After Gaza a new dawn for peace and regional unity

The war in Gaza appears to be nearing its end, and it is essential to express profound regret over the devastative outcomes, which now seem imminent.

The Oct. 7 events and their aftermath have roughly dismantled what was once referred to as the ‘axis of resistance’. This is a reality that some may find difficult it to acknowledge, as our responses often lean toward emotional reactions rather than grounded, practical understanding of the situation.

The ground realities reveal that approximately 50,000 lives have been lost in the Gaza Strip, though this figure only partially reflects the devastation, as many bodies remain trapped under the rubble. Over 100,000 people have been injured or disabled, while what once were residential buildings now lie in ruins, crushing both people and hope, leaving the land scarcely habitable.

The toll of this conflict extends far beyond numbers. It represents a human tragedy of unprecedented proportions — a community torn apart, families obliterated, and futures stolen. The streets of Gaza, once bustling with life, now echo with silence, punctuated only by the cries of those mourning their irreplaceable losses.

Hospitals overflow with the wounded, their resources stretched to breaking point, while schools and community centers lie in ruins, their potential replaced by despair.

There is a strong likelihood that Hamas may cease to administer Gaza altogether, while the Israeli army continues to maintain its presence. Furthermore, there is a possibility — albeit uncertain — of Israeli settlements being established in the territory.

In Lebanon, the party within the so-called ‘axis of resistance’ grapples with dire consequences: thousands of casualties, partial destruction of cities, and the loss of key leaders.

The group’s capabilities have been significantly diminished, causing a rift with segments of its traditional support base. Simultaneously, new movements championing statehood, stability, and non-violence have begun to gain traction.

In Syria, the aftermath is stark, characterised by overcrowded prisons, horrifying mass graves, widespread poverty, and relentless oppression. The concept of “resistance” seems to have been a mere illusion, as Syria now struggles with the loss of yet another part of its territory.

The third force, Iran, has visibly withdrawn from Syria, with its ties to its allied faction in Lebanon effectively severed. The repercussions of the Oct. 7 attacks have resulted in widespread devastation. This is not a time for assigning blame but for drawing important lessons. People deprived of freedom cannot defend themselves, protect others, reclaim land, or defeat an enemy.

Unfortunately, the political culture among some remains steeped in denial, painting rosy pictures of defeats and resorting to justifications. The painful reality is that the outcomes of Oct. 7 will not end with the human and strategic losses. The ripple effects of this ill-calculated move, which many viewed as lacking foresight, will persist. This is further exacerbated by the continuation of denial as a policy embraced by some, refusing to confront the harsh truths of its consequences.

The future of Lebanon remains uncertain, centred around the critical issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, which has long been cloaked in faint slogans like ‘the people, the army and the resistance’.

A significant portion of the Lebanese population has not supported the concept of “resistance,” and the necessity of transferring these arms to the national army has become increasingly evident. The party has rallied a balanced faction of its supporters, but if it persists in denial, the establishment and progress of the Lebanese state will be obstructed.

The overall fallout of the Oct. 7 attacks, which were launched 14 months ago, has been overwhelmingly negative for the so-called ‘axis of resistance’. Built on precarious and uncertain ideas, this approach aimed to hinder regional development and progress but instead caused a significant regression.

Another pressing question revolves around Syria, which, fifty years ago before Al Assad’s rule, was a cornerstone of Arab action. Currently, the situation presents a complex blend of both negative and positive developments, making it difficult to accurately foresee the future. While much of the forthcoming news remains ambiguous, glimpses of optimism are rare and fleeting.

Rescuing Syria from the grip of fanaticism is essential not only for its own survival but also for the stability of the entire region. If Syria succumbs to extreme ideologies and fails to achieve unity in national decision-making, the resulting divisions among its people and territories could plunge the region into further instability and hardship.

Mohammad Alrumaihi is an author and Professor of Political Sociology at Kuwait University