Hope faces bombs: The world celebrates “Peace Day” in times of war
From the Russia-Ukraine war to the conflict in Gaza, and the growing tensions in Central Asia, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace.
On September 21st each year, the world marks this day, and the UN, in collaboration with various civil society organizations, rings the bells symbolizing a call for peace. These bells were gifted by Japan to the UN in 1995 to strengthen global efforts for peace.
In recent days, tensions have escalated between the Israeli military and the Lebanese Hezbollah, foreshadowing a possible new war, adding to the current conflicts, following explosions that targeted Hezbollah’s communication equipment, causing dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. Among the casualties were prominent military leaders, including Ibrahim Aqil, the second-in-command of Hezbollah, following his rise after the killing of leader Fouad Shokr. This escalation has signaled an imminent war between Hezbollah and Israel.
The “Axios” website reported from an Israeli official that Tel Aviv “has come to the conclusion that it cannot reach a diplomatic solution to the situation on the northern border without military escalation.” He added: “That’s why we’ve gradually started removing our gloves and increasing our attacks against Hezbollah.”
This year’s celebration, under the theme “Together for Sustainable Peace,” emphasizes the importance of global efforts to achieve lasting and comprehensive peace.
The purpose of this day is to promote the values of peace and non-violence worldwide, reminding nations and peoples of the importance of ending conflicts and striving for peaceful solutions to international issues.
It also serves as an opportunity for the UN, NGOs, and civil society to launch initiatives and programs that advocate for peacebuilding, justice, and mutual respect among peoples.
Since its establishment by the UN in 1981, the International Day of Peace has become an annual opportunity to remind nations and governments of the importance of collective efforts towards a safer and more stable world.
Intensive Efforts from the UAE
According to the UAE news agency, this year’s celebration coincides with the UAE’s advancement by 31 places in the Global Peace Index, published last June by the Institute for Economics and Peace in Sydney.
The UAE reaffirmed its firm commitment to promoting peace and justice and safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people, supporting the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state, according to the agency.
At the same time, they welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly last Wednesday of a resolution calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories within a year.
Regarding the war in Gaza, the American newspaper “Wall Street Journal” reported on Friday that U.S. officials currently believe that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement is unlikely before President Joe Biden leaves office in January.
Political Solution in Yemen
According to the official news agency, the UAE supported all peace initiatives in Sudan and pledged, on April 17th, to provide $100 million in support of humanitarian efforts in Sudan and neighboring countries.
In September, the UAE launched new humanitarian initiatives in Chad, providing a contribution of $10.25 million to the UN to support Sudanese refugee women affected by the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
Moreover, on July 25th, the UAE welcomed the statement by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen regarding the agreement reached between Yemeni parties on air routes and the banking sector, considering it a positive step towards a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security and stability.
This year, the UAE’s mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine resulted in eight prisoner exchanges, with the total number of exchanged prisoners reaching 1,994.
