The Israel-Palestine conflict desperately calls for world powers to bring about an early truce
Palestine, the perpetual tinder box of the world, is spewing fire once again. In just two days of flared-up armed activity by the Hamas against the Israeli army and civilians, more than 500 people have lost their lives, several hundred have been rendered shelterless or taken captive. As Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put it plainly: "We are at war." And it really is nothing short of a full-blown war. Early on Saturday, the Hamas, a Palestinian armed group, initiated a major escalation against Israel. It launched what it called 'Operation Al-Aqsa Flood', marking the most serious barrage of rocket and missile offensive since their 11-day conflict in 2021. The Hamas has sought to justify the operation in response to "decades of Palestinian suffering", calling on the world to address the atrocities in Gaza and against Palestinian people and holy sites like Al-Aqsa. It claimed to have fired 5,000 rockets, and Israel confirmed that its fighters had entered the latter's territory. The rocket attacks extended as far north as Tel Aviv, and Hamas sent fighters into southern Israel. The attacks were launched from land, sea and air, and the Israeli army retaliated with 'Operation Iron Swords' in the Gaza Strip. Fierce gun battles were ongoing in towns and military bases near the Gaza border. Both sides may have equally convincing arguments, but the impact on ground is loss of precious and innocent lives on both sides.
The conflict, characterised by decades of violence, territorial disputes and political tensions, continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability and global peace. The latest cycle of bloodshed again highlights the urgency of addressing the underlying issues. The United Nations has historically played a crucial role in mediating conflicts and promoting peace worldwide, and there is no reason it should not immediately step in. Besides facilitating direct negotiations between the sides, it can act as a neutral mediator to bridge the trust deficit and other prickly issues, including borders, refugees and the status of Jerusalem. The UN must continue efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, especially in Gaza, where the situation is dire. Given the ferocity of attacks and intensity of impending threats, it seems like one of the biggest human crises in recent times. Of course, India has a role to play as it enjoys good relations with both sides and can be instrumental in brokering at least a ceasefire. As an important constituent of G20, it can garner support through various Governments to exert diplomatic pressure on the two sides and effect a truce. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to achieve just and lasting peace in the region. It is not the time to decide who is right or wrong but to put an immediate stop to the unfolding human misery caused by the war frenzy. War throws up no solution. War does not decide who is right, only who is left!