In recent weeks, a series of international tensions have been rapidly unfolding, raising concern among citizens all around the world. The events that have transpired this past month left people wondering about the foreseeable future.
Israel has had its fair share of disputes, not only concerning the people of Gaza, but other nations as well. For example, September 9 consisted of Israel’s attack on Qatar. Its goal was to aim for members of Hamas, but the mission failed overall, resulting in the death of a member of the Qatari security forces.
Qatar claims this was an unprecedented attack, and Israel expresses their remorse afterwards. The U.S. condemned the operation, with Trump signing an executive order pledging to defend Qatar. Depending on how strong this vow really is, it does leave potential for the U.S. to be involved in even more Middle Eastern affairs. “I doubt we’ll be involved in war anytime soon, but if things are still going the way they are right now, things may change,” junior Abigail Castro says.
Following this event, Israel issued a warning to the Middle Eastern nations, stating that any country harboring Hamas leaders will be vulnerable to their attacks and considered a target. This declaration leads to increased tensions within the region with countries starting to make alliances and host meetings between each other, have public criticisms made against one another, etc.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formed a strategic mutual defense pact. Many suspect this pact formed as a response to the attacks and statements made by Israel. Either way, considering Saudi Arabia has now made a pact with a different country, the strong trust between Saudi Arabia and the United States seems to be getting weary.
Amid the global political challenges, humanitarian efforts have also had their own issues. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has been attempting to send aid to the Palestinians via a boat, going through Israel’s blockade. Various countries showed their support for the protection of these boats, insisting it reach the people of Gaza. Despite everything, after the launch of the boats, Israel’s Foreign Ministry renounced the FFC operation on October 2 to an end. They intercepted all the boats, and detained the citizens inside.
Meanwhile in Europe, on September 10, NATO forces shot down Russian drones over Poland. The drones entered Poland on the 9th of September, triggering an alert. Russia rejects the notion that what had happened was purposeful. This violation of Poland’s airspace has led many feeling skeptical of Russia’s actions. Since Poland is a member of NATO, further action from Russia will not only affect Poland, but the members in NATO as well which includes the United States.
Although there have been many issues regarding the Middle East, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue to work on ways to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and mediate the tensions in the Middle East.
As for Europe and other parts of the world, NATO and the UN will help regulate issues and prevent things from escalating further. “I don’t think there is enough work done to restore peace,” said Castro. Even if there are efforts being made to maintain peace, the future of the world still remains uncertain.
