Peace in the Middle East is possible – POLITICO

How to stop the killing

Since October 7, 2023, intensive efforts through mediation and dialogue have been tested.

President Biden and his envoys, leaders from the region, countries such as Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, the United Kingdom, the EU and its members, the Holy See and many others have thrown their support behind the back peace. Such efforts are the only way definitive peace can be achieved, because the only true peacemakers are always the parties to the conflict. The only secure peace is one that everyone agrees on, that respects the human dignity of all, regardless of creed or ethnicity, and that is a foundation for the common good. However, where dialogue and mediation struggle to find a way forward, a framework exists within the United Nations that provides space for reaching the necessary agreements.

When there is a breakdown of international peace and security, the tools to address it are set out in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Chapter VII authorizes the UN Security Council to “take such action as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security” and has been used several times in the past to end wars. War is never a solution to war, but this kind of international peace action can buy time.

It is therefore imperative that the Security Council now exercises these Chapter VII powers to implement Resolution 2735 on Gaza. This will include, as first steps, enforce an immediate, full and complete ceasefire and release of hostages, oversee the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and ensure the long-awaited massive humanitarian response to put an end to the deplorable physical and psychological suffering. of the population. The greatest obstacle to peace is the almost complete absence of mutual trust and security. The reconstruction of Gaza, to rebuild communities, restore livelihoods and ignite hope, replacing despair, must also quickly follow with a financial commitment on the scale of the post-World War II Marshall Plan.

Other measures are needed, including international guarantees, with credible prospects for implementation. In this region, faith groups in particular must be involved in rebuilding trust, which will be a work of generations. The Christian churches have been doing this work for centuries and are well positioned to play an important role.

The Security Council must also mobilize its powers and resources in coordination with the Lebanese government to ensure the full implementation of Resolution 1701. There must be an immediate ceasefire that allows for the safe return of internally displaced persons in both Israel and Lebanon, with a roadmap for the complete disarmament of militias and activation of humanitarian, reconstruction and recovery packages. Moreover, the Security Council should also work with Iran to ensure that the objectives of the JCPOA are achieved in a transparent and accountable manner, ensuring a path to safeguard regional stability and enjoy the confidence of all.

Call to action

Seventy-nine years ago, in the aftermath of World War II, the UN Charter, learning from the terrible failures of the League of Nations, established the Security Council, giving it the responsibility and power to maintain and restore international peace and security. The fifteen members of that Council must do their duty today. They have already agreed on the resolutions that will bring peace to the Middle East. Now they must unite and mobilize the political will to implement these resolutions, as failure is a matter of life and death, while tens of millions of people are at risk. Peace begins with the cessation of violence, for only then can clarity of thought occur to reimagine the future. The Holy Land can and should become an inspiration for peace instead of war, thereby making peace easier than war for future generations.