ENDLESS TURBULENCE

Conflict in West Asia could hurt global peace and order, cause major economic shocks, empower aggressive non-state actors and lead to significant political realignments

- DAYAKARA RATAKONDA

For the most part, West Asia constantly presents an image of a volatile place. Even so, recent developments in the region have created shock and awe for resident and non-resident stakeholders alike, causing serious foreboding for global peace and order.

Hamas, the armed Palestinian group ruling Gaza, which is a part of occupied Palestine, unleashed a brutal attack on October 7, 2023 on an unprepared Israel, leaving 1,200 dead and thousands injured. Several hundred Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas, which enjoys Iranian support.

 Israel’s disproportionate and relentless retaliation against Hamas has killed thousands of civilians, including women and children, in Gaza. The attacks have also led to a blockade in the delivery of food, medicine and other essential supplies. Armed non-state entities in the region with pro-Iranian labels, such as the Houthis in Yemen and the Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with Shia militias in Iraq, have joined Hamas in fighting Israel. Sea-based support offered by the Houthis has led to naval engagements in the Red Sea, disrupting shipments to and from Israel. The Jewish nation finds political, economic, diplomatic and military backing from the US and its allies.

Despite suffering heavy losses, the political will of the two sides to continue the fight remains unabated. Hamas has shown remarkable fighting spirit— possibly the result of long-term planning—and it has not yet faced any serious backlash from the people of Gaza.