Joy of Arab Nations over Iran’s Strike on Israel
WANA (Aug 04) – During days of intense unrest and tension in West Asia, Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel triggered a wave of reactions across the Arab nations. But more striking than any analysis or news headline was the joy of the people in Arab countries—both Shia and Sunni—over this decisive blow to Israel.
On social media, in the streets of Baghdad, in the alleys of Baalbek, and even in the besieged camps of Gaza, people celebrated the event with smiles of victory. For many, Iran’s response was not merely a military operation, but a symbol of the strength of the Resistance Front, long oppressed under relentless Israeli attacks and forced into silence.
Joy in Gaza, Smiles in Baalbek
According to available reports, many residents of the Gaza Strip—direct victims of Israeli crimes—told reporters: “This is the first time we truly felt that Israel could be placed in a position of weakness.”
The social media users’ comments on X regarding the Iran-Israel war. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Others in Gaza said that Iran’s attack was like a fresh breeze that, after years of smoke and ashes, brought them a breath of hope, and they expressed great joy.
In Lebanon, supporters of the Resistance celebrated the event with fireworks in the streets. In certain Shia neighborhoods of Beirut and the southern regions, the sound of car horns, anti-Israeli chants, and epic music created an atmosphere resembling a day of victory.
On social media, dozens of videos of celebrations in Baalbek and Tyre circulated, showing young people shouting: “This is the answer to all the tears we’ve shed over the years!”
A social media user’s post on X regarding the Iran-Israel war. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Even in Sunni Countries…
The reactions were not limited to the Resistance Axis. In Syria, another Arab nation, even with the exhaustion of years of civil war, many people posted online with cautious hope: “This time, we watched. But maybe next time, we’ll stand beside them.”
In Jordan and Egypt as well, users on Twitter and Instagram expressed their joy over Iran’s decisive response using hashtags like #الرد_الإيراني and #الموت_لإسرائيل, dubbed in English #Iranian_Response and #Death_to_Israel.
Of course, the reactions were not limited to Arab or Muslim countries—many people across different nations expressed happiness over the attacks.
Support for the People of Iran in the Netherlands Against Israeli Aggressions. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Pilgrims Who Made the Enemy Weep
Now, these days, as a new wave of Arbaeen pilgrims, including Iranians, have begun their journey, a video surfaced of Iraqi men saying: “Today, we honor a pilgrim who made Israel cry.”
This sentence quickly went viral on social media—a simple statement on the surface, yet layered with deep meaning.
The Iranian pilgrims traveling to Karbala for Arbaeen are not seen as merely religious travelers; in the eyes of many Iraqis, they represent a nation standing on the front lines of the fight against Zionism. They are both pilgrims and flag-bearers. And this honor they receive reflects a shared understanding among Muslim nations of the value of uprising and resistance.
Iraqi men: “Today, we honor a pilgrim who made Israel cry.” Social media/ WANA News Agency
Arbaeen
Arbaeen, forty days after Ashura, commemorates the oppression of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and his companions. Held annually with millions of pilgrims from around the world, it is the largest religious gathering on Earth.
For Shia Muslims, Arbaeen is not merely a ritual; it is a form of allegiance to the path of Hussain (PBUH) and a stand against oppression.
That’s why the presence of Iranian pilgrims in Iraq—especially when their country was at the forefront of the Resistance Front—holds even greater meaning for Iraqis.
