** Israeli raids: towards a new confrontation in the Middle East? **
Recent news was marked by Egypt’s energetic conviction towards Israeli strikes in Syria, an event that once again highlights persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region. In a statement issued on April 3 by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country denounced these raids as flagrant violations of international law, relating to Syrian sovereignty while calling on the international community to react with firmness.
This situation, beyond the simple rivalry between Israel and its Arab neighbors, has a socio-political complexity which deserves in-depth attention. Indeed, the recent climbing in the region are not only the reflection of a military confrontation, but also the product of a historical context where collective memory and the perception of legitimacy play a crucial role. Egypt, a key actor in the peace processes in the Middle East, recalls here the importance of a diplomatic framework in order to avoid an escalation that could turn to disaster.
### A controversial military strategy
The optics adopted by Israel, which justifies its strikes as necessary security measures against hostile entities, raises the question of the legitimacy of the use of force in this context. In this regard, it is crucial to note that international law requires strict restrictions on the use of force, especially when it comes to strikes on civil infrastructure, as evidenced by the attack on UNRWA building in Jabalia, which caused a high number of victims among the Palestinian population. These actions highlight a structural vulnerability of international law, often bypassed by fortified states, which generates a crisis of deep confidence among affected populations.
The fact that Egypt has linked the Syrian and Palestinian situation to its declaration is not trivial. This testifies to a regional political strategy aimed at strengthening the links between Arabs and highlighting solidarity whose effects are often diluted by internal rivalries. Indeed, many studies show that regional collaboration among Arab nations can serve as a shield against external aggressions and create an outpost for peace.
### Realpolitics in a context of multi-crises
This military climbing is part of a broader setting, where crises intertwine-from war to Ukraine to persistent tensions between the United States and China, not to mention the economic challenges caused by the Pandemic of Covid-19. Indeed, regional organizations and the Arab League are often paralyzed, unable to mobilize a coherent response to these interconnected crises.
Studies of the Brookings Institution and the International Crisis Group show that the dynamics of conflict in the Middle East is often fueled by external actors, who exploit tensions for geopolitical gains. This phenomenon revives debates on the strategic autonomy of Arab nations and their ability to forge alliances without depending on traditional power blocks.
### Towards a revision of the narratives?
An often neglected angle of analysis is that of the historic narrative between the belligerents. The stories that feed national identities are deeply rooted and difficult to move. The media play a crucial role here by shaping the way in which these clashes are perceived on both sides. A recent study revealed that children but also adults through the Middle East are made aware of often conflicting versions of history, thus feeding cycles of violence. An educational approach, by promoting common accounts of peace and coexistence, could promote spaces for constructive dialogue.
### A way to follow
Through this crisis, the call launched by Egypt to international actors is a potential turning point. A more active involvement of the international community could offer a framework for renewed diplomacy. This would not only require a desire to initiate discussions on the importance of human rights, but also recognition of the suffering imposed by prolonged conflicts, both in Syria and in Palestine.
In conclusion, the current situation, far from being an isolated confrontation, must be considered as a piece of the complex puzzle of the Middle East. Collective vigilance is essential in the face of reciprocal climbing that threatens to further ignite the region. The promotion of proactive diplomacy and a shared narrative may well be the path to lasting peace, despite the challenges that remain.
The future of this region is based on the ability of nations to come together, rectify their collective account and work together towards a peace horizon, in a context where each decision taken today can have repercussions for future generations.