Israeli genocide of Gaza must stop: Iraq, Syria presidents
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The Iraqi and Syrian presidents met on the sidelines of the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit to discuss the developments in the Gaza Strip and bilateral relations.
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Iraqi President, Abdul Latif Rashid, (L), speaks to Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, (R), during a meeting held at the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 11, 2023. (SANA)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with his Iraqi counterpart Abdul Latif Rashid on the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic Joint Summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The two presidents discussed developments in occupied Palestine and the repercussions of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
Both presidents strongly condemned the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip that is targeting civilians and hospitals. They emphasized the need for the immediate cessation of Israeli airstrikes and bombardment, the protection of the civilian population, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged families, and providing safe passages for civilians.
The two leaders explored mechanisms by which Arab nations can stop the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Read more: Syrians rally in support of Gaza, against Israeli aggression
Western complicity drives on 'Israel's' war machine
President al-Assad stressed that the Israeli war machine is being pushed forward due to "Western complicity, justifying all forms of crime and destruction in the region."
The Syrian head of state highlighted the United States' role in providing support and weapons for "Israel" which enabled its war crimes and the massacring of the Palestinian people, which has risen "to the level of genocide."
The occupation's usurping of the Palestinians' rights to their land and independent state and its "occupation of Syrian and Lebanese territories is the main reason for" geopolitical and domestic issues in the region.
Al-Assad reiterated Damascus's steadfast support for Baghdad's efforts to maintain its security and sovereignty, expressing his desire to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The Syrian president stressed the need to enhance cooperation and coordination in various bilateral fields, as he commended Iraq's stances in support of the Syrian people.
Read more: US occupation forces attacked in northeast Syria
Iraqi-Syrian views aligned
In turn, the Iraqi president said that his views are aligned with that of Syria, emphasizing that "Israel" is in fact committing genocide in Gaza and in the rest of the Palestinian territories.
Rashid reaffirmed Baghdad's unwavering support to the Palestinian people, as well as their legitimate right to establish an independent Palestinian state whose capital is al-Quds.
He highlighted the importance of coordination and consultation on mutually beneficial issues with Syria, in order to enhance international peace and security, emphasizing the need to work together to continue combating terrorism and extremism in the region.
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