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Recent Developments in Conflict in the Middle East

Conflict in the Middle East has become a complex and ongoing issue with global impacts. Finally, the situation in Gaza heated up again after attacks by the Hamas group against Israel, which triggered a strong retaliatory attack. Peace seems increasingly remote, given the various factors complicating the situation. In Iran, nuclear activities continue to be a major concern. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but western countries, especially the United States, are concerned about the possibility of nuclear weapons. International diplomacy, including the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) agreement, has suffered setbacks, prompting threats of further sanctions that have the potential to fuel tensions in the region. The Shia-Sunni conflict also continues, with different aims and objectives between the various groups. For example, Iran’s involvement in Syria, to defend Bashar al-Assad’s regime, as well as support for rebels in Yemen by Saudi Arabia, reflect tensions that affect regional stability. The refugee crisis is one of the impacts of the prolonged conflict. Neighboring countries are facing a surge in refugees from Syria, with Lebanon and Jordan forced to take in millions of people fleeing violence. These refugees face challenges in terms of access to basic services and social integration, which can fuel tensions in host countries. Meanwhile, Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are starting to improve relations with Israel. This normalization of relations, marked by the Abraham accords, may create new opportunities for investment and cooperation, but many other countries in the Arab world reject this move, seeing it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Political movements within Palestine also witnessed developments; Hamas and Fatah are still struggling to reach an agreement on leadership and struggle strategy. These conditions not only hinder peace efforts, but also cause divisions among the Palestinian people themselves. In this context, the role of external actors—such as Russia and China—is also increasing. Russia appears more active in mediating the conflict, while China offers a diplomatic alternative. For many countries in the Middle East, seeking more balanced relationships with great powers has become important to reduce dependence on the west. Military tactics in conflict areas change rapidly along with advances in technology. Drones and advanced weapons are increasingly being used by various parties, changing the way battles are fought and increasing civilian losses. This sparked international concern about the need for tighter regulation of the arms trade. Amid all this, the international community’s response has been mixed. There are calls for dialogue and diplomacy, while others support sanctions or military intervention. Organizations such as the UN and the Arab League are trying to play their part in easing tensions, but often with little meaningful progress. Finally, issues such as climate change and the economy also play a role in worsening conditions in the Middle East. Water and food crises could trigger further instability, exacerbating existing conflicts. Facing these challenges, the future of the Middle East remains highly uncertain, with geopolitical dynamics continually changing.