On the brink - Israel's next move in Gaza may reshape the world

The Middle East has always been a complex web of concern – hardly ever out of the news, makes understanding the role it plays geopolitically, crucial.

Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 gives insight why the Middle East remains a volatile mix of unsettling conflict which the world’s security is delicately balanced.

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It’s a fascinating explanation of the Middle East and what it is.

Now 14 days later, a dangerous game of geopolitical chess is underway, and each move is loaded with global consequences.

The precariousness of what’s at stake sees global tensions rapidly escalating, and the likelihood of another world war should anyone falter.

Yesterday’s bombing of a Palestinian hospital killing 500 people – inched the world closer to nuclear disaster, and reports remain unclear whether the attack was deliberate or not?

The Israel-Gaza conflict has always been a flashpoint in the Middle East and recent developments magnify its global implications further.

Iran has made no secret of its support for Palestinian factions, especially those in Gaza, and as the scenario grows more complicated - Russia, China, North Korea, Syria and the US are siding.

The US’s allegiance with Israel has always been strong but under the Biden Administration, relationships between the two have suffered, and now it is navigating a delicate balance of supporting Israel's security while maintaining its strategic interests in the Middle East.

Iran's response to Israel's actions in Gaza is crucial, especially following the death of 500 civilians at a hospital.

So, what’s next?

Israel is in a bind. While it must ensure its security and sovereignty, it’s also aware of the broader global implications should it go on an all-out offensive.

Any, inaction, or perceived weakness could lead to greater instability in the region.

China's expansionist policies in the South China Sea, along with its Belt and Road Initiative, have already placed it at odds with the West.

While China’s support of the Middle East adds another layer of complexity, Russia, has been consolidating its influence throughout the region, particularly in Syria - viewing the Israel-Gaza conflict as another arena where it can challenge the West.

The underlying issues that have fuelled the conflict for decades remain unresolved.

And the international community must address the crisis, and work towards a sustainable, long-term solution addressing the root causes of the conflict.

What can’t be ignored is the growing chorus of Jewish voices globally condemning Israel's actions in the Palestinian territories.

For many Jews, the heart of the issue is distinguishing between Zionist politics and Jewish identity.

The decades of conflict they assert - marked by the dehumanization and harm of Palestinians, are not representative of their beliefs and are a direct result of a political ideology that needs reconsideration.

For more than 25-years, Benjamin Netanyahu has been a dominant figure in Israeli politics – and prior to Hamas’s attack, Netanyahu was facing legal challenges and waning political support domestically.

His decisions appear to many throughout the Jewish world as an attempt to divert attention and rally nationalistic fervour.

Is Netanyahu playing a dangerous game of Russian Roulette where he is willing to draw the world to the brink of war to secure his political future?

Whatever Netanyahu’s next step is, will have to be a calculated move factoring the outcomes and their consequences of what unfolds next.

Donald Trump's presidency is tagged by a distinct approach to Middle Eastern affairs.

His engagement with North Korea, the historic Abraham Accords which normalised relations between Israel and many Arab states, and his hard stance on Iran showcase a departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy.

If Trump were President, the current geopolitical landscape might look different - averting some of the tensions the world is now witnessing and the precipice on which it sits.

The challenge internationally is clear - prioritising diplomacy, and a collaborative effort is the only way.

With the world watching Netanyahu's actions and pondering the potential impact of Trump's absence, the decisions taken will shape the future for decades to come.