- The global community continued to be under immense pressure and anxiety since the conflict between Israel and Hamas continued despite efforts from the United Nations and other countries to call a truce. This conflict came on the back of the meandering war between Russia and Ukraine that has singed the global community no end. The fear of these ongoing conflicts leading to a third-world war appeared real even as the leaders from across the globe attempted to make the conflicting leaders see the reasons for pressing ahead with unyielding war. Every international form, summit, talks, and symposium were used to deliver a stern message to stop the war where thousands of innocent lives were lost for no rhyme or reason.
PC:The Times of Israel
- Thankfully, Tel Aviv’s truce with Hezbollah offers some real hope of a ceasefire in Gaza. Make no mistake, that’s in Israel’s interest as well. An expected 60-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah couldn’t have come sooner for West Asia and the world in general. Israel’s offensive against the Iran-backed Lebanese militia had ramped up since September and saw Israeli forces take out almost the entire top leadership of Hezbollah, including its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Nonetheless, Hezbollah is not without a state, and therefore, has continued to fire rockets into Israel. This in turn has disrupted life in northern Israel for more than a year with tens of thousands displaced, the local economy battered, and civilians taking casualties.
PC:Hindustan Times
- This being the case, both Tel Aviv and Hezbollah are looking for a respite. Israel, which is continuing with its concurrent military operations in Gaza, needs to regroup. The Israeli army is already looking at a manpower crunch with a drop in reporting of reservists in recent weeks. After 14 months of constant war, there’s growing war fatigue. Plus, Tel Aviv has already weakened Hezbollah considerably. Thus, it can say it has achieved its objective, and the Lebanese group no longer poses the same level of threat it used to. Truce on the northern front should help catalyse a ceasefire in Gaza, which is the nub of the problem. As you are aware, Hezbollah and Iran’s other regional proxies had only joined the conflict against Israel in solidarity with Hamas.
PC:South China Morning Post
- Therefore, a ceasefire in Gaza would lead to a region-wide de-escalation. Further, Israel’s operations in the Palestinian enclave have led to widespread destruction, killed more than 44,000 people, and impeded life-saving aid. True, Israel has every right to defend itself. But punishing an entire civilian population of more than 2mn for the actions of Hamas is unconscionable. It neither makes Israel safe nor eliminates the Palestinian militant group. Moreover, the US president-elect has indicated his full support for Israel. We know Trump is unpredictable. As such, it makes sense for Netanyahu to not stretch Israeli resources further. Israel has proved its point, recouped its military reputation, and made sure Hamas and Hezbollah won’t be adventurous any time soon.
