Author(s): Dr. Sushil Kumar and Dr. Sandhya Rani
Paper Details: Volume 4, Issue 5
Citation: IJLSSS 4(5) 05
Page No: 50 – 68
ABSTRACT
The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) was an agreement to end the 30 Years War (1618-1648), but this agreement could not last for long. After this, World War-I (1914-1919) took place, and the League of Nations(10 Jan,1920) was created, it’s aim was to establish world peace, but it failed to fulfil its objectives, which led to World War II(1939-1945). After this war, the United Nations was born, which is still functioning properly, and its main objective is to maintain international peace and security, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, to establish friendly relations between all countries, and to respect the sovereignty of those countries (Preamble of Charter of UN’s). The United Nations has six main organs to fulfil these objectives (Article 7 of the UN’s Charter). For example, establishing and maintaining international peace is the function of the Security Council, and securing the fundamental rights is the function of the Economic and Social Council. But in the present times, whether the United Nations has succeeded or failed in fulfilling its objectives can be known from the conflicts going on in the world at present, such as the war in Russia, Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, and Iran. In this article, the authors try to explore the reasons behind the Israel-Gaza and Iran wars and its effect (political, economic and social), the role of the United Nations in it, and whether the United Nations is able to fulfil its objective or not.
Keyword- conflict, human right, peace, security, Sovereignty and United Nations
INTRODUCTION
War is not a product of today’s time; it has happened since ancient times. Earlier, tribes used to fight among themselves for the expansion of territory and wealth. In contrast, in the medieval period, kings used to fight among themselves to expand their kingdoms. Wars as such used to cause a considerable amount of damage to humanity, and along with humanity, the properties associated with them also suffered loss of contact. Few reasons for this destruction can be the expansion of rule, territorial expansion, expansion of power, etc.
Wars keep happening in the world, causing the humanity to suffer which which ends one or another agreement and when these agreements get violated, a more terrifying war arises. Since the Renaissance period, wars have started being fought based on intelligence. After the Renaissance, a dispute arose between the Church and the Protestants. Martin Luther King was the leader of the Protestant Reformation, who opposed Catholicism and came to be known as a Protestant. The Church considered itself supreme, while the king considered himself supreme. The conflict between these two started increasing, and a situation like a war started arising between them under the guise of freedom of religion. To end this dispute, the Peace of Augsburg was signed in 1555 AD, in which freedom of religion was vested in the king. The king could follow any religion, according to him. He had the freedom to do so. When the king started imposing the religion of his choice in his kingdom, opposition started arising among his subjects, and due to this opposition, a dispute arose between the Protestant and Catholic Churches. This dispute lasted from 1618 to 1648, during which a large number of human beings were killed and a large amount of rice was lost. It was destroyed. When the world’s scholars thought about it, they found that no result could resolve this war. Then, in 1648 AD, the Great Patriotic War was fought between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestants.[1] In this, every person was free to practice the religion of their choice. Sovereignty and geographical boundaries were defined. Together, all the states would take action against anyone who violates it. All these things were discussed in this treaty, but later, Napoleon emerged and adopted the expansion policy of acquiring more territory. Because of this policy, much of the world’s unity and wealth was destroyed, so Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.[2]
After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Congress of Vienna was organized by the Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich to restore political stability and peace in Europe. Its main objectives were to undo the changes made by Napoleon, establish a balance of power among European nations to prevent future conflicts, and restore legitimate monarchs to their thrones under the principle of legitimacy. Through this Congress, the territories which had been captured by Napoleon were returned, and it came to be known as the Restoration of the Boundary. This Congress postponed the war for almost 100 years.[3] Due to the violation of the policies of this Congress, the First World War took place from 1914 to 1919. In this war, a large number of human beings were destroyed, and a large portion of the economy was also destroyed. To deal with all this, all the countries of the world started searching for peace and started finding ways to establish peace. To establish peace, the Peace of Versailles was signed in 1919 in Versailles, France, under which the League of Nations was formed. It came into existence on 10 January 1920.[4] The League of Nations aimed to establish peace in the world, but it did not successfully fulfil its objectives, leading to the Second World War, which lasted from 1939 to 1945. This world war was fought in a modern way, in which the Atomic bomb was also used, resulting in the destruction of a large number of human beings and a large amount of wealth, etc.. Learning from this destruction, people made a plan to establish peace through strict policies and brotherhood among themselves. Under this plan, the San Francisco Conference was held in San Francisco, California, from April 25 to June 26, 1945, to draft the United Nations Charter. Representatives from 50 Allied nations met to establish a new world security organization, resulting in the United Nations Charter and the Statutes of the International Court of Justice, which were signed on June 26, 1945, and officially entered into force on October 24, 1945. It is trying to establish peace in the world through its various organs under Article 7 of UN Charter, like the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Economic Council, the International Court of Justice, etc. Despite the efforts of the United Nations, small wars kept happening in the world, in which humanity kept getting harmed. Examples of this are the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Rwanda Conflict, the Israel-Iran Conflict, the Israel-Gaza Conflict, and the India-Pakistan Conflict. There are some list given beloved related to world conflict/war-
Source of Data[5]
CONFLICT BTW ISRAEL GAZA AND IRAN
Image source: UVA Today
Conflict between Israel, Gaza and Iran is complex combination of interests from countries across the region and around the world. Solving it is difficult, but possible.
ISRAEL-GAZA CAUSE
The causes of Israel-Gaza war are rooted in complex history of conflict between Israel and Palestine. Israelis and Palestinians have competing claim for same land. Both consider same land as their homeland. Israel was established in 1948 on the erstwhile Palestinian land. This resulted in massive displacement of Palestinians causing resentment among them. This Palestinian issue caused rift between Arab world and Israel. Countries like Syria, Egypt etc. had united in past against Israel to recover land occupied by Israel. This had resulted in many wars between Israel and Arab world. In 1956, Israel occupied Gaza during Suez Canal crisis. However, later it withdrew from Gaza. Again, during Six Day War in 1967, which was fought between Egypt, Jordan and Syria on one side and Israel on the other side, Israel occupied Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula. This not only disturbed the peace in the region but also set the ground for future wars between Israel and Arab world.
Egypt and Syria again united in 1973 to wage war against Israel. Yom Kippur War, as it came to be known, was aimed at recovering the territories lost during six Day War. Egypt wanted to secure its position in eastern bank of the Suez Canal and use it to negotiate the return of Sinai Peninsula. Ultimately, with support of United States, Israel won this war.[6] Continuous wars between Israel and Arab world didn’t yield any results in favour of Palestinians. This led to frustrations among general public of West Bank and Gaza. This prompted Palestinian people to wage war against Israel. In this backdrop, a militant group named as Hamas was founded in 1987 to resist Israelis from occupying Palestinian Territories. First popular uprising, which came to be known as First intifada, was started in 1987 against the Israel’s attempt for settlement in West Bank and Gaza strips. With this, upcoming conflicts in later years were to be led by Hamas. Hamas does not recognise Israel’s right to exist. On the other hand, Israel treats Hamas as a terrorist organisation and aims to eliminate it completely. This has resulted in frequent violent armed conflict between Hamas and Israel.
There is a religious angle too in this conflict. Jerusalem is sacred to Jews, Muslims as well as christians. Therefore, neither Israelis nor Palestinians are ready to compromise for this sacred land. This has further fuelled conflict and war between Israelis and Palestinians. Various attempts at peace processes like Oslo Accords, Camp David etc. have failed to yield results. There is lack of consensus over two states solution. Palestinians especially Hamas in Gaza want complete control of whole area by eliminating Israel from the region. On the other hand, Israel keeps encroaching in the areas of Gaza as well as West Bank through resettlement and construction of residential colonies. There are several regional and global geopolitical factors that are fuelling this conflict rather than leading to serious attempts to resolve the stalemate. For instance, western world especially United States of America supports the cause of Israel and, at various occasions, has tried to veto resolutions against Israel at UN. This has emboldened Israel to continue its expansionist policy in West Bank and Gaza with impunity.
The recent conflict between Gaza and Israel has its root in historical grievances of Palestinians. However, the immediate trigger was the sudden attack conducted by Hamas on Israel on 7th October, 2023. This incident garnered world support for Israel’s military action against Hamas in Gaza. Israel unleashed a massive attack on Hamas in Gaza which is still continuing. This has prompted support for Hamas from various allied groups. For instance, Hezbollah, a militant group, has attacked Israel from Lebanon. Similarly, Houthi rebels in Oman have tried to unleash a war against Israel. This has led to destabilisation of the whole west Asia region.[7]
ISRAEL- IRAN
The Israel–Iran conflict is a decade old rivalry that combines regional power competition, ideology, proxy warfare, nuclear stand-off, covert actions (assassinations & sabotage), cyber-attacks, and periodic direct strikes. It is not a single continuous war but a “continuing confrontation” that sometimes flares into open exchanges. Conflict has its root in Iranian revolution of 1979 when it removed the Shah regime and established an anti-Zionist regime in Tehran. Opposition to Israel became a key element of Tehran’s foreign policy. It set the foundation for upcoming rivalries between Israel and Iran. Israel considers nuclear capable Iran as an existential threat for it. This is one of the reasons why Israel keeps attacking Iran on several occasions. It tried to install Stuxnet malware to destroy Iran’s Natanz centrifuges in 2010. Later, United States of America and Israel tried to curtail nuclear program of Iran through the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. However, later the USA withdrew from Iran nuclear deal in 2018. This led to resumption of Iran’s nuclear program which increased tension between Israel and Iran. Israel devised another means to slow down nuclear program of Iran and ultimately destroy it completely. It tried to target the nuclear facilities as well as nuclear scientists to destroy nuclear capabilities of Iran. For instance, Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a key Iranian nuclear scientist, in 2020 which was a major setback for Iran’s nuclear program. Another reason for conflict is competition between Israel and Iran to dominate the west Asian region through power projection. Iran uses its political partners and allied militias to project its power in the Middle East region. For example, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Oman, and various armed groups in Iraq and Syria are Iran supported militia groups. Iran supplies arms and ammunition to these groups through which they attack Israel. Israel considers arms flows to these proxies as a direct threat to its national security.
Recent conflict between Israel and Iran is a manifestation of mistrust between these two nations and their conflicting ambitions. It is also an extension of Israel Gaza war which started in October 2023. Various proxies of Iran like Hezbollah, Hamas as well as Houthi rebels have attacked Israel. This has widened the rift between Iran and Israel resulting in direct conflict between these two countries. In April 2024, Israel attacked on various Iranian establishments in Syria. This strike killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel and destroyed various Iranian facilities. Israel also tried to cut off arms supply chain in Syria and Iraq so as to prevent access to arms and ammunitions to Iran backed proxy groups. Tehran called it an attack on sovereign Iranian facilities and publicly vowed retaliation. This episode marked an intensification of conflict between Iran and Israel. In response, Iran and various militia groups like Houthis launched numerous drone and missile attack on Israel.[8] Houthis have also targeted Israel linked ships in Red Sea leading to security threat in maritime domain as well. In 2025, the UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA, raised concerns over Iran’s breach of obligations under Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is an international treaty adopted in 1968 to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and further the goal of nuclear disarmament. This episode had alarmed Israel as nuclear capable Iran is a threat to national security of Israel. Even western nations like USA are concerned over this development as this will reduce dominance of USA in Middle East region. It will not only reduce dominance of USA and its allies like Israel in the region but also pose a threat to energy security which is important for the progress of a nation. In this backdrop, Israel had tried to attack nuclear installations of Iran through drones as well as missiles. USA supplied various arms and ammunitions to Israel so as to support its efforts against Iran. Ideological differences have further intensified this conflict between Israel and Iran. Iran wants to expand Shia Islamist regime across the region. However, Israel considers it as a religious terrorism. Isreal wants to protect Jews religion and culture. Religious conflict is not only between Israel and Iran but also between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia is leader of Sunni religious sect. On the other hand, Iran is representative of Shia sect. These two sects want to establish their dominance in the region leading to frequent conflicts between them. Various Arab countries are divided on Palestinian cause. For instance, countries like UAE and Qatar have normalised their ties with Israel through Abraham Accord. This has strengthened position of Israel against Iran. Now the religious alignment has weakened leading to isolation of Iran in the region. On the top it, sanctions by USA has further brought hardship for Iran.
Having discussed the causes of the Israel-Gaza conflict as well as Israel-Iran conflict, let us explore the multidimensional effects of such conflicts.
EFFECT TO CONFLICT BTW ISRAEL GAZA AND IRAN
EFFECT OF HUMAN BEING
The humanitarian disaster of the Israel-Gaza war is one of the very worst modern examples of human misery: massive civilian deaths, hunger and a destruction of daily life. By September 2025, Gaza’s Health Ministry had counted more than 64,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023.[9] Of those, children and women are in the majority. According to UNICEF, 18,000 children have died; estimates by Save the Children put the number as high as 20,000 — about two percent of all the children in Gaza. Even Israeli intelligence statistics account for only 17 percent of the murdered -combatants, so over 80 percept are civilians.[10] These numbers lay bare the extent of violations of the rules of war that are supposed to shield civilian life, and it’s not just the death. More than 162,000 have been injured, some with permanent disabilities like amputations or severe burns. Over 22,000 need long-term rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health system has crumbled: 94 percent of hospitals and 97 percent of schools have been damaged. Even injuries that are easily curable kill when there is scant medicine, electricity or surgical equipment. So instead of education and care, children and their families are left to physically heal with no routine that is effective for aiding recovery.
Displacement is another major tragedy. Some 1.9 million people — nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s population — have been forced out of their homes, some multiple times. Families are living in cramped shelters with no clean water, sanitation or electricity. This relentless turnover severs social relationships, depletes savings and leaves people relying nearly entirely on aid. It also creates long-term trauma and instability that will be felt by generations to come.[11]
In addition to this, famine has been officially declared. More than 500,000 people are experiencing starvation, and another 1.1 million are in extreme hunger. More than 400 people, including 134 children, have already starved to death.[12] But in stark contrast to natural famines, this one is being driven by military tactics including blockades and a breakdown of the economy that has deprived hungry people of access to food — all in addition to the relentless fighting that killed tens of thousands and disrupted their ability to grow some crops. Withholding of food and basic needs in this way is a form of collective punishment under international law.
The psychological impact is equally devastating. Children are growing up with constant fear, grief, and trauma from losing family members and living in a war zone. Many are showing signs of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. These issues will affect their education, social lives, and future potential. Along with physical injuries and hunger, this means Gaza’s younger generation is being robbed of safety now and hope for the future.
POLITICAL EFFECT
The Israel-Gaza war has led to significant changes in politics, both in Israel and among Palestinians, while also reshaping regional and global dynamics.
In Israel, the war has temporarily increased the government’s power, especially for far-right groups that backed a strong military response and rejected peace talks. However, failures in intelligence and security, along with the humanitarian crisis, have sparked large protests, legal cases, and rifts among leaders. This situation makes the government stronger due to emergency powers but weaker because people at home and abroad are losing trust in it. Consequently, Israeli politics have become more unstable, raising the likelihood of new elections, leadership changes, or legal disputes over decisions made during the war.
For Palestinians, the war has weakened formal governance and changed how legitimacy is perceived. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank has lost even more credibility, with many viewing it as powerless and complicit with Israel. Although Hamas has lost leaders and fighters, it gained symbolic support in some communities for resisting Israel. Yet in Gaza, Hamas’ structures are severely damaged, and no alternative authority has emerged. This situation creates a power vacuum, with local factions and no clear path to reconstruction or political resolution.[13]
In the broader Arab region, the war has impacted diplomacy. Some governments still maintain trade and security ties with Israel, but public opinion in Arab countries strongly opposes normalization. Leaders are feeling pressure from their populations and civil society, which leads them to limit political engagement and keep relations more secretive and transactional. Meanwhile, Iran and its allied groups have used the crisis to boost their influence and revive the “resistance” narrative, heightening the risk of proxy wars.
Globally, the war has caused international politics to become more divided. The U.S. has strongly supported Israel, but this has hurt its standing in the Global South and even in parts of Europe. Other powers, such as China, Russia, and some regional players, now position themselves as alternative mediators. Europe is also divided—some countries call for sanctions, while others continue to cooperate with Israel. Institutions like the UN and ICC have become less effective due to a lack of a unified international response.
If a full-scale war broke out between Israel and Iran, these effects would become even more pronounced. Both countries would likely see hardline governments grow stronger and emergency powers extended, while facing long-term challenges like economic issues in Iran and casualties along with political dissent in Israel. In Iran, a war might initially boost national unity but could worsen economic problems, potentially leading to unrest later.
At the regional level, such a war could involve many other groups and countries, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Syria and Iraq, leading to a multi-front conflict. This would disrupt current crisis-management systems and likely push Gulf states to prioritize defense and militarization over cooperation with Israel.
On a global scale, a war between Israel and Iran would disrupt oil and trade routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. This would drive up energy prices, impact shipping, and unsettle financial markets, leading to inflation and economic strain in many countries. Governments around the world would face pressure to react, whether by supporting one side, imposing sanctions, or attempting to mediate. A large conflict could negatively affect global GDP and create political challenges for leaders everywhere, influencing elections and alliances.
SOCIAL EFFECT
The Israel-Gaza war has created serious social issues for Palestinians. Along with the high number of civilian deaths, displacement has shattered communities. By mid-2025, nearly 90% of people in Gaza had been forced to leave their homes at least once.[14] This ongoing movement has severed family connections, weakened traditional support systems, and eroded trust within society. Overcrowded shelters have created new inequalities, where survival often hinges on age, gender, or access to aid. People now compete for food, water, and medicine, replacing solidarity with a struggle for survival.
The war has also caused significant long-term challenges for children, who make up almost half of Gaza’s population. Many have lost parents or siblings and are living through constant bombing and hunger. Consequently, cases of trauma, depression, and anxiety are widespread. This raises concerns about an entire generation growing up with lasting psychological scars. The destruction of nearly all schools (97%) exacerbates this issue, as children are not only missing out on education but also losing the normal routines that schools provide. This situation means the suffering will carry on through generations and hinder future development.[15]
Israeli society has also felt a strong impact, though in different ways. The shock of the October 2023 attacks and the ongoing war has left many feeling constantly unsafe.[16] This has intensified negative attitudes towards Palestinians and limited the space for peace initiatives. Families of hostages and soldiers killed in the conflict have become influential voices in society. Some challenge government policies, while others advocate for stricter security measures. This has created divides within Israel, splitting society between those who demand maximum security and those who still hope for negotiations.
In both Israeli and Palestinian societies, the war has widened divides, strengthened group identities, and made reconciliation increasingly hard. A full-scale war between Israel and Iran would lead to enormous social issues, not just in those two countries but throughout the Middle East.
In Iran, many people would likely be forced to leave their homes, especially in cities near military targets. This would add to the suffering of a population already facing sanctions and high prices. Women and children would bear the brunt, dealing with food shortages, heavy caregiving roles, and limited freedom of movement. Initially, people might come together out of patriotism, but as the conflict drags on, anger and mistrust toward the government would increase. Social tensions would rise among different generations, classes, and minority groups like Kurds, Baluchis, and Arabs. In Israel, a war with Iran would introduce more militarization into daily life, extending military service and increasing burdens on citizens. It would also heighten tensions between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities over sharing the costs of war. While moments of unity might emerge, long-term casualties, economic pressures, and fear would fuel frustration and deepen divisions among political and social groups. Large-scale displacement from missile strikes on Israeli cities would create new trauma, reshaping national identity and memory.
In the larger region, millions of refugees could flee into nearby countries, similar to what happened during the Syrian civil war. This would put pressure on the politics, jobs, and social stability of host societies. Sectarian divisions between Sunnis and Shias would sharpen, inciting unrest in already unstable states like Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. Across borders, solidarity movements and diaspora communities would mobilize, but this could also feed cycles of radicalization and counter-radicalization.
On a global scale, such a war would likely heighten both Islamophobia and Antisemitism, increasing divisions in multicultural societies and polarizing communities far beyond the Middle East.
ECONOMIC EFFECT
The Israel-Gaza war has nearly destroyed the Palestinian economy. Even before October 2023, Gaza’s economy struggled due to a 16-year blockade and lack of development. Since the war, it has almost collapsed. By early 2025, the World Bank reported that Gaza’s economy had shrunk by over 80 percent. Most businesses and industries shut down due to damage to power, roads, and markets. Around 90 percent of the people have been displaced, leaving almost no workforce. With 97 percent of schools and 94 percent of hospitals destroyed, education and healthcare have also stopped, cutting off future growth opportunities[17]. Farming, which used to provide some food and jobs, has been devastated by bombings of farmland, water pipes, and greenhouses. This has caused food shortages and loss of rural incomes. As a result, Gaza now relies almost completely on outside aid, with little hope for recovery without a major rebuilding plan.
The West Bank is also experiencing economic troubles, though they are less severe than those in Gaza. Movement restrictions, increasing settler violence, and fewer job opportunities in Israel have driven unemployment above 40 percent in some areas.[18] The Palestinian Authority, which depends on tax revenues collected by Israel, is nearing financial collapse because Israel has blocked these funds. This situation has left government workers and security staff unpaid, weakening the PA and raising public frustration.
Israel also faces significant economic challenges. Prolonged military operations had cost more than $60 billion by late 2024[19], straining the national budget and reducing resources for civilian needs. Tourism, construction, and even high-tech industries have slowed due to reputational damage abroad and the call-up of army reservists. GDP growth fell to about 1 percent in 2024, down from a 3 percent forecast before the war.[20] While defense spending has temporarily boosted some industries, risks like capital leaving the country, fewer foreign investments, and weaker credit ratings threaten Israel’s long-term economy. Overall, the war has directed Israel toward a more military-focused economy, which could increase inequality and reduce competitiveness in the future.
A war between Israel and Iran would have far-reaching effects, impacting not just the two countries but also the world economy. One major risk would be at the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway where about 20 percent of the world’s oil is shipped. If it were blocked or attacked, oil prices could rise to over $150 a barrel. This would increase the cost of living everywhere, cause inflation, and potentially push many countries into recession.[21] Trade, shipping, and financial markets would all be disrupted. Iran would suffer the most damage. Already under heavy sanctions, its economy could collapse if oil fields and transport routes were attacked. The value of its currency, the rial, could plummet, leading to extreme inflation. Industries might stop operating, unemployment could exceed 40 percent in some areas, and shortages of basic goods could become severe. While the government might initially unite the population through nationalism, the resulting hardships would lead to unrest, especially in poorer regions.
Israel would also bear significant costs. It would require extensive spending on its military, missile defense, and repairing damage to ports and energy sites. Because Israel’s economy is highly integrated with the world market, ongoing instability might drive away investors and skilled workers. Trade with Europe and Asia could decline if shipping in the eastern Mediterranean became too risky and insurance costs rose.
Other countries in the region would feel the impact as well. Oil-rich Gulf states might benefit initially from higher oil prices, but instability in shipping, refugee flows, and anxious investors would negatively affect them. Fragile economies like Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria could face total collapse, while Egypt and Jordan would encounter increasing debt, unrest, and fewer tourists.
On a global scale, Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea-that rely heavily on Gulf oil-would experience the greatest challenges. They would need to quickly find alternative energy suppliers, which would be costly. Western economies, although somewhat shielded by North American oil, would still confront inflation and political tensions.
In summary, unlike the Israel-Gaza war, which is mostly regional, a conflict between Israel and Iran could trigger a worldwide economic crisis, destabilizing energy markets and causing lasting problems across the globe.
ROLE OF UN AND ITS ORGANS TO PREVENT ISRAEL GAZA WAR AND ISRAEL IRAN CONFLICT
The United Nations was established to promote global peace and security. However, its influence in ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, especially the Israel-Gaza war and the strained relationship between Israel and Iran, has been quite limited. Although the UN has plans for peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance, political divisions and power struggles, particularly within the Security Council, greatly reduce its effectiveness.[22]
The UN Security Council is the primary body responsible for decisions related to peace and security. It can pass binding resolutions, impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, and call for ceasefires. In practice, though, powerful members often use their veto power to block actions. For instance, efforts to pass strong resolutions for a ceasefire or accountability for violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza have frequently failed because the United States has vetoed these moves, claiming they unfairly target Israel. As a result, only weaker, non-binding statements have been made, lacking real impact. Similarly, the Council has spent a lot of time sanctioning Iran for its nuclear program while mostly ignoring Israel’s undeclared nuclear capabilities. This uneven treatment undermines the Council’s credibility and stops it from functioning as a fair and neutral body.[23]
The UN General Assembly, in contrast to the Security Council, cannot pass legally binding decisions, but it serves as an important platform for discussion and moral persuasion. Regarding the Gaza conflict, the General Assembly has passed numerous resolutions that support Palestinian self-determination, condemn heavy civilian casualties, and call for civilian protection. While these resolutions lack enforcement power, they help shape global opinion and contribute to the establishment of international legal standards. In terms of tensions between Israel and Iran, the General Assembly has occasionally acted as a platform for diplomatic signaling, though its impact on preventing conflict remains limited.
The International Court of Justice has also become a space where Israel’s and Iran’s policies are debated. The Court has issued opinions on Israel’s separation wall and is currently looking into genocide claims related to Gaza. In Iran’s case, it has addressed issues concerning sanctions and treaty obligations. The ICJ’s rulings carry significant moral and legal weight, but their effectiveness depends on state compliance. Since enforcement mechanisms are weak, the Court’s ability to prevent escalation is limited. [24]
The UN Human Rights Council plays a crucial role in documenting human rights violations. In Gaza, it has conducted inquiries and missions to investigate civilian deaths, displacement, and discrimination. However, Israel often refuses to cooperate, citing bias, which hinders these investigations. Regarding Iran, the Council mainly addresses domestic human rights issues rather than its military actions in the region, limiting its influence in the conflict with Israel.
UN agencies offer a direct and visible form of assistance. In Gaza, organizations like UNRWA, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and OCHA provide food, shelter, education, and healthcare to displaced individuals. These efforts are critical for sustaining communities in times of war, but these agencies face constant challenges such as funding shortages, political pressure, and restricted access. In the case of Israel-Iran relations, since the situation has not escalated into direct conflict, humanitarian agencies have had less involvement.
These limitations highlight deeper structural issues within the UN system. The Security Council often becomes paralyzed by great-power rivalries, international rulings are frequently ignored when they are politically inconvenient, and humanitarian agencies work with inadequate resources. Preventive diplomacy, which should be one of the Secretary-General’s most effective tools, seldom receives the opportunity to operate successfully because member states generally do not allow the UN to take a more active role in mediation.
In conclusion, the UN’s involvement in the Israel-Gaza war and the Israel-Iran conflict illustrates a significant gap between its ideals and actual effectiveness. It has provided vital humanitarian assistance, established legal frameworks, and maintained international discussions, yet it has not been able to stop wars or create lasting peace. Without major reforms—like reducing the veto power, enhancing the Secretary-General’s role in mediation, and providing better support for humanitarian agencies—the UN will continue to be more reactive than proactive. It will keep condemning violence and delivering aid but remain incapable of fulfilling its founding mission of protecting future generations from war.[25]
CONCLUSION
The war between Israel and Gaza, and tensions between Israel and Iran are decades old. It has not only increased instability in the region but also led to loss of lives and properties. Today, this region performs poorly on the human development index. The low level of human development has reinforced poverty among the population. People are starving due to lack of food and water. Such populations are vulnerable to disease and epidemics. The case in point is the corona pandemic. In the backdrop of poor health facilities and weak immunity, people of Palestine and of Iran suffered a lot. War not only weakens a nation internally but also makes it susceptible to external aggression from other states and non-state actors. Today, the shattered economy of Iran is unable to defend itself from the sanctions of the United States of America. Even from an ethical point of view, war and aggression are blot on humanity. They disregard the concept of humanity as an end in itself. This is so because war has its root in the narrow concept of nationalism which prioritizes its population to the extent of neglecting people of other states. Most of the time war is result of political exigencies whose main motive is to harness political dividend at home, and overall gain is minuscule. History has shown us that war always leads to devastation and miseries. From battle of Mahabharata to World War II, victors though won the war but at the cost of humongous loss of lives and properties. After World War II, Britain won the war but lost its glory as it was reeling under heavy debt. In this backdrop, the USA replaced Britain as a world leader. Taking learnings from past experiences, countries must understand that war can’t be the way out for any issue. It must be resolved through peaceful means like dialogues and negotiation. For example, a two nation solution under the ambit of the United Nations for the Israel Palestine war can be the way forward. As various leaders of the world, including the prime minister of India have asserted that this century is not of “yudha” but of “Buddha”. So, only peaceful means can ensure long lasting peace in the region. It will not only stabilise the region but also result in a prosperous Middle East which, in turn, will lead to World peace.
[1] Matthew Rowley and Marietta van der Tol, The Peace of Augsburg(1555), I 261-263 (2004), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380232496_The_Peace_of_Augsburg_1555 ( visited Sept 20, 2025)
[2] Benjamin Straumann, The Peace Of Westphalia (1648) as a Secular Constitution, International Law and Justice Working Papers (July,2007), https://iilj.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Straumann-The-Peace-of-Westphalia-1648-as-a-Secular-Constitution-2007-2.pdf
[3] https://historyguild.org/the-congress-of-vienna/?srsltid=AfmBOoqDU8ulduopRFp92Y1dFYav7WfsvF68wbOUqYay0Y5mDM1IdDWr ( Sept., 20, 2025)
[4] Available at: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/league (Sept., 24, 2025).
[5] https://ourworldindata.org/war-and-peace(Visited on 22/10/2025)
[6]Douglas C Youvan, Israeli Wars with Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Labanon, Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, Sudan and Iran, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385214302_Israeli_Wars_With_Egypt_Jordan_Syria_Lebanon_Iraq_Tunisia_Palestine_Sudan_and_Iran (Sept., 12, 2025)
[7] Deepika Saraswat, Israel-Iran War: From Asymmetric Deterrence to Direct Military Confrontation, MP-IDSA (Aug., 7, 2025), https://www.idsa.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Issue-Brief-Dr-Deepika-Saraswat-07-August-2025.pdf.
[8] Luciano Zaccara, Iran: Continuity in Foreign Policy towards Israel after the War in Gaza, (Sept., 29, 2025, 10:00 am) https://www.iemed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Iran-Foreign-Policy-towars-Israel-Gaza-War-Zaccara_IEMedYearbook2024.pdf.
[9] https://www.cfr.org/event/humanitarian-crisis-gaza-1(visited on 09/10/2025
[10] Ibid(visited on 10/10/2025)
[11] The War on Gaza and Middle East Political Science, POMEPS STUDIES (April, 2024), https://pomeps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/POMEPS_Studies_51_Web-1.pdf, (Sept., 2, 2025).
[12] https://www.who.int/news/item/22-08-2025-famine-confirmed-for-first-time-in-gaza(visited on 22/12/2025)
[13] Lessons fom Israel’s Wars in Gaza, RAND CORPORATION, https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_briefs/RB9900/RB9975/RAND_RB9975.pdf, (Sept., 19, 2025).
[14] https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/11/14/hopeless-starving-and-besieged/israels-forced-displacement-palestinians-gaza(visited on 23/10/2025)
[15] Neta C. Crawford, The Human Toll of the Gaza War: Direct and Indirect Death from 7 October 2023 to 3 October 2025, https://costsofwar.watson.brown.edu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Human-Toll-in-Gaza_Costs-of-War_Crawford_7-October-2025.pdf (Aug., 27, 2025).
[16] https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15451.doc.htm(visited on 18/10/2025)
[17] The Israeli War on Gaza, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (Nov., 2014), https://www.oic-oci.org/upload/media/special_reports/en/gaza_special_report_nov_2014_en.pdf, ( Sept., 15, 2025) .
[18] https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Bulletin%20no.6-%20impact%20on%20the%20West%20Bank_0.pdf(visited on 12/10/2025)
[19] https://www.focus-economics.com/blog/economic-impact-israel-war(visited on 21/10/2025
[20] ibid
[21] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n6p09pzno(visited on 17/10/2025)
[22] https://www.un.org/en/situation-in-occupied-palestine-and-israel/history(visited on 14/10/2025)
[23] Afshan, The role of the United Nations for peace with special references to the Israel-Palestine Conflict, https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR1908012.pdf, 4:8, pg. 73-79, (Sept., 28, 2025).
[24] Noman Gul & Dr. Rubeena Batool, Role of United Nations in Conflict Resolution: A Case Study of Palestine Issue, https://www.uob.edu.pk/Journals/Balochistan-Review/data/BR%20Special%20Edition%20Vol%2044/324-335%20Role%20of%20United%20Nations%20in%20Conflict%20Resolution%20A%20Case%20Study%20of%20Palestine%20Issue,%20Noman%20Gul.pdf, 44, (Sept., 28, 2025).
[25] Nandini Agarwal, Decades of Strife: Unravelling the Current Dynamics of Israel -Palestine Conflict and the Role of UN, https://usiofindia.org/pdf/DecadesOfStrifeUnravellingTheCurrentDynamicsOfTheIsrael- PalestineConflictAndTheRoleOfTheUN.pdf, (Aug., 1, 2025).