Iraq: A firm international stance is necessary to protect civilians in Gaza

INA - BAGHDAD

PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani stressed on Tuesday, the need to take a firm international stance to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza.

PM Al-Sudani met with the President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC, Kate Forbes, on the sidelines of the "Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza" conference held in Jordan.

During the meeting, Al-Sudani affirmed the government's support for the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, recognizing its active role in providing aid to Gaza, according to a statement by the PM Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He announced that the government issued a supportive decision yesterday to facilitate the Iraqi Red Crescent Society's mission to deliver aid to Gaza, emphasizing the importance of opening crossings to Gaza through Jordan and Egypt, highlighting the IFRC's potential role in ensuring continuous access for humanitarian aid and the evacuation of patients and injured individuals needing treatment outside Gaza.

Al-Sudani stressed the need for a firm international stance to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza, especially medical and healthcare personnel, and to prevent any targeting of healthcare facilities, highlighting the importance of mobilizing sufficient resources for purchasing and delivering aid through the IFRC.

In turn, Forbes expressed her appreciation for PM Al-Sudani's address at the conference, noting that it effectively addressed key issues. 

She thanked the Prime Minister for his support of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society and discussed the possibility of establishing an agreement for the IFRC to have a permanent office in Iraq, "this would enhance the capabilities of Iraqi Red Crescent staff and support Iraq during crises."

The IFRC comprises 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide and works to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to those affected by crises and catastrophes.