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On April 13, 2023, the official website of the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement (PIJ) published a statement announcing that high-ranking group representatives, headed by the Secretary General, the Mujahid Commander Ziyad Al-Nakhala, arrived in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 12 in response to an Iraqi official invitation.
The visit comes as part of the Al-Quds Day, April 14, an Iran-sponsored events held annually to mark support of Palestinian struggle against Israel.
Statements By PIJ Leader
The statement explained that the visit will include meetings with high-level Iraqi official and party leaders and attending social activities.
"The delegation will hold discussions regarding the latest Palestinian and Arab developments and means to extend support to the resistance in Palestine, particularly in Jerusalem, in the face of Zionist aggressions and incursions," it added.
A Telegram channel linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq shared a photo showing the PIJ delegation members upon arriving Baghdad.
Another Telegram channel affiliated with PIJ, shared a post citing statement by Al-Nakhala discussing his visit to Baghdad.
"We are happy about the visit which will involve holding meetings with the Iraqi President, Prime Minister, ministers and officials from the political parties," PIJ leader stated.
He further added that the visit echoes "a strong message to Israel regarding Iraq's position which is in support of the Palestinian people," noting the outcome will have "a great impact on the region."
Iraq's Position
Elaborating, Al-Nakhala implied that the relations with Iraq and other Arab resistance countries are not new, adding that have further improved because of the increasing power of the resistance factions, and as a result of the "enemy's increasing oppression."
Expressing his appreciation of the support that PIJ is receiving from Arab countries, he said:
"We are very proud of the Arab position, the interdependent position of the resistance, and the unity of the fronts, whether country level or the resistance forces level."
Underling the significance of Iraq's support to PIJ, he concluded: "The official Arab position is now represented in the official position of Iraq which is siding with the Palestinian people."
Meeting With Iraqi Official
Another Telegram channel further reported that Al-Nakhala met with sheikh Humam Hamoudi, the head of the Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council, sharing a photo of the meeting.
Poster Marks PIJ Leader's Visit
Ahead of announcing visit, another Telegram channel that is linked to Iran-backed militias in Iraq shared a poster depicting PIJ leader and Akram Al-Ka'abi, Secretary General of Iran-backed Al-Nujaba' Movement standing against the backdrop of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The text on the poster reads "The Final Word is from Iraq."
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