On Friday, Muqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist movement, warned US President Joe Biden.
With the aim of supporting Israel, he called on Iraqis to collect aid to send to besieged Gaza via Syria or Egypt, continuing his controversial policy.
This Friday, a cleric named Muhannad Al-Moussawi read a sermon on behalf of Al-Sadr to crowds of Sadrist movement supporters in Tahrir Square, Baghdad. The sermon was in support of the Palestinian cause.
“Your march towards the Middle East will cause you a reaction that you do not expect,” stated Al-Sadr, speaking to President Biden. “All the Arab and Islamic peoples are ready to sacrifice what is dear and precious, and they are waiting for one sign from those with special needs,” he added. The mujahideen in Palestine and those who support them are the ones who will provide the unexpected reaction.” Not from the crooked and the appeasers, but from faith, justice, wisdom, and jihad.”
Al-Sadr urged the peaceful protesters in Iraq to assemble and equip a “flood convoy” carrying water and food supplies. He also suggested that they coordinate with Syria or Egypt to deliver the aid to the people in Gaza. Al-Sadr emphasized that it is an obligation for the Islamic and Arab history to help their fellow human beings in need.
Dozens of Sadrist supporters gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square on Friday morning.
Muqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadr movement, invited this arrival last Monday. He urged his supporters to participate in a million-man demonstration in support of the Palestinian people after a unified prayer on Friday. Today, the arrival has taken place as planned.
Since yesterday, Thursday, Baghdad, the capital city, has been getting ready to accommodate large numbers of demonstrators. To ensure safety, the authorities have implemented strict security measures, including the closure of roads leading to Tahrir Square from all directions. Tahrir Square and its surrounding areas are the primary locations where the demonstrations are expected to take place.
