Iraq Calls for Establishing a Fund for Gaza Reconstruction in UNCTAD Session

On September 17, 2024, Iraq’s Permanent Representative to UN Office in Geneva Ambassador Abdul Karim Hashim Mustafa delivered Iraq’s statement during the special session to discuss the report on UNCTAD’s support for the Palestinian people. The session was part of the Trade and Development Board 71st Executive Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held from September 16 to 27, 2024.

In his statement, the Ambassador expressed Iraq’s welcoming for the preparation of the report, and expressed his deep concern regarding the devastating effects of the criminal war waged by the occupying forces, and the systematic killings it is carrying out. He stressed Iraq’s condemnation of these criminal acts which constitute crimes against humanity.

The Ambassador pointed to the sharp drop in the gross domestic product in the occupied territories, the high unemployment rates, and the expansion of settlements which led to the displacement of Palestinians from their lands, in addition to the demographic change exercised by the occupation in Al Quds and the West Bank. Additionally Ambassador Mustafa reiterated Iraq’s firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing by the Palestinian people in their struggle to achieve their aspirations and obtain their legitimate rights, including their right to self-determination, the right of return, and establishing their independent state with Al Quds as its capital. The ambassador also renewed Iraq’s call to establish a fund to rebuild the Gaza Strip and support the Palestinian people.