ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

In 2025, Israel and the Palestinian territories remain gripped by an unprecedented crisis, the most intense in decades, driven by the ongoing war that began on October 7th, 2023, between Israel and Hamas. Initially concentrated in the Gaza Strip, the conflict has since expanded across multiple fronts, with significant regional repercussions.

Israel
Israel was profoundly shaken by the October 7th terrorist attacks (described by many as “pogroms”) carried out by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers. In response, the Israeli military launched a massive offensive on the Gaza Strip, causing thousands of Palestinian deaths, near-total destruction of infrastructure, and a humanitarian collapse within the enclave. As of 2025, military operations are ongoing.

On the northern front, regular exchanges of fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon continue, and the threat of the conflict widening remains constant. Israeli airstrikes also regularly target pro-Iranian positions in Syria and Iraq, amid rising regional confrontation with Iran.
Domestically, Israeli society is highly polarised. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is under considerable pressure, facing criticism for its handling of the war, perceived attacks on civil liberties, and controversial judicial reforms passed in 2023. Anti-government protests resumed in late 2024, bringing together victims' families, peace advocates, and pro-democracy supporters.
Security risks remain high throughout the country, especially in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and southern areas such as Ashkelon, Sderot, and Be’er Sheva, where missile alerts, rocket fire, and infiltration attempts occur frequently. The Iron Dome missile defence system mitigates casualties but does not eliminate the threat.

Palestinian Territories
Gaza Strip: Devastated by Israeli bombardments, Gaza is enduring an extreme humanitarian crisis. The majority of the population is displaced, and access to food, water, healthcare, and electricity is almost non-existent. NGOs can operate only through limited humanitarian corridors, which are frequently disrupted by fighting. Aid workers themselves may be exposed to aerial strikes. Despite being severely weakened, Hamas remains active in certain areas. Clashes with Israeli forces continue in waves, and foreign presence is virtually impossible outside strictly supervised humanitarian operations.

West Bank: Tensions have escalated significantly in 2024–2025. Israeli military raids in Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron are now near-daily occurrences. Armed confrontations with Palestinian groups are increasing, while violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians has intensified, often without consequences. The Palestinian Authority has been marginalised, unable to reassert control or act as a credible intermediary.

Foreign nationals present in the Palestinian territories (including East Jerusalem) face significant risks, including clashes, arrests, movement restrictions, and potential suspicion of political interference. Humanitarian and diplomatic missions are subject to heightened scrutiny, and may even face obstruction.