Why Doesn't the War Stop?
By: Sherwan Al-Shamerani, Executive Board Member of the Global Forum for Moderation
Since the war began over a year ago, everyone has spoken of efforts to stop it. Since October 7, the trilateral mediation committee has been investing significant time and energy to end this senseless conflict, but all efforts have been in vain. Ceasefires last for weeks, only for the war to return with greater intensity.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposed halting arms exports used in the war in Gaza and Lebanon, only to be rebuffed by Netanyahu with harsh words. Instead of taking a dignified stance, the Élysée issued a clarification to appease Netanyahu’s offense.
If a country other than Israel had launched this war, the UN Security Council would have quickly placed it under Chapter VII, as it did with Russia. But Israel’s position as a Security Council member shields it from the consequences that Russia and others face, enabling it to carry out actions that would otherwise result in sanctions and international isolation.
Israel is not punished but rewarded, while the oppressed and those who support them face sanctions. This is why the war persists:
Western Support for Israel's Narrative: Western nations initially accepted Israel’s version of events, ignoring due diligence and investigative principles. They unconditionally supported Israel, providing it with weapons, money, and political backing to exercise oppression. Over time, as the horrors of war became clear, positions began to shift, but tangible actions were minimal.
International Institutions Hamstrung: Legal, diplomatic, and international institutions intended to uphold justice and enforce international law have been rendered ineffective by the U.S., which employs its veto to block every international effort. As a result, institutions such as the UN and figures like European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell have been obstructed from acting meaningfully.
The U.S. Wants the War to Continue: The United States, a key member of the trilateral mediation committee alongside Doha and Cairo, openly supports Israel under the guise of "self-defense." Washington claims it wants to prevent the conflict from escalating into a regional war, but it actually benefits from a prolonged conflict, keeping Iran’s influence in check while maintaining its strategic dominance.
While public protests and cultural events have rallied against the war across the world, they have yet to sway Western official stances. When public will conflicts with political interests, the latter prevails, and the casualties continue to mount.
This failure to halt the violence, along with the inactivity of many Islamic countries, has rendered year-long negotiations futile. The ongoing bloodshed challenges human dignity, as stated by Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Note: All published articles reflect the views of their authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.