This week, despite a UN Security Council resolution and considerable global pressure, Israel and Hamas still failed to agree on a ceasefire agreement. Armenia and Azerbaijan edge closer to a historic peace deal, while Kosovo marked 25 years without war, despite an imperfect peace.
Still no ceasefire in Gaza, despite global pressure
Despite weeks of negotiations, there is still no progress on finding a ceasefire to pause and then end the war in Gaza. An offer is on the table that was developed and proposed by Israel, which is nearly identical to an offer made by Hamas earlier this year. The Israeli unity government has fallen apart over a lack of postwar plans, while Qatar has put pressure on Hamas to accept a deal if its leaders want to remain in the country. The UN Security Council passed a resolution calling on both sides to adopt the current framework, with nearly every member voting in favor (Russia abstained). In recent talks in Qatar, Hamas apparently countered with demands that the US Secretary of State called “not workable”, although talks continue with the US, Egypt, and Qatar working as mediators. Israeli officials and politicians have also been lukewarm at best to the proposed deal, insisting that they believe Hamas can be defeated through military means and resisting any pressure to consider accepting a permanent end to the war. As Palestinian civilians continue to suffer, and the international community has found rare consensus on a ceasefire proposal, it is crucial that the fighting in Gaza ends. Israel’s recent hostage rescue operation in Gaza, which killed over 200 Palestinians, including many civilians, illustrated the need to stop the war, protect the Palestinains caught in the crossfire, and work towards a peaceful resolution of the wider conflict.
Armenia and Azerbaijan
Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to negotiate on the potential terms of what would be a historic peace deal. Since we reported on this issue a few weeks ago, a deal has still not been finalized, but, according to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a final agreement is close. Areas of disagreement remain, including Azerbaijan’s recent demand that Armenia change its constitution and frequent protests in Armenia against the deal and the handover of four border villages to Azerbaijan. Pashinyan’s optimism despite those obstacles is a positive sign, as is the ongoing direct dialogue between the two states. If a peace treaty can be negotiated, it could bring a new era of peace to the region and prevent further fighting between the two states. The two countries have been at odds for decades and fought several wars, but changing international dynamics and a shift in the regional balance of power have pushed Pashinyan to engage in peace talks. A final agreement would end one of the longest post-Soviet conflicts, and prevent another war.
25 years of peace in Kosovo
25 years ago this week, Serbia withdrew from Kosovo following a NATO bombing campaign, ending decades of repression and bringing a close to the brutal and destructive wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia. Since then, the Balkans have experienced decades of peace and economic growth, as most post-Yugoslav states have joined the European Union. While over 100 countries recognize Kosovo as an independent state, its acceptance into key international institutions including the UN, the EU, and NATO, remains blocked. Despite occasional outbreaks of violence and ongoing tension with Serbia, whose president, Alexander Vucic, has grown closer to Russia and made provocative statements about Kosovo and the Serb political entity that makes up Bosnia & Herzegovina. Kosovo’s international recognition is prevented by a small but powerful group of countries, most notably Russia and China, but also members of the EU and NATO including Spain and Greece. Regardless of its international status, the NATO intervention, and subsequent peacekeeping force, have ensured peace in Kosovo and the wider Balkans for decades. It is crucial that the existing peace be maintained, as peace in Europe appears increasingly fragile amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
