The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, has the potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict, particularly if Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, intervenes.
The Palestine-Israel conflict, also known as the Arab-Israeli conflict, dates as far back as 1948. This was the year when Israel declared its independence, leading to a war with five Arab nations: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. Israel, despite being a newly formed state, defeated these nations and expanded its territory. This defeat remains a sore spot for Palestinians and the Islamic community, who have since sought to reclaim the land they lost, leading to ongoing clashes and conflicts in the region.
Hezbollah started attacking Israel on October 8, a day after the Hamas and Israel crisis started. Despite warnings and displomatic efforts to desist from its attacks, the Hezbollah militants have refused to cease fire, claiming solidarity with Hamas and a ceasefire for Gaza. However, there seems to be some questionable intent behind the Hamas and Hezbollah offensive against Israel.
Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, has repeatedly clashed with Israel. Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group backed by Iran, has fought Israel in the past, most notably during the 2006 Lebanon War. Both groups have shown disdain for Israeli territory in the Middle East. Driven by ideological and national differences, the Islamic regime despises Israel. Israel is a Zionist state, one which Islamists view as infidel. Israel’s existence within that region is viewed as a taboo.
Tension between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified due to Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel following the Hamas-Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has been firing missiles, mortars, and drones into Israel prompting Israel’s retaliation.
Thousands of people on both sides of the border have fled, fearing the outbreak of a full-scale war. In Lebanon, residents of Shia-majority towns like Kafr Kila, Adaisa, Aita Al-Shaab, and Aitaroun have mostly evacuated. Frequent Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages have destroyed many of these communities, leaving the few remaining residents in constant fear.
International concerns
Hezbollah’s continued attacks create a high risk of a broader conflict in the Middle East. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed Germany’s concern towards tensions on the northern Isreali border. She noted that Hamas had questionable intentions and Israel might “lose itself in this war. What it is and what it stands for.”
Noting further that Israel’s continued participation in the war will only serve “Hamas’ cynical drive to provoke further escalation.”
Hezbollah views its attacks on isreal as a part of the broader resistance against isreal in the middle East and a form of support for the incapacitated Hamas group against isreal. Hezbollah attacks on isreal could draw in Iran, a known pioneer and backbone for Hamas and Hezbollah creating an all out war with intent on destroying isreal.
This turnout will probably not be favourable for Israel who has expended military strength and provision in the ongoing war.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with the potential involvement of Hezbollah, poses a significant risk of escalating into a wider regional war. Historical grievances, ideological differences, and strategic interests make this situation highly complex and volatile.
The international community must urgently address these tensions to prevent further bloodshed and instability. Diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution are crucial to preventing a broader war and ensuring long-term peace and security in the Middle East.
