Title: The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East: a worrying escalation of regional tensions
Introduction :
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has had consequences far beyond the borders of these two protagonists. Indeed, the current confrontation has sparked clashes between Iranian-backed militias on one side, and the United States, Israel and their allies on the other. This escalation of regional tensions has reignited fears of direct conflict between Iran and the United States. This article will take stock of the current situation, examining the presence of Iran and its allies as well as that of American forces, while analyzing the military operations carried out by both camps since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. .
Lebanon:
In Lebanon, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is considered the most powerful paramilitary force in the Middle East. Installed on the border between Israel and Lebanon, the group has exchanged fire with Israel since the start of the war in Gaza. Close to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah has an arsenal whose exact size remains unknown, but which is estimated between 150,000 and 200,000 missiles, as well as rockets and mortars. Hundreds of these missiles have great precision and destructive power, according to the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Hezbollah claims to have 100,000 fighters, including active soldiers and reservists, and is mainly supported by Iran.
Iraq:
In Iraq, Iran exercises considerable influence over several Shiite militias closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Among these groups are Kataeb Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. Some of these groups, like Kataeb Hezbollah, are more beholden to the authorities in Tehran than to the government in Baghdad. It is estimated to have up to 10,000 members. The country is also home to the Badr Organization, founded by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as Asaib Ahl Al-Haq. Since the start of the war in Gaza, Iranian-backed groups have carried out several attacks against American forces in Iraq, to which the United States responded with airstrikes. Recently, US personnel were injured in a ballistic missile attack on Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq.
Syria:
In Syria, Iran has a direct presence through its Quds Force, an elite unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for overseas operations. Since the 2011 uprising, this force has been dispatched to Syria to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Its members served in the armed forces and fought alongside Iranian-backed militias.
Conclusion :
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has spilled over into the Middle East, with major regional implications. Iran and the United States are directly involved and have increased their military presences in the region. Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq and the Quds Force in Syria are among the key players supported by Iran. As tensions escalate, it is crucial to closely monitor developments in this sensitive region. An escalation into direct conflict between Iran and the United States would have devastating consequences for regional stability.