Politics
Iraq: Radical cleric calls for response to Gaza attacks
Baghdad, 2 Jan. (AKI) - Radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Friday appealed to Iraqis to stage fund-raising marches and to send humanitarian and medical aid to the Gaza Strip. According to the news agency, Voices of Iraq, the leader issued a statement attacking Israel for its attacks in Gaza as protests were held across the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
“Once again the Zionists prove their violence against humanity by killing innocent people," said preacher Muhannad al-Musawi, apparently on al-Sadr's behalf.
"The massacres being perpetrated in Gaza Strip is yet another proof of these carnages with covers of legitimacy provided by the United States to continue the attacks,” Muhannad al-Musawi, said in Sadr City, in eastern Baghdad.
Musawi also quoted al-Sadr urging the Iraqi people in the street to send urgent medical and humanitarian aid to the people in the Gaza Strip.
He also called on the international community to intervene to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Five thousand students reportedly gathered to protst in Sadr City on Friday and smaller demonstrations were held at several mosques across the city.
Meanwhile, medical officials said more than 400 people have died in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive a week ago. Israel has rejected international demands for a ceasefire, saying it will continue its air raids until the Hamas movement stops missile attacks on southern Israel.
The main UN agency operating in Gaza, UNRWA, resumed aid deliveries to Gaza on Thursday, but has warned of a worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.
On Thursday the UN agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees appealed for 34 million dollars in urgent aid to address the humanitarian needs of the population of Gaza.
The funds will enable the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide emergency food, shelter, medical supplies, fuel and cash assistance for a four-month period.
The 34 million dollars is in addition to the 275 million dollars UNRWA sought in the 2009 Emergency Appeal it issued in December for the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has said there is no need for a pause in bombing on humanitarian grounds.
“Once again the Zionists prove their violence against humanity by killing innocent people," said preacher Muhannad al-Musawi, apparently on al-Sadr's behalf.
"The massacres being perpetrated in Gaza Strip is yet another proof of these carnages with covers of legitimacy provided by the United States to continue the attacks,” Muhannad al-Musawi, said in Sadr City, in eastern Baghdad.
Musawi also quoted al-Sadr urging the Iraqi people in the street to send urgent medical and humanitarian aid to the people in the Gaza Strip.
He also called on the international community to intervene to end the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Five thousand students reportedly gathered to protst in Sadr City on Friday and smaller demonstrations were held at several mosques across the city.
Meanwhile, medical officials said more than 400 people have died in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive a week ago. Israel has rejected international demands for a ceasefire, saying it will continue its air raids until the Hamas movement stops missile attacks on southern Israel.
The main UN agency operating in Gaza, UNRWA, resumed aid deliveries to Gaza on Thursday, but has warned of a worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.
On Thursday the UN agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees appealed for 34 million dollars in urgent aid to address the humanitarian needs of the population of Gaza.
The funds will enable the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide emergency food, shelter, medical supplies, fuel and cash assistance for a four-month period.
The 34 million dollars is in addition to the 275 million dollars UNRWA sought in the 2009 Emergency Appeal it issued in December for the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has said there is no need for a pause in bombing on humanitarian grounds.
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