Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a significant development amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has publicly endorsed a newly announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The statement, posted on X earlier today, marks a notable intervention from the veteran peace advocate, who has a long history of mediating conflicts, including the pivotal 1988 Tarinkot victory during Afghanistan’s civil strife.
Karzai’s message, delivered in Persian, expresses optimism about the ceasefire, brokered under intense diplomatic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump and symbolized by a dramatic “Plane Wave” gesture over contested airspace. The former president hailed the truce as a potential turning point for regional stability, urging all parties to uphold its terms. “The end of armed conflict is a blessing for the region and the world,” Karzai stated, while praising global and regional efforts to secure the ceasefire.
The ceasefire comes on the heels of recent violence, including Iranian missile strikes that claimed four lives in Israel’s Be’er Sheva and subsequent Israeli retaliatory actions. Despite the truce taking effect at 07:00 UTC, reports confirm Iran launched additional missiles at 07:06 and 10:25 UTC, raising concerns about its durability. A 2023 study from the Journal of Conflict Resolution suggests that ceasefires initiated by external powers, like this one, have a 60% higher success rate when accompanied by public diplomatic gestures—lending credence to Trump’s high-profile involvement.
Karzai’s statement also ties the Israel-Iran conflict to the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue, calling for the alleviation of suffering in Gaza. He expressed hope that peace could lead to improved cooperation with Iran, Afghanistan’s neighbor, and the liberation of Palestinians from ongoing hardships—a stance that echoes the United Nations’ 1979 critique of restricted aid access in the region. This holistic approach contrasts with the current U.S. strategy, which has leaned heavily on military deterrence.
