Iraq’s top Shia religious authority has condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani issued a statement on Friday. He called the crisis a humanitarian catastrophe and warned of famine, disease, and widespread destruction. Thousands are in danger—especially children, the elderly, and the sick.
Al-Sistani’s office described the crisis as the result of nearly two years of ongoing violence and devastation. He urged Arab and Islamic nations to act immediately. He also called on the global community to pressure Israel to allow urgent delivery of food and medicine to Gaza.
“The suffering spares no one,” his statement emphasized. “Children, the sick, and the elderly are all trapped in unbearable conditions.”
Meanwhile, the Iraqi government released a separate statement on Wednesday. Officials condemned Israel’s blockade on Gaza, calling it a “grave violation of human dignity.” Baghdad demanded international intervention and stressed the need to open humanitarian corridors without delay.
As the crisis deepens, global humanitarian organizations are sounding louder alarms. Aid groups now report rising cases of malnutrition and rapid disease outbreaks. Furthermore, they say Gaza’s healthcare system is nearing total collapse due to extreme shortages of medicine, fuel, and clean water.
Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, conditions in Gaza have worsened drastically. That attack killed about 1,200 people in the Israel and triggered a massive military response. As a result, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 54,000 deaths and more than 123,000 injuries.
Meanwhile, daily life grows harder for Gaza’s residents. Fuel is running out. Food is scarce. Infrastructure lies in ruins. Moreover, hospitals can no longer care for patients properly due to lack of supplies. Clean water is almost nonexistent.
According to relief workers, entire neighborhoods have collapsed under constant bombardment. Homes, clinics, and schools have been destroyed.
Al-Sistani’s statement reflects Iraq’s increasing alarm over the humanitarian catastrophe. Iraqi leaders continue urging world powers to prioritize aid over politics. As peace efforts stall, demands for justice and dignity only grow stronger.
Ultimately, Iraqi voices are unified: the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end, and the silence of the world must not continue.
