Iraqis fear war's spread, urge continued struggle against Israel

By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD (AA) - As Iraqis worry about the Israeli-Palestine conflict spreading to their country following Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in neighboring Iran, they also want to continue the resistance and struggle against Israel.

Young Iraqi Taha Temimi told Anadolu that he would defend his country if war broke out.

"However, our country is currently somewhat stable, so we do not want to enter another war. I have suffered greatly because of war. We lost many people, including my uncles and cousins. While our country has reconstruction efforts and stability, we do not want to go to war again," said Temimi.

Journalist Abdurreza al-Hamid said all data indicates Israel will not stop. "Resistance against Israel is a humanitarian option. Resistance is also an option for the struggle for existence. The Zionists committed genocide against Palestinians in their own land," he said. "The real issue is the Zionists' unprecedented policy of mass genocide, starvation and war against Palestinians. Therefore, I see resistance and struggle as a duty not only for Palestinians but for every Arab, Muslim, and human being.”

- 'If Iraq is affected, so be it. Let's fight'

Ibrahim al-Maliki told Anadolu about the possibility of the conflict spreading to the region and Iraq criticizing Arab countries for not sufficiently defending Palestinians.

"Egypt, the largest Arab country, has a population of over 100 million. While Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya exist. Fourteen million Zionists are killing people and seizing their property. Why are these people being killed on their own land? We say, 'Resistance until the end,'" said Maliki.

Writer Halit al-Wadi argued that significant new developments are taking place in the region.

"For years, there has been no solution against the Zionists in the region. However, a solution to this conflict is now emerging. We have been in wars since the 1980s, and now is the time for a holy war.

"If Iraq is affected, so be it. Let us fight. We will battle against a cause that truly deserves the struggle. Let us fight against this cursed Zionist entity that has seized Palestinian land," he said.

- Countries should sue Israel for its crimes

Bender Sammari noted that Iraq, worn out by violence and war since 2014, now wants to live in peace.

"We have no strength left for war. What we experienced in 2014 (ISIS/Daesh terror group) exhausted us, we lost many martyrs, and we finally liberated our cities. Israel and America are enemies of the people. War is the language of barbarians," said Sammari.

"A ceasefire is a good thing. As a country, we have started to breathe anew and want to live. Israel is committing crimes against Palestinian children. Countries around the world should take Israel to international courts for its crimes," he added.