Middle East cannot afford escalation of Israel-Iran conflict

Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel was expected and caused limited damage, but the risk of it causing a further escalation in the conflict remains high. As United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said: “The Middle East is on the brink.” This is a time for cool heads and restraint to avoid a disastrous full-scale conflagration. The attack involved the launch of 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and over 120 ballistic missiles, targeting Israel. It was in response to a deadly strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus on April 1.

Israel’s air defences, aided by America and other allies, intercepted almost all of the weapons and the impact was therefore relatively minor. An Israeli airbase was hit and 12 people were said to have been injured.

Iran has declared the attack over. It argues the assault was necessary, proportionate and in self-defence.

But the strike has, understandably, been widely condemned. It further raises tensions in the region which were already running high as the war in Gaza continues. A critical point has been reached.

Israel is considering a response to the attack. It should, however, refrain from striking back. That would only fuel the fire and risk a wider conflict. Iran has warned it would react to any retaliatory action with even more violence. This grim cycle must be broken.

China has called for calm and restraint while urging the international community, especially “countries of influence”, to play a constructive role in bringing peace and stability to the region.

Much will depend on the actions of the United States, Israel’s prime ally and supplier of arms. US President Joe Biden has expressed “ironclad” support for Israel in the wake of the attack.

But Washington says it does not want to see an escalation of the conflict and Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he would not support a counter-attack on Iran. Hostilities have already gone too far. There is a need for de-escalation.

The war in Gaza has lasted six months. Israel’s attacks there have left around 34,000 dead. The ongoing military action was launched in response to an incursion by Iran-backed Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages.

Negotiations concerning a ceasefire are continuing. Israel wants hostages returned. Hamas seeks an end to the war. What is clear, is that the violence must stop and desperately needed humanitarian aid must be provided to Gaza’s stricken population.

The war is a tinderbox threatening a wider and more devastating conflict. A ceasefire is needed along with a concerted effort by the international community to ensure tensions are eased rather than inflamed. The world cannot afford to allow a wider conflict to erupt.