Who has what at stake in the Israel-Hamas War?

The Israel-Hamas War has extended beyond a week, resulting in a tragic loss of over 4,000 lives. This conflict primarily involves Hamas, the custodian of the Gaza Strip, and Israel.

However, various other countries such as Iran, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon, along with the non-state actor Hezbollah, also have vested interests in this conflict. Additionally, the United States has firmly aligned itself with Israel, while China, a key observer, closely monitors the unfolding events, mindful of its own stakes.

Given this intricate geopolitical landscape, it is imperative to closely examine the various stakeholders involved, each with their unique short-term and long-term objectives in this ongoing conflict. The situation remains exceedingly complex, with far-reaching implications for the entire region.

Hamas

• Hamas's surprise weekend attack on Israel was well-coordinated with the complex operation likely being planned months in advance.
• Soon after the attack, the group claimed that the attack was a result of events around the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, specifically Israeli settlers entering the al-Aqsa Mosque.

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• Here, Hamas aimed to use the Palestinian anger against Israel and present itself as a legitimate player.
• A careful look at the background of the attacks demonstrates that the attack was made to disrupt the ongoing Arab-Israel normalisation of ties.
• Hamas, ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007, perceives itself as a legitimate representation of the people in Gaza now. They too want a seat on the table and be a part of the potential incoming economic riches as well.

ALSO READ: Hamas's attack on Israel isn't just about Palestine, they want a piece of Arab-Israeli normalisation too

Hezbollah and Iran

• The Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked concerns about the involvement of other countries or groups too.
• While some speculations surround Iranian and Hezbollah involvement, concrete details remain scarce.
• Iran has historically played a significant role in supporting Hamas with weaponry, funding, training, and intelligence, but there is minimal evidence linking Iran to this specific attack.

ALSO READ: Why Hezbollah matters in the Israel-Hamas war

• Hezbollah, on the other hand, has fired rockets into North Israeli communities, showing solidarity with the Palestinian people. Hamas has also claimed responsibility for some of these strikes, on Sunday, from up north.
• Hezbollah, as of now has limited fire and word exchange with Israel as it is also evaluating the situation and looking for the right time to strike.
• The possibility of a larger regional conflagration looms, with concerns about derailing efforts to normalize relations between Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

ALSO READ: How did Hamas come to power in Gaza? Who funds them?

Egypt

• The cold peace relationship between Israel and Egypt will be put to the test during the ongoing war and raises concerns about its long-term stability.
• The damage to the border crossing by Israel, between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah was not received well by the North African nation.
• The war also centres on the future of Gaza's population, as Egypt is wary of any attempts to displace Palestinians into its Sinai Peninsula as the impending ground incursion of Gaza may start from North East Gaza, and end at the Egyptian border.

ALSO READ: While Israel and Hamas fight it out, Egypt has closed its border crossing with Gaza

USA

• The United States has a strong historical and economic relationship with Israel, viewing it as a stabilising force and an asset in the 'Middle East'.
• As a result, the US initially expressed strong support for Israel, pledging additional military assistance.
• It has also deployed military assets to the Eastern Mediterranean to deter potential involvement from other regional actors, such as Iran or Hezbollah.

ALSO READ: How Israeli-Hamas war led to the murder of a 6-year-old in US

• Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, on Sunday evening, warned Israel that the Gaza occupation would be "a big mistake.” The tilt in the US's stance could be attributed to the fast-deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
• However, in doing so, the US would not wanna jeopardise the hard-earned normalisations in West Asia. In doing so, it would not hesitate to go to lengths to crush Hamas, using Israel.

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Israel

• Israel, who once paved the way for Hamas to gain power in Gaza, is now determined to crush Hamas, the Gaza-based terrorist organisation.
• Several ministers including the PM and the Minister of Defence have time and vowed to annihilate Hamas, saying they started the war, and Israel is going to end it.
• To block Hamas from all sides and cripple it, Israel has even declined to let humanitarian aid reach Gaza which is home to over 2.3 million people.

ALSO READ: How bad is the situation in Gaza right now?