Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 26: In a recent interview, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasized the necessity for global leaders and political parties to advocate for a balanced approach to Middle East peace efforts. He highlighted the importance of recognizing Israel's right to self-determination alongside Palestinian rights and condemned the actions of terrorist organizations like Hamas.
Ambassador Azar stated that Israel is open to negotiating a peace deal with Palestinians who are willing to coexist peacefully and acknowledge Israel's sovereignty. However, he criticized those who solely champion Palestinian rights without acknowledging Israel's rights and who employ illegitimate means to achieve their objectives. He called for such approaches to be unequivocally rejected.
Addressing the role of media, Ambassador Azar expressed concern over certain networks in the Middle East and the West that, according to him, disseminate propaganda favoring radical Islamist groups. He pointed out that some media outlets promote violence against non-Muslims and that biased reporting often stems from journalists with ideological leanings or affiliations with groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. He emphasized the need for accurate and unbiased journalism to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The Ambassador also discussed the challenges of deradicalizing societies, particularly in areas like the Gaza Strip, where he claims Hamas has been indoctrinating youth with extremist ideologies. He stressed the importance of educational reforms to promote peace and coexistence, stating that without changes in the education system, future prospects for peace remain bleak.
In summary, Ambassador Azar called for a unified global stance against terrorism and radicalization, urging leaders and media outlets to support balanced narratives that recognize the rights and aspirations of all parties involved in the Middle East conflict.