Recent Developments in Conflict in the Middle East

Conflicts in the Middle East continue to experience complex dynamics, influenced by various political, social and economic factors. In recent months, tensions between Israel and Palestine have increased again, especially after the Hamas attack in October 2023. This conflict triggered a significant military response from Israel, which launched air strikes on Gaza. These attacks resulted in many civilian casualties and created a large wave of refugees.

On the other hand, Iran remains an important actor in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Its support for groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas adds complexity to the conflict. Iran seeks to strengthen its influence in the region and is often involved in direct and indirect confrontations with the US and its allies. The economic sanctions imposed on Iran still have the greatest impact on domestic stability, adding to the internal factors influencing their foreign policy.

In Iraq, the security situation is also worrying. The Islamic State group, despite major defeats in recent years, continues to carry out sporadic attacks, indicating that the threat of terrorism still exists. The Iraqi government struggles to maintain stability, while tensions between Shia and Sunni factions increase.

Lebanon faces a multidimensional crisis. A severe economic crisis, coupled with political tensions between various groups, makes the country increasingly vulnerable. Popular protests against the government have become commonplace, and discontent is growing among the population. The importance of international support for Lebanon is becoming clearer, especially considering its strategic role in the context of regional conflicts.

Developments in Syria also attracted attention. The civil war that has been going on for more than a decade is now starting to enter a new phase with the emergence of the Astana Negotiations. However, the conflict is far from over, with many areas controlled by various armed groups. Syrian refugees continue to be a pressing humanitarian issue, with millions of people lacking access to basic needs.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia appear to be trying to ease tensions in diplomatic relations in the region. Efforts to normalize relations with Israel represent a change in political paradigm. However, how this affects the balance of power in the region still needs to be looked at more deeply.

In the economic aspect, the global energy crisis, triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, has had a significant impact on oil-producing countries in the Middle East. Fluctuations in oil prices affect the economic resilience of these countries, which repeatedly depend on revenues from the oil sector.

Recent developments in the conflict in the Middle East show that the situation is highly unstable. With issues ranging from inconsistent peace plans to varying international support, the conflict is likely to continue. Reducing tensions requires continuous international cooperation and goodwill from all parties involved. The international community needs to play an active role in creating long-term solutions to achieve sustainable peace in this region.