Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis demonstrate in Baghdad in solidarity with Gaza

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis gathered this Friday in the center of Baghdad in solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza strip and in protest against the “aggression” of Israelwhose flag was repeatedly burned and trampled on in this massive march.

Protesters take part in an anti-Israel rally in Tahrir Square in Baghdad on October 13, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. (Photo by Ahmad AL-RUBAYE / AFP) (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/)

The march, called by influential Shia cleric Muqtada al Sadr in the central square Tahrir of the Iraqi capital, gathered a crowd of Iraqis who shouted slogans such as “Death to Israel, Death to the United States” and criticized the “Western silence” in the face of the Israeli siege of Gaza strip.

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They also burned and trampled on flags of Israelthat they marked with a cross, responding to the clergyman’s appeal, who asked that actions of this type be carried out to condemn “the murder of children, women and men” Palestinians for Jewish state.

The demonstration was followed by a massive prayer, led by the representative of Al Sadr, Muhanad al Musawiwhich demanded the closure of the embassies of Israel “in Islamic countries”, as well as donations of water and food for the inhabitants of the Strip, an enclave where the Israelis cut off the supply of water, electricity and food.

Protesters gather in Tahrir Square during an anti-Israel demonstration in Baghdad on October 13, 2023, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas. (Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP) (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/)

“Maybe we can help our people in Link in coordination with Syria any Egypt“, he said Al Musawidespite the fact that the only border crossing through which humanitarian aid can currently access the enclave is through the Sinai Egyptian, and it is not clear if it is open.

The representative of Al Sadr warned the president of U.S, Joe Bidenof support “unshakable” which was transmitted to Israel and the mobilization of aircraft carriers and military aircraft to Mediterranean for deterrence reasons.

“The (US) march towards Middle East will provoke a reaction they do not expect, not from the submissive, but from the muhahideen of Palestine and those who support him“, he threatened Al Musawian alert that has already been issued by other Shiite groups of the so-called Islamic Resistanceled by Will.

Protesters burn Israeli flags during a demonstration in Tahrir Square in Baghdad on October 13, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. (Photo by Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP) (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/)

One of the protesters, Haidar Abdelamirtold EFE that he traveled almost 400 kilometers from the city of Amarah participate in the protest Baghdad in solidarity with the Palestinians and tell them “that we are with you and we will not leave you alone”.

“We are willing to support our brothers in Link with money and men, and personally I am completely willing to offer myself as volunteer to support people Palestinian“, he told EFE Sajad Mohsenanother protester.

Source: Elcomercio