Bringing peace to the Middle East is vital. The Gaza war and the Israel-Hezbollah war have by this time led to the deaths of more than forty thousand, mostly Gazans. Given the continuation of attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, the death toll may increase further, along with many other outcomes, leading to concerns. Though — positively saying — increased tensions and the threats of escalation between Israel and Iran and in the region, due to several developments including the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah and attacks and attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Iran, have reduced so far, there are no hopeful developments regarding the end of the wars and bringing peace.
It is notable that continued peace efforts including several rounds of peace talks brought several successful outcomes in the Gaza war, which began in October 2023, raising hope for ending the war several times at least somewhat. The peace efforts of different countries including the United States, Egypt and Qatar led to a ceasefire, resulting in hostage release and prisoner exchanges, and improved access to humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gazans. But the peace efforts of the global powers are less to end the Gaza war and the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which has by this time led to a dangerous level despite its importance for saving the lives of many people, leading to the uncertainty of ending the war.
A pertinent aspect remains on why peace efforts are less for ending the Gaza and Israel-Hezbollah wars when many were already killed and are killed every day. It may look somewhat mysterious. But geoeconomic, geopolitical and other reasons including, but not limited to, the constant denial of Israel to end the war, the geo-political interest and a lack of strong intention of the global powers and the lack of capacity of Muslim countries to better negotiate peace resolution obviously play a vital role, not only for less efforts to end the Gaza war and the Israel- Hezbollah war but also for ineffective steps to resolve the Israel-Palestine crisis — the crisis which has been going on for several decades.
The right to self-defense is vital and every country including Israel deserves it. But Rivalry is a part of politics and geopolitics and minimizing potential threats, which is an important part of self-defense, at the optimum level may require the preemptive killing of all enemies, which is neither desirable nor feasible for any party. Notably, Israel is not at any significant threats from neither Hamas nor Hezbollah. Anthony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States, has rightly said that Israel has achieved its targets in Gaza. Hamas has already lost its strength to pose any significant threat, while Hezbollah exchanges fires with Israel to end the Gaza war not to carry out war against Israel.
It is desired that strengthened peace steps be taken to end the Gaza war and the Israeli-Hezbollah war and reach a peaceful solution to it. For this, the role of the global powers including the United States is vital. Without its role, the Gaza war and the Israel-Hezbollah war will not be resolved. The active and strengthened peace steps of several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia may also be helpful in reaching peace. But, along with ending the wars, a permanent solution is needed for peace among all the parties.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
