The latest conflict in the Middle East is one of the most complex global issues and affects politics, economics and international relations. Various factors, including religion, ethnicity, and natural resources, play an important role in the dynamics of this conflict. One of the main focuses of the current conflict is the tension between Israel and Palestine. In 2023, the conflict escalated with Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip after a series of rocket attacks from the militant group Hamas. Thousands of civilians became victims, creating a deep humanitarian crisis. It is important to understand the roots of this problem, which stems from the formation of the state of Israel in 1948 and the territorial struggles that continue to this day. Meanwhile, the conflict in Syria also continues. Although the civil war that began in 2011 has decreased in intensity, extremist groups such as ISIS are still active. This dispute involves many international actors such as Russia, the US and Türkiye, each of which has its own strategic interests. Yemen is experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, which has been exacerbated by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition’s military intervention. Blockades and constant attacks led to mass starvation and affected millions of people, many of whom were children. In Iraq, tensions between Sunni and Shia groups continue, causing chaos and terrorism. Despite progress in fighting ISIS, sectarian sentiment remains strong. Further north, in Türkiye, there is political instability caused by internal conflict and the impact of high immigration, especially of Syrian refugees. All this adds layers to the complexity of the regional situation. From an economic perspective, these conflicts affect global energy prices because many oil-producing countries are located in this region. Political uncertainty often results in oil price fluctuations, which impact the world economy. In a social context, the conflict in the Middle East is creating a wave of refugees, which poses challenges for neighboring countries and Europe. The issue of human rights has also received attention, with many countries involved in this conflict reportedly committing serious violations. In dealing with this situation, the role of diplomacy becomes very important. Major countries, including the UN, continue to try to find a peaceful solution. However, given the complexity and many actors involved, the road to peace is still very long. From a global perspective, understanding the conflict in the Middle East is key to creating an effective and responsive foreign policy. Every action and decision of countries outside this region has the potential to affect regional stability and security. All this relevant information must be taken into account by the wider community, in order to increase awareness and understanding regarding the current crisis. Only with in-depth knowledge can we hope to face future challenges in the Middle Eastern context wisely.
