Recent Developments in Conflict in the Middle East

Recent developments in the Middle East show the increasing complexity of political, ethnic and social conflicts in this region. Some key factors that influence conflict dynamics include shifts in power, foreign intervention, and underlying socio-economic problems. One of the main highlights is the conflict between Israel and Palestine. In 2023, tensions that continue to surface in the Gaza Strip and West Bank will continue to increase. Israeli air strikes on targets in Gaza, in response to rocket launches by the Hamas group, have resulted in hundreds of casualties. Each of these incidents worsened the humanitarian situation, with the Israeli-imposed blockade hampering access to aid and goods. On the other hand, the conflict in Syria has also shown significant developments. Recent news notes an increase in attacks from the ISIS group trying to take advantage of the government’s instability. Although the Syrian military, with the support of Russia and Iran, has claimed victory in the war against opposition groups, certain areas such as Idlib are still at the center of the fighting. The UN states that millions of people are still trapped in severe humanitarian conditions in the region. Yemen, which has been trapped in civil war since 2015, has also attracted global attention. Saudi Arabia’s intervention and fighting with the Houthi group created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Recent data shows that millions of children are malnourished, with access to food, clean water and health services severely limited. Peace efforts facilitated by the UN continue despite difficulties. In Iraq, the situation is starting to stabilize after several years of tension caused by ISIS. However, ethnic and sectarian tensions remain, particularly between Sunni and Shiite communities. The Iraqi government attempted to restore public trust through reconciliation and development programs, but deep political divisions hindered this progress. Lebanon also faces big challenges. Soaring inflation and a severe economic crisis sparked public protests against the government. Analysts believe that this widespread dissatisfaction could trigger further instability, especially with the increasingly powerful influence of the Hezbollah group. This development cannot be separated from foreign intervention. Countries such as Türkiye, Iran, and the US played a significant role in determining the course of the conflict. Türkiye, for example, has increased its military involvement in Syria and Iraq under the pretext of fighting terrorist groups. On the contrary, Iran continues to strengthen its position in support of various proxy groups in the region, having a significant impact on the balance of power. In the context of geopolitical shifts, the normalization of relations between several Arab countries and Israel through the Abraham Accords as a result of US diplomacy provides extra optimism that there may be a path towards dialogue. However, fundamental structural challenges and problems regarding Palestinian rights remain a stumbling block that is difficult to overcome. The situation in the Middle East is a reflection of a multifaceted conflict, where international relations and local circumstances interact. Uncertainty continues to characterize the definition of this region, and to understand each development requires an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the historical and political context behind it.