How two years of war in Gaza changed the world - BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Axis of Resistance: Iran's network of proxy forces challenging Israel.
• Deterrence: Israel's previous strategy to prevent attacks from proxies.
• Occupied Territory: Gaza and the West Bank, recognized by the UN as occupied by Israel since 1967.
• Genocide: Allegation against Israel by a UN commission of inquiry.
• Collective Punishment: Accusation against Israel for targeting the Palestinian population.
• International Law: Renewed attention and debate surrounding its effectiveness.
• World Order: Significant shifts in global perceptions and power dynamics.

The War's Global Repercussions and the Reshaping of the Middle East

The transcript details the profound and far-reaching impacts of a war that began on October 7, 2023, fundamentally altering the Middle East and the global landscape. The events of the past two years are described as ushering in a "historic dawn of a new Middle East," albeit one marked by deep, unhealed scars.

The Catalyst: October 7th Attack and Israel's Response

The conflict was ignited by an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages. This event is characterized as the "largest attack on Israel ever experienced," shattering assumptions about Israel's security. Israel, which controls Gaza's airspace, shoreline, and shared border, views the attack as an existential threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel's response would "change the Middle East."

The Domino Effect: Regional Escalation and the Axis of Resistance

The October 7th attack triggered a "domino effect" across the region. Following Israel's airstrikes on Gaza, allied armed groups launched their own attacks:

• Hezbollah in Lebanon: Engaged in attacks on Israel.
• Houthis in Yemen: Also launched attacks against Israel.

These groups are identified as part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance," a network of proxy forces designed to challenge Israel. Israel had previously attempted to deter these proxies, but the October 7th attack led to a decision that "deterrence doesn't work."

Israeli Military Operations in Gaza and Beyond

Israeli forces entered Gaza with the stated objectives of rescuing hostages and destroying Hamas. The initial three months of the offensive saw over 20,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures deemed reliable by the UN. The military offensive continued alongside rocket fire exchanges with Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah.

The Walkie-Talkie Attack and the Crippling of Hezbollah

Nearly a year into the conflict, Israel employed a novel tactic by triggering thousands of booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members. This "extremely personalised type of targeting" reportedly "rattled Hezbollah" and made recovery difficult. Days later, Israel killed Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike in Beirut, effectively crippling "the strongest part of Iran's axis of resistance."

The Fall of Bashar al-Assad and Shifting Power Dynamics in Syria

The weakening of Hezbollah had significant repercussions for Syria. Rebels in Syria, supported by Turkey, launched an offensive against Hezbollah's ally, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. The fall of Hezbollah meant Syria lost a major backer, and Iran, a key patron of the Assad regime, also saw its influence diminish. This left the "fragile and shaky" Assad regime without sufficient support. After 24 years in power, Assad was toppled.

This shift in Syria had wider implications:

• Turkey's Influence: Rose due to its backing of rebel groups.
• Russia's Foothold: Lost influence as a longtime supporter of Assad and an ally of Iran.

The balance of power in the region shifted further away from Iran.

Direct Confrontation: Israel and Iran

While Israel and Iran had engaged in proxy warfare and covert actions for years, direct strikes on each other's territory became a new development. In June 2025, Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities. This was followed by an intervention from Donald Trump, with the US joining Israel in these strikes. The transcript states that Iran's "key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." While the extent of the damage to Iran's nuclear program remains unclear, the strikes halted the 12-day war between Iran and Israel and signaled America's willingness to intervene as a global power.

US Re-engagement in the Middle East

Prior to October 7th, there was a perception that the US was "pivoting away from the Middle East," leaving room for China and Russia to increase their influence. However, the events of October 7th and the subsequent Gaza war "pulled the US focus back to the Middle East."

Allegations of War Crimes and Famine

As the conflict persisted, a UN-backed body concluded that famine existed in Gaza City and surrounding areas. A separate UN commission of inquiry alleged that Israel had committed "genocide against Palestinians in Gaza," stating that "nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of Gaza." Israel vehemently denied these claims, calling the confirmation of famine an "outright lie" and the genocide report "distorted and false." Israel is accused of deliberately targeting civilians, a claim it refutes.

International Recognition of Palestine and Diplomatic Efforts

Mounting international anger over Israel's military campaign and shifts in public opinion led more countries to recognize a Palestinian state. This included the UK and France, both permanent members of the UN Security Council. While some viewed this as symbolic, the transcript suggests that these recognitions "still matter" and made it easier for Arab states and others in the region to push Hamas towards a ceasefire.

Qatar played a crucial role as a mediator, hosting Hamas's political leadership and being a key US ally. Fears that an Israeli attack on Hamas's headquarters in Doha would derail peace efforts were unfounded; instead, it is suggested that this "was a turning point in bringing the war to an end."

Donald Trump reportedly urged Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war and threatened Hamas with "complete obliteration." Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire intensified, involving the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who had significant geographic or diplomatic influence. The transcript emphasizes the instrumental role of these regional actors in persuading Hamas to negotiate and consider the "Trump proposal."

Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange

A ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange were eventually agreed upon between Israel and Hamas. This marked a milestone, strengthening Israel's security position but also damaging its international reputation. The transcript notes that Israel's "militaristic approach" led to "blowback" and that Israel is "more isolated today than it has been in decades."

International Criminal Court and Reputation Damage

The issuing of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza was a significant blow to Israel's international standing. Netanyahu labeled the decision "anti-Semitic." A warrant was also issued for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, despite his prior death in an airstrike. The conflict has brought "renewed attention to international law," though many express cynicism about its inability to prevent atrocities.

Human Cost and Global Order Shifts

At least 68,000 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza. The events of October 7, 2023, are described as casting "a long shadow" over Israel and the Middle East. The trauma of the past two years is expected to be carried forward, with lives in the region irrevocably changed. The transcript concludes by highlighting "very significant movements across the world" in how the world views not only Israel-Palestine but also international institutions, international law, and the "whole world order."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The war initiated on October 7, 2023, has served as a profound catalyst for geopolitical upheaval, reshaping the Middle East and influencing global dynamics. The conflict escalated beyond the immediate Israel-Hamas confrontation, drawing in regional proxies and leading to direct confrontations between Israel and Iran, with significant US intervention. The war has exposed deep divisions, led to allegations of severe human rights violations, and prompted a re-evaluation of international law and global power structures. While Israel's security posture has been bolstered in some respects, its international standing has suffered considerably. The long-term consequences of this conflict, including the trauma experienced by those directly affected and the shifts in global perceptions, will continue to unfold, marking a new and uncertain era for the region and the world.