The assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has sparked widespread mourning and outrage among Iraqis, with many taking to the streets in protest. Prominent political leaders condemned the act, calling it a signal of a breakdown in international order. Mourning vigils were held, highlighting Iraqis’ solidarity with Lebanon while expressing fears of impending conflict in Iraq. The collective response underscores a strong determination to resist Israeli aggression.
In the wake of the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, a wave of mourning and indignation has swept across Iraq. Citizens, including 30-year-old Imad Qusay Abbas from Nineveh, expressed profound shock at the news. Abbas had just returned from a solidarity rally supporting victims of Israeli aggression when he learned about Nasrallah’s death, stating, “We never imagined that we would return from the solidarity vigil and hear the news of the martyrdom of Nasrallah. He was martyred as we were carrying his pictures and chanting for Lebanon and Palestine. It was a real shock.” Following the confirmation of Nasrallah’s assassination, large crowds gathered in cities such as Basra, Karbala, Baghdad, and Mosul to pay their respects and demonstrate solidarity with those affected by the ongoing violence in Lebanon and Gaza. In Baghdad, protests escalated, with demonstrators attempting to breach the Green Zone and even setting fire to the U.S. embassy while denouncing the event as indicative of a breakdown in international order. Various political leaders in Iraq promptly condemned the assassination. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described the act as “shameful” and aligned with the actions of the “Zionist entity” in breaching established boundaries. He called Nasrallah a “martyr on the path of the righteous,” and declared a period of national mourning in his honor. Likewise, influential Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr tweeted a farewell to Nasrallah, while Abu Alaa Al-Walae of Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada emphasized Iraq’s unwavering support for Lebanon. Prominent Shia authority Sayyid Ali al-Sistani called upon citizens to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese—prompting donation initiatives across various Iraqi cities. In the village of Khazna near Mosul, mourners held ceremonies honoring Nasrallah’s legacy, with Sheikh Hassan Al-Shabaki stating that “Nasrallah entered history through its widest doors” and that his influence remains indelible among his supporters. Attendees voiced their determination to continue resisting what they perceive as Israeli oppression, although some expressed concern regarding potential spillover violence into Iraq, reflecting a palpable fear that the aggression directed at Palestine and Lebanon may soon target Iraq as well. Thus, Iraqis collectively reaffirm their commitment to the resistance, pledging to uphold the legacy of Nasrallah in their ongoing struggle against perceived threats from Israel.
The article addresses the reactions of the Iraqi populace following the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. It details the widespread sorrow and demonstrations of solidarity, capturing the sentiments of various political factions and influential leaders in Iraq. The context encompasses the ongoing conflict in the region, particularly focusing on Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza, and showcases Iraqis’ resolve to resist further incursions, underlining the historical ties and solidarity with Lebanon under Hezbollah’s banner.
The profound grief and unwavering resolve displayed by Iraqis in response to Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination underscore the deep-rooted solidarity with Lebanon and the collective sentiment against Israeli aggression. Political leaders and citizens alike have rallied together, vowing to continue the resistance despite fears of the conflict’s potential expansion into Iraq, thus marking a significant moment in the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
