Just when the world breathed a sigh of relief after Israel withdrew its forces from Gaza, another deadly conflict has started between Israel and Iran. The two countries, who are sworn enemies, are now on the verge of an all-out war. In retaliation to Israel’s recent killing of two Iranian generals in Damascus, Tehran launched drones and missiles into Israel early on Sunday. The majority of drones were taken down by the air defence system of Israel and its allies. However, there is growing fear that a response from Israel might lead to a full-fledged war.
The world needs to pull back quickly from such an escalation of conflict: It can’t afford one more war. The extended war in Gaza – 35,000 plus casualties in over six months with thousands of homes flattened – was bad enough. It has forced additional costs on global trade with sea routes in West Asia coming under fire. Moscow’s war on Kyiv has already imposed a significant cost on the global economy; an expanded war in West Asia could tip the economy over a precipice since it could force oil prices to skyrocket. There is an urgent need for all parties to halt hostilities.
Israel has to be told that its unilateral actions are hurting the world. The Hamas terror attack was unacceptable, but Tel Aviv has not served its interests by unleashing its military might on the hapless civilians of Gaza. Its targeting of Iranian officials in neighbouring countries, on the ground that Tehran is the sponsor of Hamas, is a blatant violation of national borders and international law. Both countries have to roll back their direct and indirect actions that have been roiling West Asia. India has a particular interest in the region, given the historical ties with its nations and peoples. More importantly, the region is crucial to the country’s energy security and houses millions of Indian workers.