Escalation of Warfare: Developments in the Middle East Since October 7
**Introduction**
The conflicts that erupted on October 7, 2023, have sent shockwaves through the Middle East, raising various concerns about the escalation of war. The initial attacks in Gaza have led to an expansion of the conflict lines, bringing a potential war scenario that affects multiple countries into the limelight.
**Israel’s War with Gaza and Hezbollah**
Following October 7, Israel has not only bombed Gaza but also engaged in a “low-intensity” war with Hezbollah at its northern border. Hezbollah’s objectives include dividing Israeli forces and exerting pressure by forcing southern citizens to migrate. Consequently, Israel has evacuated thousands of its citizens from the border area due to these attacks.
**Assassination in Beirut**
On January 2, 2024, one of Israel’s attacks targeted Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Senior Hamas leader Saleh Arouri was assassinated, marking a significant loss for the organization. Arouri’s assassination is notable as it is the first killing of a high-ranking Hamas official outside Gaza.
**Tensions and Attacks in Iran**
In response to Arouri’s assassination, Iran experienced violent bomb attacks. In what is considered one of the bloodiest attacks in 45 years, nearly 100 people lost their lives, and ISIS claimed responsibility. These incidents clearly demonstrate the risk of the Gaza War spreading throughout the region.
**Israel-Syria Relations**
In December 2023, Israel conducted airstrikes near Damascus, targeting senior members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including Seyed Razi Mousavi. Similar attacks were carried out against Iranian intelligence officials in January. Iran, attributing these attacks to Israel, has conducted cross-border operations in retaliation.
**Houthi Attacks on Oil**
With the Houthis joining the conflict on October 31, 2023, there have been attacks on Israel-linked commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Operations by the US and the UK against Houthi targets, as well as the establishment of a multinational task force to stabilize Yemen, have further deepened the regional impact of the war.
**New Clashes with Hezbollah**
The death of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Israeli airstrikes on July 30, 2024, has escalated the conflict to a new level. The rapidly expanding network of clashes culminated in the killing of Hezbollah’s top leaders following Israel’s “New Order” operation at one of Hezbollah’s headquarters.
**Conclusion**
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to spread among various countries, bringing the potential for the conflict to escalate into a full-scale war. Since October 7, the reciprocal attacks indicate a complex situation that threatens the region’s stability.
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