Introduction
Today marks two years since the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas in Israel. The events have had far-reaching consequences, affecting both regional and global politics. This article explores the impact of this attack, focusing on the reactions from world leaders and the subsequent geopolitical shifts.
The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath
On the early morning of Saturday, October 7, 2019, Hamas launched a series of attacks targeting Israeli civilians and foreigners, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 250 people. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responded with a disproportionate military operation that left more than 65,000 people dead and displaced 1.5 million others.
International Response
- World leaders, including U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, stood in solidarity with Israel during the initial hours following the attack.
- Despite expressions of empathy, some politicians maintained a degree of complicity with the terrorists through their silence.
Geopolitical Consequences
The territorial size of the Gaza Strip, approximately 365 km², belies its significant global impact. The events following the Hamas attack have resulted in several noteworthy geopolitical shifts:
- Strengthened Alliance with the U.S.: Prime Minister Netanyahu found strong support in U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who became his key allies.
- Weakening Regional Influence of Iran: Netanyahu’s actions have diminished the influence of Iran and its regional proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Shiite militias in Iraq, and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- The Abraham Accords and Iran’s Diplomatic Isolation: The Abraham Accords, brokered by Jared Kushner during Trump’s first presidential term, aimed to diplomatically isolate Iran. However, the October 7 attack led Arabia Saudita to refrain from joining these accords.
- Trump’s Plan and its Intentional Design: The 19-point plan, crafted by Trump to ensure neither Hamas nor Netanyahu would accept it, aimed to establish a Palestinian state.
- Growing International Pressure on Netanyahu: As international pressure mounts, Prime Minister Netanyahu has distanced himself from the United Nations and international law, facing potential legal consequences.
- Global Societal Backlash: Beyond politicians, global society has responded with widespread condemnation of the perpetrators of this genocide.
Key Figures and Relevance
Éric Zemmour, a French political commentator and author, famously stated “I only see what I believe in” during the 2022 French presidential campaign. This phrase resonates with contemporary politicians grappling with the consequences of the Hamas attack, as their actions are often driven by deeply held beliefs rather than nuanced analysis.
Conclusion
The Hamas terror attack in Israel two years ago has had profound geopolitical repercussions, reshaping regional dynamics and fostering international tensions. As world leaders continue to navigate this complex landscape, the global community must remain vigilant in promoting peace and understanding.
