Yet another failed attempt at achieving peace in the Middle East

The recent tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel, have sparked concerns globally. Gao Wencheng, a commentary writer at China’s Xinhua News Agency, shared his personal experiences and insights on the matter. Having worked in Iran for over two years, Gao has a unique perspective on the situation.

The escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel reached a critical point when Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps launched missiles and drones at Israeli targets in retaliation for an earlier strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria. Gao, in communication with his Iranian colleague, expressed his willingness to return to Iran for reporting if the situation worsened. However, his colleague advised against it, hoping for a peaceful resolution.

During Gao’s time in Iran, a wave of reconciliation swept through the Middle East, bringing hope and optimism to the region. Notable events included the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China. This breakthrough was met with enthusiasm in Iran and marked a significant step towards regional stability.

Despite the positive developments, the region faced setbacks with the outbreak of a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The violence in Gaza resulted in thousands of deaths and further destabilized the region. The involvement of other groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen added to the complexity of the situation.

As tensions continued to escalate, China stepped in to urge restraint and calm among the involved parties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held discussions with counterparts from Iran and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further escalation. China’s diplomatic efforts aimed to prevent a cycle of retaliation and promote peace in the region.

However, the United States’ stance on the conflict has been a point of contention. Gao highlighted the influence of Jewish lobbying groups on U.S. Middle East policy, which often prioritizes support for Israel. Despite verbal commitments to peace, the U.S. has consistently backed Israel militarily and hindered efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In a recent move, the United States vetoed a draft resolution advocating for Palestine’s full membership in the UN, further complicating the situation. Gao emphasized the need for the U.S. to take responsibility for its role in the conflicts and work towards a peaceful resolution.

In conclusion, Gao Wencheng’s insights shed light on the complexities of the Middle East conflict and the role of major global players like China and the United States. As the region grapples with ongoing tensions, diplomatic efforts and international cooperation are crucial in restoring peace and stability.