Iraq expressed strong condemnation on Saturday for the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip following the initiation of an offensive by Hamas, reaffirming its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Government spokesman Bassim al-Awadi urged the international community to intervene and put an end to the perceived injustice suffered by the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need to restore their rights.

Al-Awadi cautioned about the potential negative repercussions of the escalating tension in Palestinian territories, calling for an extraordinary meeting of the Arab League to address the critical situation. His statements followed the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by the Palestinian group Hamas, involving rocket attacks on Israeli sites, airports, and military installations.

In response to the Hamas offensive, the Israeli army initiated Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in a tragic toll, with medical sources in Gaza reporting at least 256 Palestinians killed. Conversely, Israeli authorities claimed that more than 350 Israelis lost their lives, terming the situation as a "war," according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas, which governs the blockaded Gaza Strip, asserted that its operation was a response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and an increase in settler violence. The developments underscore the volatile situation in the region, with calls for urgent international intervention to address the deepening crisis and the loss of lives on both sides.