Iraq Warns of Regional Conflict if Gaza Truce is Not Made Permanent
The Iraqi prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser has expressed concerns over the possibility of a regional conflict if the current truce in Gaza is not turned into a permanent cease-fire. As mediators work towards extending the temporary four-day Israel-Hamas truce, Iraq fears that the ongoing violence could draw in Iran-aligned armed groups in the region, including Lebanese Hezbollah and various Iraqi factions.
Israel’s response to Hamas’ attack on October 7th has resulted in a devastating bombardment of Gaza. This has prompted armed groups in the region to launch near-daily attacks on Israeli and US forces. However, since the four-day truce began last week, there have been no reports of attacks on US forces in Iraq or Syria. This is a significant improvement compared to the over 70 attacks that occurred in the weeks prior.
Some of the main Iraqi armed factions responsible for recent attacks, such as Kataib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Kataeb Hezbollah, have announced their adherence to the Gaza cease-fire. However, they have also indicated that they would resume attacks if the truce comes to an end. These factions have made it clear that their ultimate goal is the removal of US forces from Iraq.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s foreign affairs adviser, Farhad Alaadin, warns that the entire region is on the verge of a devastating conflict that could involve everyone. The extent of its expansion and how to control and stop it remains unknown. Alaadin emphasizes the importance of any cease-fire in the conflict, not only for the people of Palestine and Gaza but also for all countries in the region, including Iraq.
Thomas Seiler, the European Union Ambassador to Iraq, expressed his hope that Iraqi factions would continue to refrain from launching attacks. Last week, two sets of US strikes in Iraq resulted in the deaths of 10 members of Kataeb Hezbollah. The group condemned these strikes on social media, and the Iraqi government also criticized them as escalatory and a violation of sovereignty.
Kataeb Hezbollah is part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a group primarily composed of Shiite Muslim armed factions formed to combat the Islamic State in 2014. The PMF has since become an official security agency under the command of the prime minister. However, some of its most powerful Iran-backed factions often operate independently from the chain of command.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani has repeatedly stated that attacks by armed groups on foreign forces in Iraq are unlawful and contrary to the country’s national interest. The Iraqi government is keen to maintain stability and avoid being drawn into a wider regional conflict.
As mediators work towards extending the truce between Israel and Hamas, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize a permanent cease-fire. The ongoing violence not only threatens the people of Palestine and Gaza but also poses a significant risk to the entire region. Iraq, along with other countries, is urging for a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation and potential devastation.