Recent developments in the conflict in the Middle East have attracted international attention, with tensions escalating especially in the Palestinian territories and Israel. In 2023, these events will become more complex due to the involvement of regional and global actors. Moreover, the move of the US embassy to Jerusalem sparked massive protests, escalating tensions that have existed for decades. In Gaza, the Hamas group and Israel were involved in a series of clashes. In recent months, rocket attacks from Gaza into Israeli territory have caused many casualties, while airstrikes by Israel retaliated against these attacks. This situation has serious humanitarian impacts, where access to food and medicine is very limited. Reports from international organizations show that the Palestinian people are experiencing deepening hardship, with increasing numbers of refugees and an urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces are also increasing. Military exercises and weapons deployments on both sides create an atmosphere on the edge of conflict that could explode at any time. The Lebanese government is experiencing internal difficulties that are exacerbating the situation, while concerns about the use of armed force are increasing, urging the international community to conduct more intensive peace negotiations. The Syrian region also continues to experience the impact of the conflict, where the presence of foreign forces, including Russia and Iran, adds another layer of complexity. The struggle for control over territory and natural resources is increasingly fueling tensions between fighting armed groups, both those supporting Bashar al-Assad’s government and the opposition. Apart from local factors, the influence of large countries such as the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia also played a crucial role in this conflict. The US position in providing support to Israel and Russia’s foreign policy supporting Assad have also worsened the situation. Meanwhile, Arab states began to take a more pragmatic stance, with some of them establishing ties with Israel, seeking to stabilize the region through diplomacy. In this context, various international forums and peace initiatives have attempted to offer solutions, but the results are often unsatisfactory, with the road to resolution still long and full of obstacles. These efforts are faced with the fact that many local actors are inconsistent, and their positions often change along with ongoing political dynamics. In the long term view, it is important to see that resolving conflicts in the Middle East requires multilateral dialogue involving all parties involved. Addressing the root of the problem, including refugee issues and territorial boundaries, is key in finding a path towards sustainable peace. Success in reaching a peace agreement will depend heavily on the commitment of the international community and the parties’ desire to prioritize common interests above their respective political interests.
