Israel-Hamas conflict escalated significantly with Hamas launching an offensive against Israel, causing over 1300 deaths and a severe hostage crisis. This marked a major intensification in the longstanding conflict. The African Union attributed the violence to Israel's denial of Palestinian rights, while African nations responded variably. Some aligned with Israel, others with Palestine, and several remained neutral. Diplomatic relations with Israel, influenced by historical and developmental ties, were evident in the varied UN voting patterns.
Since the Hamas’s cross-border attack in Southern Israel on 7 October and Israel’s severe military response in Gaza, Iran has been central to both public and policy discussions about the potential expansion of the conflict into a wider regional war. Given that Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen were quick to target Israel’s northern and southern borders, respectively, Tehran’s regional ‘proxy network’ has dominated discussions about the possibilities of conflict escalating into a direct war involving the US, Israel and Iran.
The complexity of the challenge in the Israel–Hamas conflict should not deter from the need to uphold humanitarian law and minimise the suffering of civilians by both the protagonists.
The Israel-Hamas clash diminishes prospects for the revival of the peace process and strengthens Hamas’ position as the preeminent Palestinian faction.
Saudi Arabia and the Israel–Hamas War
The Israel–Hamas War has posed significant political and security challenges for Saudi Arabia.