BAGHDAD

Iraq on Saturday condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip after Hamas launched an offensive, saying it always stands by the Palestinians.

Government spokesman Bassim al-Awadi called on the international community to stop the injustice done to the Palestinian people and to intervene to restore the rights of the Palestinians.

Al-Awadi warned that the escalation and continuation of the tension in Palestinian territories will have negative repercussions on the region. He also called for an extraordinary meeting of the Arab League.

The spokesperson’s remarks came after Palestinian group Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood with rockets targeting Israeli sites, airports, and military installations.

In response, the Israeli army initiated Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

At least 198 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks, according to medical sources in Gaza, while Israeli authorities said more than 100 Israelis were killed in what has been described as "war" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas, the group running the blockaded Gaza Strip, said its operation was in response to storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.