In three years, Israel's war on Gaza hasn't just changed the Middle East, it's changed the world | Steve Bloomfield

What Happened

Three years following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, the conflict has expanded into a regional crisis. According to the article, the Israeli military response in Gaza has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, including 21,000 children, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. The conflict has since extended to include Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Syria, alongside a broader regional confrontation involving Iran, the Houthis in Yemen, and various international actors.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The conflict has fundamentally altered regional security dynamics, leading to the expansion of hostilities into Lebanon, Syria, and the Red Sea. It has also challenged the international rules-based order, as Western support for Israel's military campaign has faced criticism for perceived hypocrisy regarding international law, potentially shifting political alignments in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Watch For

Monitor potential shifts in international policy as political leaders in the United States and United Kingdom adjust their stances on the conflict. Additionally, observe the impact of mutual defense pacts involving Pakistan and Turkey in response to regional escalations, and the ongoing legal proceedings regarding war crime allegations.