DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has directed the continuation of relief operations for Gaza and Lebanon amid growing escalations in the region, according to a statement from his office.

In a meeting with the crisis and disaster management team and the committee for relief of the people of Palestine and Lebanon on Thursday, Sudani reviewed efforts to “assist the Palestinian and Lebanese people in their difficult circumstances.”

The meeting, attended by several key ministers and officials, focused on ensuring aid reaches those displaced or affected in both Gaza and Lebanon.

Sudani emphasized the importance of organizing relief efforts to ensure aid reaches displaced persons and affected civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and Lebanese families who have sought refuge in Iraq. Discussions included the logistics of transporting aid and maximizing available resources.

The meeting comes to intensify Iraqi relief efforts following calls from the country’s top religious authority Ali al-Sistani and growing public support for helping the Palestinians and Lebanese during the ongoing crises.

In the past 10 days, Iraq has received nearly 5,000 Lebanese citizens through its airports and border crossings. Miqdad Miri, spokesperson for the interior ministry, confirmed Wednesday that Lebanese nationals can enter Iraq without a visa, in line with government instructions.

“Iraq has welcomed around 5,000 Lebanese through Baghdad and Najaf airports and the al-Qaim border crossing,” Miri said in a statement.

He added that Lebanese citizens already in Iraq can extend their stay for 30 days without the need to travel, with the possibility of further extensions, in accordance with the provisions of the Residence Law. Entry visas are being provided to the displaced Lebanese free of charge.

The Israeli military escalation, which has displaced over one million Lebanese in the past two weeks, has prompted further measures by the Iraqi government.

On Saturday, Sudani directed the interior ministry to coordinate with the Lebanese embassy in Baghdad to issue temporary travel documents for Lebanese citizens who lack passports.

In a government statement, Iraq affirmed its solidarity with Lebanon, describing the initiative as part of its broader commitment to support the people of Lebanon during these “exceptional circumstances.”