Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present)

The Middle Eastern crisis (2023–present) describes a series of related wars, conflicts, and increased instability across the Middle East. It began in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, triggering a war in Gaza. This conflict spread to include Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and other areas, involving many countries and armed groups.

On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched a major attack into southern Israel. This involved rockets and militants crossing the Gaza border, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel immediately declared war, launching a large bombing campaign and later a full invasion of Gaza. As fighting has continued, more than 57,000 Palestinians have died, Gaza's infrastructure has been heavily damaged, and a humanitarian emergency, including famine and healthcare collapse, has developed.

After the Gaza conflict began, Iran-supporting militias joined the fighting. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, leading to a year-long clash that paused after a ceasefire in late 2024. In Syria and Iraq, Iran-backed groups attacked U.S. bases. Yemen’s Houthis, aligned with Iran and Hamas, launched missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and targeted Israeli-linked vessels, causing a global shipping crisis. The U.S. and Britain responded with airstrikes against Houthi targets. By mid‑2025 these actions drew attention to a broader regional crisis.

Tensions between Iran and Israel grew as each launched direct military actions. In early 2024, Israel struck Iranian targets, including the country's consulate in Damascus. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel (April and October 2024). In June 2025, Israel carried out raids on nuclear and military sites in Iran. Both countries suffered casualties, and these strikes marked a shift to open conflict—raising concerns of a wider war.

The crisis also worsened the situation in Syria, already hit by civil war, with Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military positions linked to Iran. In the Red Sea, attacks by the Houthis created a shipping crisis, killing sailors and disrupting global trade. Lebanon saw violence along its border and damage to civilian areas. Iraq, Syria, and other places experienced instability, displacement, and civilian suffering.

Millions of people have been affected. In Gaza, hospitals were destroyed, 90% of electricity was lost, and a large part of the population was displaced. Lebanon saw over a million displaced in the conflict with Israel. Yemen experienced civilian deaths at sea and on land. Syria and Iraq also welcomed refugees and saw rising civilian danger. The UN and charities warned that the impact on civilians was serious and called for humanitarian access and safe zones.

Countries around the world voiced concern and called for peace. The UN urged restraint and warned of the danger if the crisis spreads. Regional powers like Egypt, Turkey, and Gulf states tried to mediate ceasefires. The U.S. and the U.K. intervened at sea and conveyed diplomatic pressure to limit the conflict. France, China, and others pushed for negotiations. Talks in forums like the Astana Process aimed to separate the Gaza war from other regional conflicts and to coordinate humanitarian support.