THIS is with reference to the report “Mideast on edge as Nasrallah’s killing confirmed” (Sept 29) about the frighte-ning attack by Israel targeting Hassan Nasrallah, the chief commander of Hezbollah in Beirut. The attack has sent shockwaves across Iran and the Arab world, as it is likely to further escalate tensions in the already volatile Middle East region. Nasrallah’s death has been a devastating blow to the entire region and is expected to have far-reaching consequences.

The killing of civilians, including women and children, by Israeli forces has been met with outrage, as these atrocities continue to be committed with impunity. Given Israel’s persistent defiance, it is in the interest of global peace that its backers, especially the United States as well as the United Kingdom, reconsider their military aid to the Zionist state and impose economic sanctions if it does not halt its barbaric actions.

Unfortunately, the relentless pursuit of the so-called ‘Greater Israel’ has pushed the world to the brink of a potential third world war, which could have catastrophic consequences.

It is imperative that the Islamic world, through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations step in to mediate and prevent further escalation of the crisis. If this conflict is allowed to spiral out of control, it may well engulf the world at large, and that, in turn, would shatter global peace.

Muhammad Asif
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2024