The assassination of key figures such as Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, and Hassan Nasrallah of Hezbollah, raises significant questions about Israel’s strategic calculations and the broader implications for regional stability.
Assassinations in the Middle East have historically been employed as tactics to eliminate perceived threats. In this case, both Haniyeh and Nasrallah are pivotal figures in organisations that oppose Israel and were engaged in armed conflicts with it.
Their removal could be seen as a tactical victory for Israel; however, it is essential to consider the potential backlash that could ensue. The Sultanate of Oman — its leadership, government, and people — believes in using legitimate and peaceful means to resolve conflicts and issues.
Addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, said, “Accordingly, Oman calls for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, and the Red Sea region. We emphasise the need to address the root causes of these conflicts by ending the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and achieving justice for the Palestinian people, based on a two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the 1967 borders."
Moreover, Oman stresses the necessity of granting Palestine full membership in the United Nations and ending the genocidal policies carried out by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, alleviating the humanitarian suffering they endure.
“We believe in the importance of intensifying efforts to de-escalate tensions, reduce conflict, and prevent bloodshed by adhering to dialogue, the rules of international law, the United Nations Charter, and international resolutions, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and non-interference in their internal affairs ensures that all nations and peoples can live in peace, security, and dignity," Sayyid Badr said.
The assassination of prominent leaders often leads to retaliatory actions from their respective organisations. For instance, Hamas and Hezbollah may respond with increased rocket attacks or other forms of retaliation against Israeli targets. This cycle can perpetuate a state of conflict that destabilises neighbouring countries.
The killing of influential leaders will potentially expand the conflict beyond traditional borders.
Such actions can also alter regional dynamics by pushing previously neutral or ambivalent states into opposition against Israel. Some countries may increase their support for Hezbollah and Hamas in response to perceived aggression from Israel, further complicating diplomatic relations in the region.
The international community often reacts strongly to targeted killings that violate sovereignty or escalate conflicts. Nations may call for sanctions on Israel.
While eliminating key figures like Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh might appear beneficial from a tactical standpoint for Israel, but the broader implications suggest that such actions could lead to increased instability in the region.
The potential for escalation in violence, shift in regional alliances, international backlash, and internal divisions all point towards a precarious future should these assassinations occur.
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