Conflicts in the Middle East have been of global concern for decades. Various factors such as politics, religion and economics play a role in the escalation of tensions in this region. Until 2023, the conflict involves many main actors, including countries, militant groups and major world powers. One of the most prominent conflicts is between Israel and Palestine. Since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, relations between the two parties have been turbulent. The rise of Hamas in 1987 added complexity, considering that Hamas does not recognize the existence of Israel and fights for the establishment of a Palestinian state. In 2023, tensions have increased with a number of rocket attacks from Gaza and air retaliation from Israel, worsening the humanitarian situation in the region. On the other hand, the civil war in Syria which began in 2011 has involved various foreign powers. Russia and Iran support Bashar al-Assad’s regime, while the US and its allies support various opposition groups. The war has displaced millions and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of widespread human rights violations. Yemen is also experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with a war between the Houthis and Saudi Arabian-backed government forces since 2015. This fighting has always involved international intervention, including coalition airstrikes which have resulted in many civilian casualties. In Iraq, although ISIS has suffered territorial defeats, fragments of the group are still active, causing instability in various provinces. Acts of terror and clashes between ethnic and sectarian groups continue to threaten peace in a country that has been ravaged by war for years. On the geopolitical side, the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia is the main driver of conflict in this region. From the conflict in Yemen to tensions in Iraq and Syria, both countries are seeking to expand their influence through support for various militias and political groups. Climate change and economic problems are also triggers for further conflict in the Middle East. Economic instability due to fluctuating oil and environmental impacts, such as drought and resource shortages, further exacerbate the situation. Many countries in the region are struggling to meet these challenges, which often exacerbate social and political insecurity. Diplomacy and peace efforts in the Middle East continue, but the results are still far from expectations. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, brought new hope for the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, although the Palestinian issue remains a major stumbling block. Other international initiatives, both from the UN and major countries, have not shown significant progress on the ground. In closing, the dynamics of conflict in the Middle East are very complex and multidimensional. Although various efforts have been made, existing challenges require a more holistic and comprehensive approach to achieve lasting peace.
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