamdaniya and the children of Palestine in Gaza.