Iraqi factions halt attacks on Israel following Gaza ceasefire

The recently brokered ceasefire between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza sparked a wave of reactions across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq. 

While the deal has brought a measure of cautious optimism, concerns over potential Israeli reprisals and broader regional implications loom large. Armed factions in Iraq, closely aligned with Iran, responded by announcing a suspension of operations against Israel, framing their decision as a gesture of solidarity and support for the ceasefire.

The Iraqi armed group Al-Nujaba issued a statement declaring a temporary halt to its military actions against Israel.  As part of the pro-Iranian “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” the group emphasised its commitment to bolstering the truce and preventing any pretext for further Israeli escalation.

Akram al-Kaabi, leader of Al-Nujaba, stated, “We congratulate the Palestinian people and freedom fighters worldwide on this significant development (the ceasefire agreement). In solidarity with the ceasefire in Palestine and to strengthen the truce in Gaza, we are suspending our military actions against the Zionist entity. However, let it be clear that any foolishness by the occupying entity in Palestine or the region will be met with a harsh response.”

“Our fingers remain on the trigger, and our missiles and drones are fully prepared. If they return, so shall we, and the final victory will belong to the patient, steadfast fighters,” he added.

The “Islamic Resistance” alliance, which includes factions such as Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kata’ib Hezbollah, Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, Kata’ib Imam Ali, and Al-Nujaba, has a history of targeting Israeli positions, particularly in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Notably, in October last year, Iraqi drones struck an Israeli military site in the Golan, killing two soldiers and injuring 24 others.

Iraq’s balancing act

Amid these developments, Iraq’s government is grappling with the challenge of managing the activities of powerful armed factions. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed ongoing efforts to persuade these groups to either disarm or integrate into official security forces.

“We don’t think that Iraq is next,” Hussein told Reuters during an official visit to London, downplaying fears of escalating tensions. However, he acknowledged the delicate balance Iraq must maintain between its ties with Washington and Tehran.

Ghani Al-Ghasban, a researcher on political and security issues, addressed the potential fallout of the ceasefire. Speaking to The New Arab, he cautioned, “The ceasefire brings hope for Gaza’s beleaguered population, but Israel will not remain idle. It is likely to use this pause to target militant factions, possibly through strikes on key positions or leaders, including those in Iraq.”

He also warned that U.S. and Israeli policies often blur the distinction between Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and factions like Al-Nujaba and Kata’ib Hezbollah, increasing the likelihood of broader escalations.

“For Israel and the US, there’s little distinction between Iraq’s PMF and the Islamic Resistance factions. This conflation could lead to strikes within Iraqi territory, further destabilising the region,” Al-Ghasban explained.

The ceasefire in Gaza followed weeks of intense war with Israel that killed at least 40,000 Palestinians dead, injured at least 100,000, and destroyed entire neighbourhoods.

Mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, played critical roles in brokering the agreement. 

Iraq’s role in regional dynamics

Iraq’s involvement against Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza underscores the interconnected nature of Middle Eastern alliances. The “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” closely aligned with Iran, positions itself as a key player in supporting Palestinian resistance. However, this alignment has made Iraq vulnerable to potential Israeli retaliation, raising concerns over the country’s sovereignty and internal stability.

The ceasefire deal represents a temporary reprieve, but its longevity remains uncertain. Armed factions across the region, including in Iraq, have signalled their readiness to respond to any perceived provocations.

As Al-Ghasban concluded, “The ceasefire is a crucial step, but its endurance depends on Israel‘s restraint and the commitment of all parties to de-escalation. Any misstep could reignite violence, not just in Gaza, but across the region, including Iraq.”