Isreal and Palestine are currently engaged in fierce battle that has reportedly cost nearly 20,000 people their lives. This number excludes thousands of those who were injured or displaced as a result of the hostilities. Both sides have had a taste of casualties with the Palestinians in Gaza ( the battle ground) more seriously affected.
The historical path to the latest Isreal and Hamas conflict is well publicised; Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza strip has reportedly carried out what Isreal described as “unprovoked attack on her territory, killing over a thousand and taking hundreds hostage.
An enraged Isreal led by Likuud Party strongman and prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu responded heavily by unleashing a barrage of airstrikes on the tiny but crowded Gaza strip, killing thousands, and destroying many buildings.
There have been several conflicts between the two entities in the past.
However, many believe that despite the attack on Isreal by Hamas on October 7, which gave rise to the present conflict, the dispute between Isreal and Palestine has been on since the 1960s.
There is a two state solution to the conflict initiated in 1967.
The two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel. The boundary between the two states is still subject to dispute and negotiation.
This is where the United Nations, UN, appears not to have done well. It is surprising that for over sixty years, the UN has yet to ensure the final settlement of this sensitive issue.
If the UN cannot use its platform as the apex international organisation to settle conflicts that can lead to such large scale destruction of human lives and property, possibility is that it could one day, go the way of the League of Nations.
To be able to carry out its role effectively, the UN should not be seen to be tilting towards the interest of any member- state no matter the global status of such a member-state.
It should also not allow itself to be seen to being used by any member-state to advance national interest. Such could wane the confidence of member-states in the organization.
We welcome the four days ceasefire between Isreal and Hamas since Friday last week, and hope that it will be extended, and eventually culminate in the end of hostilities.
We further urge the UN to use its good offices to ensure the realisation of the Two States Solution which will allow both Isreal and Palestine to exist as two different nations.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT