World leaders are gathering at the United Nations General Assembly in New York amid fears of a regional war escalating in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, which has been going on for almost a year, shows no signs of abating. The recent Israeli assault on Lebanon, the largest in decades, has further heightened tensions in the region, with the death toll rising daily from Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
US President Joe Biden has called for a ceasefire, but other leaders have accused the US of having double standards, as it has consistently blocked efforts at the UN Security Council to rein in Israel. Iran has also spoken out against Israel’s actions, demanding accountability.
With the risk of a wider regional conflict looming, the question arises as to whether the UN can prevent an all-out war. The role of the UN in maintaining peace and security will be crucial in the coming days.
Guests on the issue include Bassam Haddad, founding director of the Middle East and Islamic Studies Program at George Mason University; Habib Battah, founder and editor-in-chief of Beirut Report, which features investigative journalism in Lebanon; and Brian Finucane, senior adviser to the US program at the International Crisis Group.
As world leaders gather to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the focus will be on finding a path towards peace and stability in the region.
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