Gaza poses a significant threat to regional stability, potentially triggering a broader and more devastating conflict across the Middle East. The Israel-Hamas conflict has spread multiple times over past decades. The current conflict, Gaza has been the midpoint of intense military operations, when Israel has launched a sustained air campaign against Hamas, where the civilian got attacked. In response, Hamas has fired rockets more than thousands into Israeli territory, which resulted in attacks on civilians on the both sides, with the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorating rapidly. The growing conflict widened the confrontation involving other Middle East countries, particularly Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
Gaza Regional Powers to De-escalate the crisis
The situation in Lebanon, the militant group Hezbollah, is already in a state of economic and political turmoil. Hezbollah which is aligned with Iran, had a history of conflict with Israel, which leads immediate concern in the spreading conflict. In the past, confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have led to overwhelming wars, mostly notably in 2006.
Lebanon under the current tensions, another round of fight could have been the consequences, that struggling to recover from years. The aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port explosion ended in economic collapse, political paralysis and further wars. The US embassy in Beirut has urged its citizens to leave and cancelling flights to and from Lebanon, this impending crisis many Lebanon citizens and foreign nationals prepared to flee the country.
Iran challenges Israel’s Security
To extend the influence in the region and challenge Israel’s security, Tehran has supported Hamas, by providing the group with financial, military and political backup, but after the recent assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau, in Tehran, Iran made clear that it will not stand if the conflict continues to escalate. Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned to Israel to retaliate for any actions that threatened their allies.
Eventually Israel did not confirm their involvement. The incident has increased tensions, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mentioning the ‘Blood Vengeance’ against Israel, both Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the killing. However, threat that could larger the conflict potential for direct confrontation between Israel and Iran.
Israel’s Strategic Management and Role of US
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not hesitate to defend itself against any threat, either from Hamas in Gaza or from Hezbollah and Iran. Netanyahu’s government has also been engaging in diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis. Israel has bolstered its defence by preparing multifront conflict to respond with overwhelming force if attacked. Even though Israeli officials have been in allies with Egypt, Qatar and other regional players to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, the involvement of other actors with their own agenda has complicated by these efforts.
The US has deployed additional military assets to the region as a deterrent against potential Iranian aggression. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defence but has also come out for restraint and the protection of civilians. Discussion between US and Israeli officials have focused on both defensive and offensive strategies to protect Israeli security. This includes diplomatic efforts to engage with Iran to encourage regional allies to exercise restraint, US delicate a balancing act supporting its ally Israel to prevent a wider conflict and destabilize the region.
As the Gaza conflict approaches a critical crisis, the stakes could not be higher. The region is on the turning point that could determine its future stability. If the conflict continues to escalate, it could involve war into multiple countries and leads to destruction.
