The Potential Catastrophe of War Spreading to Lebanon: A Call for Peace and Ceasefire
Warning from the United Nations
“A spread of the Israel-Hamas war to Lebanon would be potentially apocalyptic,” warned United Nations Humanitarian Chief Martin Griffith. Undoubtedly, the spread of war to Lebanon will cause a huge loss to humanity and the country. It will not only rest on Lebanon, but its repercussions can affect the entire region of the Middle East.
The Role of Hezbollah
Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a politico-military (outlawed by the West) party, has significant power in Lebanon and is backed by Iran. Israel’s cross-border fire has continued since Israel’s unconditional and bellicose invasion of Gaza following the Hamas 7 Oct attack on Israel.
Casualties and Escalation
Nearly eleven months of fighting have killed over 37,000 Palestinians, among them a large number of women and children. Intense escalation has been observed between both countries, and deep attacks are also reportedly being planned by Israel on Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s Backing and Regional Support
The spread of war to Lebanon will not be easy for Israel, as Tel Aviv is thinking. Lebanon’s Hezbollah is heavily backed by Iran, and Lebanon is a Muslim country supported by Turkey, Egypt, and other OIC member Muslim countries. If Western countries still blindly support Israel in a fight with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the volatile situation will be exacerbated and a multi-country war could be drawn. The likeliness of World War Three might not be ruled out in case Israel attacks deep in Lebanon.
Israel’s Aggression and Western Support
Sadly, with such huge support from Western countries including the USA, Israel has wreaked havoc on Gaza, killing thousands of innocent Palestinians, yet its bloodthirsty nature has not been quenched. Surprisingly, despite kinetic action, Israel has not been able to fully eradicate Hamas from Gaza.
Israel’s Hasty Decisions
This kind of shameful defeat may have flabbergasted the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet. They are now making hasty decisions to save face among compatriots and deliberately spreading the war.
Iran’s Position
Iran, already reeling from the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident, can flex its potential of spreading war to Lebanon. Iran has recently given a stern military response to Israel in an attack on its diplomatic mission in Syria, which killed two high-ranking Iranian officers. It has now presumably changed its moderate stance on Israel’s attacks on its missions. The war on Lebanon may not be seen moderately by Iran either.
Humanitarian Concerns
Repeated warnings from human rights organizations and some brave media outlets on the looming hunger crisis and illegal catastrophe posed by Israel on Gazans have widely shaken the minds of people across the globe. Student protests in the West and recognition of Palestine by three European countries: Norway, Ireland, and Spain, are brittle results of such explicit coverage of the war by these outlets and organizations.
Western Support for Israel
Though USA President Joe Biden’s administration and some Western governments are still keen on supporting Netanyahu’s war-mongering stance on ceasefire, the people of their respective countries are unequivocally standing by innocent Palestinians’ side, widely demanding permanent ceasefire and divestment from Israel’s sponsorship of their institutions, particularly educational institutions.
The Need for Peace
The helm holders supporting Israel must consider the uncontrollable spread of war. If fighting in Gaza spreads to Lebanon, things will be difficult to control. Considering the administration on one side and people on the other side in some powerful countries, the complexities will seem knotty.
Call for Ceasefire
Given such complexities and the loss of innocent lives, Western countries must now make serious efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, instead of persistently supporting Israel in the war and instigating conflict with Lebanon. Moreover, Muslim countries should also take serious collective measures for a ceasefire and compensation for Gazans, who have been left with nothing due to Israel’s relentless attacks.
The Pursuit of Peace
War does not stabilize countries, but peace does. Peace should be pursued, including compensation for innocent Palestinians. They have the right to live with dignity and to receive compensation for their huge losses. Though compensation cannot bring back their loved ones, it may help them to continue their ordinary lives.