The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached a critical juncture. Israel’s response, primarily targeting Gaza, has been disproportionate, killing over 5000 Palestinians, raising serious concerns about the impact on the civilian population and the potential for further escalation. As history has shown, military responses alone may not lead to a lasting solution, and a different approach is desperately needed to bring the crisis to an end.
But this is not happening. The US recently vetoed a UN resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas war, with the US ambassador saying draft resolution did not do enough to underscore Israel’s right to self-defense. True, even if we concede that the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas necessitated a response, the retaliation has now gone far beyond self defense. Israel has killed four times more Palestinians and leveled entire neighborhoods. It is time that the world steps in and enforces a ceasefire. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. Instead Israel is preparing for a ground offensive which will result in more civilian killings. And there is every possibility that the conflict could escalate and involve neighbouring countries, which would not only destabilize the region but the world. Though US has deployed forces to the region to forestall such a possibility, the situation could get out of hand if Israel persists with its offensive and civilian casualties continue to mount.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the potential for the conflict to spill over into the wider region. Diplomatic efforts are underway to secure the release of Israeli hostages and prevent further escalation. The international community is advocating for restraint and adherence to international law but Israel has so far not heeded any of it. What is more, the US and European Union seem happy to overlook Israel’s gross violations of international law.
This is the time that the war is brought to an end. The alternative is grim: a large-scale invasion would result in more casualties, and trigger a humanitarian catastrophe. It could also lead to broader regional conflicts, involving regional players and the major powers.
The urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire is thus clear. The international community, including the US, UK, EU, China, Russia and Arab states, should unite in supporting this proposal. Failing to do so risks a wider and more devastating conflict that could have far-reaching consequences. That said, it is also time that the international community unites to find a permanent solution to lingering. Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The long-stalled effort to arrive at a two state solution based on 1967 borders needed to be resurrected. Further delay would only continue the ongoing instability and bloodshed.
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