Recent Developments in the Middle East Conflict

The latest developments in the Middle East conflict cover various interrelated aspects, both political, social and economic. One significant change is the normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel. As part of the Abraham Accords, a number of countries such as the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan established previously distant diplomatic relations. This step not only changed geopolitical dynamics, but also caused mixed reactions from Palestinian society and other Arab countries. In Palestine, tensions between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) continue. This split resulted in political instability, with Hamas maintaining control of the Gaza Strip while the PA attempted to control the West Bank. These confrontations create uncertainty and increase civilian suffering. Meanwhile, Israel stepped up military attacks on Gaza, often prompting responses from other armed groups. The attacks affected many civilians, increasing the number of displaced people and worsening humanitarian conditions. In addition, developments in Iran’s relations with neighboring countries have also attracted attention. Iran is increasing its influence in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, allowing it to expand its strategic reach and push its anti-Israel agenda. Iran’s firm support for militia groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq has been in the spotlight, prompting concerns from Saudi Arabia and Israel about the potential for further escalation of the conflict. Meanwhile, the situation in Yemen remains critical with the ongoing conflict between the internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthis. The military intervention led by Saudi Arabia has not been able to end the stalemate, and the humanitarian impact on the civilian population is getting worse. With more than 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, this crisis is urgent international attention. From an economic perspective, sanctions imposed by western countries on Iran also continue, adding pressure to the country’s economy. Although Iran is looking for new trading partners in Asia, the economic impact is a serious challenge that could affect domestic political stability. With this development, relations between Middle Eastern countries are not only influenced by geostrategic factors but also by comprehensive economic dynamics. No less important, the dynamics of civil society in the region are also undergoing transformation. Pro-democracy and human rights movements are increasingly seen as key elements for creating a more stable and peaceful future. Countries experiencing the “Arab Spring” rediscovered the passion to fight for their civil rights, despite facing severe challenges from authoritarian governments. Information technology and social media play an important role in mobilizing public opinion, as well as creating awareness of important issues in the region. This paves the way for the younger generation to be actively involved in the political process, monitor government transparency, and demand accountability. The ongoing crisis and tensions in the Middle East are creating a complex and unstable environment. New diplomatic initiatives, dynamic civil society movements, and interactions between influential countries all play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the region. Jakarta, as one of the centers of diplomacy, is expected to contribute to efforts to create better dialogue and cooperation in the Middle East.