Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Iraqis expressed deep mourning and anger, with widespread protests and statements from leaders condemning Israeli actions. A national mourning period was declared, and gatherings highlighted both solidarity with Lebanon and apprehensions regarding regional security threats as Israel’s military actions continue.
In Iraq, the collective mood of mourning and anger has intensified following the announcement of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah amid Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon. Imad Qusay Abbas, a 30-year-old resident of the Nineveh Plain, remarked on the shock of receiving news about Nasrallah’s death just after returning from a solidarity vigil for the victims of Israeli strikes. “We never imagined that we would return from the solidarity vigil and hear the news of the martyrdom of Nasrallah,” he expressed to Al Jazeera. Public demonstrations erupted across various Iraqi provinces such as Basra, Karbala, Baghdad, and Mosul, with mourners expressing their grief and solidarity with those affected by Israeli aggression. In Baghdad, protesters attempted to breach the Green Zone, targeting the U.S. embassy, while chanting slogans characterizing Nasrallah’s assassination as indicative of a broader collapse of international order. Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, denounced the attack, labeling it a “shameful” crime, and remarked on the crossing of red lines by the Zionist entity. He proclaimed a three-day period of national mourning for Nasrallah, referring to him as “a martyr on the path of the righteous.” Meanwhile, Muqtada al-Sadr, a prominent Shia leader, bid farewell to Nasrallah on social media as a fellow warrior for resistance and defiance. This sentiment echoed across the political and civic landscape of Iraq, showcasing a unified stance against the actions of Israel. Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, a leading Shia authority, called for citizens to contribute to alleviating the humanitarian plight faced by the Lebanese populace, which triggered donation drives throughout various Iraqi communities. In Khazna, east of Mosul, vigils culminated in the construction of a large fabric portrait of Nasrallah, illustrating his enduring legacy among his supporters. Sheikh Hassan Al-Shabaki stated, “Nasrallah entered history through its widest doors,” reflecting on the belief that his thoughts and beliefs would remain influential, despite his physical absence. Duraid Fadhel, a 31-year-old participant at the mourning council, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Hezbollah would emerge stronger from this tragic event. The gatherings, while charged with anger towards Israel, also conveyed an undercurrent of anxiety regarding the threat of conflict spilling into Iraq, as expressed by Abbas, who warned against the existential dangers posed by ongoing hostilities.
The article discusses the recent assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, a key figure in Hezbollah, and the consequent outpouring of grief and anger in Iraq. This reflects not only regional tensions stemming from the ongoing Israeli-Lebanese conflicts but also highlights the solidarity among various Iraqi factions, particularly those aligned with Iran and Hezbollah. The response from Iraqi leaders and citizens signifies a complex interplay of regional politics, sectarian identities, and the widespread sentiment towards Israeli actions across the Middle East.
The assassination of Hassan Nasrallah has resonated deeply within Iraq, evoking a passionate response characterized by mourning, protest, and a commitment to continuing the resistance against Israel. This event highlights the interconnected nature of Middle Eastern conflicts and the solidarity felt among groups across national borders, all reinforcing their intent to oppose perceived aggressions. The implications of this tragedy are likely to shape ongoing sentiments regarding resistance and solidarity within and beyond Iraq.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
