Sri Lanka, Jan. 30 -- The Israel-Hamas War has spilled onto the global stage. Political polarization has deepened far from the conflict. The global economy-including oil and food prices-faces disruption. The longer the war endures, the greater the dangers become.A proposed armistice and hostages and prisoners exchange to end the Israel-Hamas war was agreed to by Israel and Hamas on 15 January 2025, and came into effect on 19 January. The long-awaited ceasefire comes into effect, pausing a devastating 15-month war in the Palestinian enclave.It has accelerated trends such as the growth of far-right movements and anti-immigrant sentiment.

It has been 15 months since Israel began its war against Palestinians in Gaza. That's more than 15 mont...