The crisis in the Middle East: a look back at the two weeks that shook the region
Recent weeks have been marked by an escalation of violence in the Middle East, highlighting the tensions reigning in the region. From the deadly Hamas attack in Israel to the evacuation order for Gaza City, through the demonstrations in the Arab world and the diplomatic ballet in Tel Aviv to try to calm the conflict, these fifteen days have plunged the region into a new war.
On October 7, Palestinian Hamas launched an attack on an unprecedented scale in Israel. Thousands of rockets are launched towards Israeli soil, hitting targets as far away as Tel Aviv and the outskirts of Jerusalem. At the same time, Hamas fighters infiltrated Israeli territory, storming several towns, villages, kibbutz and military bases, and massacring civilians. A surprise attack that plunges Israel into war.
The next day, Israel responded by shelling the Gaza Strip. Operation Iron Saber is launched, with a series of airstrikes destroying buildings presented as Hamas command centers, as well as numerous residential buildings. At the same time, Israel announces a “complete siege” of the Palestinian enclave, depriving the population of goods essential to their survival.
These events caused a shock wave internationally, with demonstrations in support of Israel or the Palestinians which multiplied. In France, a rally in support of Israel brought together several thousand people in Paris, but pro-Palestinian demonstrations were quickly banned due to the risk of disturbances to public order.
The crisis in the Middle East continues to evolve, with new developments every day. It is essential to closely monitor developments in the situation to better understand the issues and consequences of this conflict for the region and for the entire world. Stay informed so you don’t miss any of this hot news.