The potential for the Israel-Hamas conflict to escalate and spread across the Middle East has become a major concern among politicians and experts. This risk was heightened by last week’s devastating rocket strike on a hospital in Gaza City.
“The risk of an expansion of this conflict is real, very, very real and extremely dangerous,” United Nations Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland told the UN Security Council in New York.
The Threat of a Two-Front War
Lebanon, home to the radical Shiite Hezbollah group, is central to many feared escalation scenarios. Hezbollah, which aims to destroy Israel and is supported by Iran, is much more powerful than Hamas, with an estimated stockpile of at least 100,000 rockets. Israeli soldiers have reportedly already killed armed fighters from Hezbollah during border skirmishes.
Despite declaring a “day of rage” following the hospital attack, Hezbollah has so far avoided military escalation. However, an expanded Israeli offensive in Gaza could push Hezbollah into action, resulting in a possible two-front war. Military experts agree this would be a massive show of force by Israel and further destabilize the region.
Iran’s Role: From Supporter to Participant?
No clear evidence links Iran directly to the planning of the Hamas attacks, although Iran supports Hamas. Historically, Hamas has made independent decisions despite Iranian support.
Iran’s involvement could shift from indirect support to direct participation if the conflict escalates further. This involvement would likely draw in other regional powers, complicating the conflict and increasing the risk of a broader war.
More Stories
The Precarious Balance: Global Tensions Escalate