A month after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel, where >1,400 people were killed & >240 taken hostage, the war in Gaza continues, with no end in sight. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been striking >400 targets in densely populated Gaza every day. >10,000 have been killed in Israeli strikes. Buildings have been destroyed. Escalation in conflict has been reported from West Bank. Medical infra in Gaza is strained.
IDF is advancing toward Gaza City after its forces cut the enclave into two by reaching the Mediterranean coast. “Essentially today there is a northern Gaza & a southern Gaza,” IDF spokesperson said. Israel will have the “overall security responsibility” in Gaza for an indefinite period after the war ends, said PM Netanyahu.
Israel opened an evacuation window for civilians on Sunday. As displaced residents flee to southern Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Power & communication blackouts affect residents, UN staff, aid agencies, and journalists.
Despite growing international pressure, Israel has refused “humanitarian pauses” to get aid to Gaza. Israel is unlikely to accede to request unless – freeing hostages, destruction of Hamas & dismantling the group’s infra.
Conflict may spill over. Hezbollah & Israel have exchanged fire over Israel’s northern border with casualties on both sides. Yemen’s Houthis have entered the war. Relation with Syria is tense. Saudi Arabia was exploring a rapprochement with Israel when Hamas struck leaving it in an awkward position. Popular support for Palestine in the Arab world remains high. Egypt & Jordan are worried about influx of Palestinians.
Last week Hasan Nasrullah, Chief of Hezbollah made a calibrated speech praising Hamas & warning of broader battle on Lebanese front. Hezbollah has not declared a war but is likely to keep IDF busy. Hamas wants Hezbollah to do more. Hezbollah and Iran might not want to escalate the war, but accidental escalation is still a concern.
Israel is counting on continued support from West. The U.S. has sent weapons & deployed aircraft carriers in Mediterranean. Support for Israel’s actions among partners may diminish as humanitarian crisis deepens & casualties rise.
Blinken met Israeli officials in Tel Aviv, key regional leaders & Turkey’s foreign minister as calls for ceasefire grew louder. Jordan has withdrawn its Ambassador. Relations with Turkiye are impacted. Iranians are engaging with Saudi & Emirati officials.
There is a need to bridge the gap between the Israeli position – no ceasefire unless all hostages are released & the Arab position that ceasefire is needed for humanitarian aid & exchange of hostages.
Cities across the globe have seen pro-Palestine protests. Information ops continues.
There appears to be little chance of KSA and Israel reproachment in near future. The relationship between the UAE and Arab nations will come under immense strain, changing the geopolitical landscape of Middle East for the next decade.
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Disclaimer: The article has reference to open sources including CNN, Al Jazeera, newspapers, and official press releases.
Image source: Yahya Hassouna | AFP | Getty Images
