World
January 7, 2025 11:36
tel aviv - The relative peace in the Middle East is on thin ice as tensions rise between Israel and Iran. Read more about the potential upcoming events in 2025.
Despite Gaza being mostly in ruins, Israel estimates that Hamas is only becoming stronger. The terror group is recruiting new fighters faster than Israel can eliminate them. Israeli security officials recently revealed that Hamas still has 19,000 fighters, with half of them operating in well-organized units.
A significant number of these fighters are said to be located in Gaza City. Israel has been conducting an offensive just north of there for months, but if the current negotiations for a deal with Hamas fail, the offensive might be expanded to Gaza City, raising concerns for the estimated 100,000 civilians residing in the 'capital' of Gaza and nearby Israeli towns.
Another issue is the potential cessation of operations by UNRWA, the controversial UN organization for Palestinian refugees, in Gaza. If this happens, a new Israeli law will prevent Israeli authorities from having any contact with UNRWA, posing security risks for UN personnel in Gaza.
A temporary ceasefire could offer some relief, similar to the ceasefire in Lebanon that showed progress but has yet to result in a deal between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Lebanon is under strain as the deadline approaches, with Israeli troops still present in several villages despite the agreed-upon three-week withdrawal.
Israel is considering prolonging its presence in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah has not withdrawn, and the Lebanese army, lacking manpower, is struggling to act. Hezbollah has threatened to resume attacks on Israel if this happens. While there have been no rocket launches from Lebanon in weeks, ground clashes continue in Lebanon, resulting in at least 44 Hezbollah fighters' deaths since the ceasefire began.
No one wants a resumption of hostilities, but much depends on the conflict between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah's main ally. Despite avoiding direct war in the past, tensions between the regional powers are mounting, potentially leading to an escalation in 2025.
Israeli media reported that army chief Herzi Halevi recently put his troops on alert in case Iran takes 'extreme measures' against Israel soon. Iran, feeling cornered by losses in Lebanon and Syria, might resort to dangerous actions, especially with Donald Trump set to take office.
Israel is reportedly also considering a new attack on Iran due to ongoing rocket attacks from Yemen, where Iran supports the Houthis. Speculations suggest that Trump might greenlight an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities post-inauguration.
Concerns are mounting over Tehran's nuclear program, which the ayatollahs view as a deterrent against Israel and the US amid recent regional setbacks. European countries, traditionally reserved, are expressing sharper criticisms, with French President Macron hinting at reinstating sanctions on Iran as its nuclear progress nears a point of no return.