Big Ulama Called Target Attacks, Iraq Condemns Israeli Media

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION / Acyurt ring

JAKARTA - The Iraqi government has criticized Israeli media for including the name Ayatullah Besar Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's highest Muslim cleric, on the Israeli attack target list.

Baghdad called Israel's media actions threatening international peace and security.

Reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, October 10, Channel 14 Israel broadcasts a picture of Sistani and mentions that the cleric is on Israel's list of targets.

Iraqi government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi said in a statement strongly condemning violations of the country's honorable status of religious leaders.

Al-Awadi said Iraq rejected the attempt to demean the highly respected cleric, who held the honorable position not only in Iraqi society but also in Arab, Islamic, and international communities.

He said Israeli media were trying to discredit religious leaders, especially when linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to Al-Awadi, the action was intentional and provocative to tarnish the image of religious authorities.

He also called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and international agencies to condemn the move.