https://arab.news/c2tnt
Gaza has long been a central flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This small coastal strip is home to approximately 2.3 million Palestinians within an area that does not exceed 365 sq. km. It has suffered from isolation and armed conflicts since Hamas took control in 2007.
The latest war in Gaza, since Oct. 7, 2023, has surpassed all previous rounds in terms of both scale and devastation. It marks a turning point that has reshaped the entire landscape and elevated the political and humanitarian risks, particularly with regard to Egypt’s role.
The developments that have unfolded demonstrate just how close Gaza is to complete collapse. Should conflict spike once again, it would do so amid near-total destruction, decaying infrastructure and a population at the peak of suffering and tension, making any new escalation a compounded catastrophe.
If a new round of fighting erupts, the main players — Israel, Hamas, the international powers and Egypt — will determine whether the conflict is contained or if it will spiral. Egypt, as Gaza’s southern neighbor, is a decisive actor in shaping any outcome.
