The latest developments in the Middle East conflict continue to attract world attention. Various factors, including political, economic, and social, play an important role in the dynamics of this region. One of the main issues that is still hot is the conflict between Israel and Palestine. In 2023, the situation again deteriorated after a series of retaliatory air and rocket attacks, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. On the other hand, Iran and Saudi Arabia are also involved in increasingly sharp geopolitical competition. The restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the start of the year offered hope, but tensions remain, particularly regarding Iran’s influence in Syria and Yemen. Therefore, the conflict in Yemen which has been going on for more than seven years is now also in the spotlight, where the Saudi Arabian-led coalition is trying to defeat the Houthi rebels who are supported by Iran. In Syria, the civil war that has been ongoing since 2011 shows signs of easing, but challenges remain real. The existence of various militia groups and political instability create uncertainty about the country’s future. Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to increase its influence in northern Syria, fighting the PKK group and other Kurdish forces. Its military operations have faced criticism from the international community, although Türkiye claims they are important for national security. The issue of protecting human rights is also increasingly dominating discussions. International organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International continue to issue reports highlighting violations committed by various parties in the conflict, including the suppression of free speech in Iran and the injustices experienced by Palestinians. Tensions between the US and Russia, each supporting parties in this conflict, add another layer of complexity. The United States remains a strong ally of Israel, while Russia seeks to strengthen its position through alliances with Iran and Syria. Peace negotiations initiated by the UN have often stalled, given the fundamental differences between the parties involved. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in this region is a major concern. In Gaza, deteriorating economic conditions and strict restrictions are exacerbating the people’s suffering. In Yemen, the humanitarian crisis is reaching a critical point with millions of people facing acute hunger. International aid is urgently needed, but its distribution is often hampered by political and security issues. In the context of climate change, this region also faces major challenges. Extreme climatologies have the potential to exacerbate existing conflicts, such as competition over water resources. Weather changes can exacerbate agrarian conflicts, especially in countries that are already vulnerable. With all these developments, the Middle East region is likely to remain at the center of international attention. Diplomacy and mediation between countries will be the key to overcoming existing challenges. The global community is expected to show concern and support for initiatives aimed at creating peace and stability in this region full of history and complexity.
