At UNGA, Jaishankar Warns Of Wider Ramifications In Gaza War: ‘World Can’t Be Fatalistic’

At the 79th UN General Assembly's General Debate, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the dire need for the international community to address the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza urgently. He emphasized that the continuation of these conflicts could not be accepted with a fatalistic attitude. Jaishankar's speech pointed out the broader consequences of these wars, particularly noting how the conflict in Gaza is now affecting Lebanon, following Israel's retaliatory attacks against Hezbollah. This situation threatens to escalate into a wider multi-polar conflict in the Middle East.

Jaishankar expressed concern over the world's current state, describing it as fractious, polarised, and frustrated, which complicates the process of reaching agreements. He lamented that this was far from what the founders of the United Nations would have desired. He stressed that for global security and stability to be maintained, world leaders must exemplify the right conduct. In his view, productive conversations and agreements have become increasingly challenging, underscoring the need for actionable solutions to the pressing issues facing the international community today.

The minister also pointed out the economic implications of these conflicts on vulnerable populations, noting that peace and development should go hand in hand. However, he observed that when challenges to one emerge, adequate consideration is not given to the other. He underscored the necessity of resolving conflicts to prevent their large-scale continuation and the broader consequences that follow. Jaishankar's remarks on the need for urgent solutions were a call to action for the international community.

In a striking comment, Jaishankar criticized Pakistan for its role in fostering terrorism, stating that the choices made by the country have led to disastrous consequences. He noted, "Many countries get left behind due to circumstances beyond their control, but some make conscious choices with disastrous consequences. A premier example is our neighbour, Pakistan." He further added, "Today we see the ills it sought to visit on others consume its society. It can't blame the world. This is only karma."

In the context of the Middle East, Jaishankar referred to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which initially began with Israel's retaliation to an attack by Hamas. This conflict has now expanded to involve Lebanon, amplifying the risks of a broader multi-polar war in the region. The situation worsened with the confirmation of Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, being killed in an Israeli airstrike, highlighting the severe escalation in violence.