The war in Gaza has entered its third year, with continuing humanitarian, political, and security implications for both Israelis and Palestinians, and for the broader region. Despite a renewed push by the United States to broker a resolution, the situation remains volatile. regional uncertainty
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people. Since then, an estimated 67,000 Palestinians have died with many more people on both sides affected in various ways. However, the fundamental causes of the conflict remain unresolved.
In Gaza, Palestinians face severe humanitarian challenges. Widespread displacement, limited access to humanitarian aid, and food insecurity have worsened over time. Much of Gaza’s infrastructure—over 90% by some estimates—has been damaged or destroyed. Schools and hospitals have been affected, and the region continues to experience shortages of basic supplies.
A total blockade, in place for over 100 days before a limited reopening in May 2025, significantly restricted access to food, medicine, and other essentials. According to experts from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), parts of Gaza are experiencing famine conditions, with at least 500,000 people affected.
Trump says Netanyahu has agreed to peace deal, Israel not to annex or occupy Gaza
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with discussions centered on a possible ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.
These talks – being held in Egypt – are also referencing aspects of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace framework, though progress remains limited.
Over the past two years, Washington has also been criticized in the Middle East for not pushing an end to the conflict strongly enough. Muslim majority countries have also faced severe criticism for their lack of initiative to work out a resolution to the conflict.
In Israel, the impact of the October 7 attacks continues to be deeply felt. Hamas took more than 250 hostages during the initial assault, and many Israelis continue to advocate strongly for their release. The conflict has also led to increased psychological strain on Israeli society, particularly among soldiers and reservists deployed in Gaza and along the northern border with Lebanon.
It is this unity, of the tradition of Israel, which gives us the power to defeat our enemies, and God willing, bring home all our hostages soon, and together ensure the eternity of the People of Israel and the Land of Israel. Happy Sukkot holiday to the entire People of Israel. pic.twitter.com/LXgZbzgsfL
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 6, 2025
Recent surveys suggest a majority of Israelis (64%) believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should take responsibility for the events leading to the October 7 attacks and resign. However, he retains support from parts of the population. Israel also faces growing diplomatic pressure, with several European nations recognizing Palestinian statehood and criticizing the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has characterized some Israeli actions in Gaza as potentially constituting genocide, a claim the Israeli government strongly rejects.
As the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks is observed, memorials are being held across Israel, particularly in affected communities in the south. In Tel Aviv, public rallies are calling for the return of hostages still held in Gaza.
In the Palestinian territories, residents mark the date amid continuing hardship and uncertainty in a grim continuing chapter of the history.
The broader Middle East faces a complex and shifting landscape, as regional actors weigh the conflict’s long-term implications for security, development, and diplomacy.
Major oil-rich countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are weighing policies as the general sense of insecurity and instability looms over the region.
Last month, President Trump discussed the way out of the conflict with leaders of Muslim majority countries and incorporated their suggestions into his plan. He also got Israeli feedback.
Though under scrutiny given the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, the U.S. believes the plan offers an opportunity to end the war.
“Two years on from the 7 October attacks, the pain endures. Release the hostages. Protect civilians. End the fighting. Let us deliver aid at scale. There is a glimmer of hope for change. We must take it,” UN relief chief Tom Fletcher said.
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Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
