A year ago, on October 7, 2023, the Middle East region saw the resurgence of intense conflict. An unexpected attack by Hamas on Israel prompted large-scale retaliatory bombardment of Gaza, marking a potential turning point in the prolonged Israel-Palestine dispute.
Currently, the situation has dramatically worsened and escalated security calculus in the region. In the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 attack, the Houthis in Yemen joined in, attacking Israeli, and allied ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting vessels, suspected of heading toward Israeli ports. The region stands on the verge of one of its most severe conflicts in decades. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has expanded to Lebanon, resulting in a ground invasion. Prior to this, airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s communication networks, killing its leader, Hassan Nasrullah, and several key commanders.[1] Direct hostilities between Israel and Iran have now commenced. The hostilities have continued over the past year. Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups within the “axis of resistance” have targeted Israeli and U.S. military positions in support of Hamas and Palestinian cause.
