Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, warned that the Middle East conflict risks spiraling into a prolonged, century-spanning war or a sudden, short nuclear confrontation if a proper resolution is not achieved. He stressed that the path to lasting peace lies in the establishment of a viable Palestinian state accompanied by the full implementation of the political agreements that have framed the issue since 1947. He described these steps as essential to prevent a future marked by decades of relentless violence and instability in the region.
Medvedev underscored that without a comprehensive settlement process, the region could experience not only extended hostilities but also heightened tensions among nuclear-capable powers. He cautioned that regional actors might resort to limited use of nuclear weapons as a last resort in a destabilized neighborhood, with potential involvement or escalatory influence from major powers with nuclear capabilities. The vice president of the Security Council framed the situation as a critical turning point that demands clear, concrete, and internationally supported political action.
In the international arena, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council in fulfilling its responsibilities to resolve the conflict. He called into question the organization’s ability to deter violence and facilitate a sustainable settlement, arguing that leadership and reform may be necessary to restore faith in multilateral diplomacy during a period of acute regional crisis.
On 7 October, militant groups allied with Hamas launched thousands of rockets toward Israeli territory and announced the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In rapid succession, hundreds of militants crossed into areas under Israeli control, seizing military equipment and taking a significant number of civilians hostage. In response, Israeli authorities declared that the country was at war and mobilized national defense and security agencies to confront the threat. The Israeli military described its operational plan as a multifaceted effort intended to suppress the insurgency and restore security along the country’s borders and within populated areas.
The Israeli Defense Forces launched a campaign named Iron Swords with the stated objective of dismantling Hamas’s operational capabilities in Gaza. In the course of air and ground actions, the Israeli Air Force targeted a broad range of Hamas facilities and personnel across Gaza, aiming to degrade the group’s command and control, weapons storage, and logistical networks. In parallel, Israel’s National Security Council considered measures to disrupt critical civilian supply chains, including water, food, electricity, and fuel, in an attempt to pressure Hamas and deny resources that sustain the group and its operations. By mid-October, the United Nations reported a dramatic humanitarian imperative, with officials urging the evacuation of a substantial number of Palestinians from northern and central Gaza to safer areas as a precondition for any planned ground operation. This urged shift reflected the belief that civilian protection and the risk of mass casualties must be central to any security calculus in the area.
amids of this evolving situation, several media outlets and analysis platforms have sought to address essential questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its regional implications, and the international responses that could shape future developments. Experts emphasize the need for clear disengagement plans, humanitarian corridors, and adherence to international humanitarian law to minimize civilian harm while pursuing a durable resolution to the conflict. The evolving narrative continues to be closely watched by governments, regional actors, and the broader international community, with the hope that diplomatic channels can overcome entrenched positions and prevent further escalation.