The newest war between Hamas and Israel in the Middle East has passed its first 100 days. The overall résumé is: this war has transformed the whole region, the fighting is still going on and will continue, military crashes erupt in other places, outside countries are involved, no end, and no political peaceful settlement is in sight.
| Palestinians in a temporary settlement in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Photo: VNA |
There are bad and discouraging knowledge and messages, even worrying and dangerous.
Because of its fierceness, because it is expanding violence into other places in the region, and because of diplomatic failures, this war has already overshadowed the war in Ukraine and dominated the world political agenda.
However, whenever this war ends, it won't let the whole region be the same as in the pre-war times. Everyone both inside and outside the region realized that this region would only have durable and sustainable peace, security, and stability if the age-old conflict between Palestine and Israel had been finally overcome with the foundation of the independent and sovereign state that exists side by side with Israel. Israel can't ignore both Hamas and Palestine anymore because Israel wants but can't liquidate Hamas both militarily and politically.
After 100 days, the war between Hamas and Israel is on its way to becoming a regional war including also other countries in the bigger region like Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Israel conducted military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. Turkey also attacked many places in Iraq and Syria. The most worrying and dangerous newest developments are the escalating military conflict between the Yemen Houthi rebels and the US, the UK together with their allies inside Yemen and on the Red Sea. It didn't until now lack international diplomatic mediation efforts and political or peace proposals did not succeed. There aren't any near perspectives for quickly ending the war. There isn't any feasible plan for restructuring the region after the war.
The whole region, but first of all Israel, Hamas, Palestine, and the Gaza Strip have all fundamentally changed by the war and because of this war. It is not only the destruction of this war. It is the deadly hate between Hamas and Israel. It is the insuperable mistrust between Israel and Palestine. It is another Israel that has bitterly had to realize that mighty military and modern intelligence can't safeguard its security and it has, as long as it exists, to live and to exist with Hamas and Palestine in its nearest neighborhood.
Looking back at the last 100 days of the war between Hamas and Israel, there are uneasy feelings but many costly but worthwhile lessons for many.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Ambassador Tran Duc Mau are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Hanoi Times.
