Nournews: This unprecedented operation was not merely a national reaction to Israel’s long history of military policies and occupation in Gaza and the West Bank, but also symbolized a broader human and ideological response to what Palestinians view as seven decades of oppression and aggression under Israeli rule.

Although certain political groups, both inside and outside the region, have sought to criticize Hamas’s action on legal or human rights grounds, analysts emphasize that the operation must be understood within its broader historical context — as a reaction to seventy years of continuous occupation and violence rather than a short-term or isolated incident.

In any case, the events of October 7 should be examined on three levels: their historical roots, the developments that have unfolded in the two years since, and the broader outlook for future global and regional relations. What remains clear is that the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation has had — and will continue to have — deep and lasting effects on both Palestinian-Israeli affairs and the wider geopolitical order.

Historical Roots of the “Al-Aqsa Storm”

Following the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948 — an event strongly supported by European powers, particularly the United Kingdom — hundreds of thousands of Palestinians lost their homes and lands, becoming displaced and stateless. In response, various forms of Palestinian resistance emerged, ranging from armed struggle to grassroots movements.

Since then, Israel has pursued a series of restrictive and forceful policies toward Palestinians, including land confiscation, the construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, home demolitions, assassinations of Palestinian leaders, and the imposition of a long-term blockade on Gaza.

These measures consistently provoked resistance and armed responses from different Palestinian factions. Especially after the intifadas and subsequent waves of confrontation in recent decades, groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad have continued to carry out attacks against Israel. The “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation fits within this broader context — not only as a reaction to recent Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, but also as an act of retribution for more than seventy years of conflict and hardship experienced by the Palestinian people.

The October 7, 2023 operation represented not only a response to Israel’s latest military actions but also a significant evolution in the nature of Palestinian resistance on a regional level. Unlike the sporadic clashes seen over the decades, this operation marked a transition from limited engagements to a large-scale, coordinated, and strategic offensive. The use of advanced technologies, greater coordination among resistance factions, and increased regional support distinguished “Al-Aqsa Storm” from previous confrontations. In this sense, it can be viewed not as an isolated strike against Israel, but as a complex, multi-dimensional operation with broad and far-reaching implications.

Developments in the Two Years Following the “Al-Aqsa Storm”

The astonishing “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation — executed with complete surprise — primarily shattered and discredited Israel’s long-standing image of military and intelligence invincibility. For years, Israeli authorities had promoted the notion that breaching or undermining its security and defense systems was virtually impossible. However, after Hamas dealt a decisive blow, Israel swiftly launched large-scale military operations against Gaza and other Palestinian territories. Yet, these retaliatory campaigns failed to fully suppress the threats and continued operations of Palestinian resistance groups.

Over the past two years, despite Israel’s attempts to restore normalcy, numerous rounds of fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian resistance factions have persisted, with Tel Aviv still unable to achieve its desired outcome. In stark contrast to Israel’s expectations, deep political, social, and economic crises have since gripped the occupied territories, exposing profound internal divisions within Israel’s security and political establishment.

While Israel has indeed reduced Gaza to ruins over these two years—causing the deaths of nearly 70,000 residents and assassinating several senior figures of the resistance movements in both Palestine and Lebanon—it has not remained unscathed. The Israeli regime itself has suffered severe political and social damage. Today, its internal structure is facing fractures—indeed, destructive crises—that would likely be unmanageable without the artificial support of Western powers, particularly the United States.

For decades, Israel propagated the myth of its military superiority across global media. Yet now, it faces serious security threats from Palestinian groups that have demonstrated new levels of capability and organization in confronting the regime. This situation has deeply shaken public confidence in Israel’s defense establishment and, to a significant extent, undermined its internal legitimacy.

Beyond the Domestic Sphere: Global Shifts in the Aftermath of the Al-Aqsa Storm

Beyond the internal dynamics of the conflict, the two years following the “Al-Aqsa Storm” have witnessed remarkable global shifts in public opinion and civic responses to Israel’s actions. Unlike in previous decades—when mainstream media narratives largely shaped considerable international support for Israel—there has now been a surge in civil, political, and human rights protests led by international institutions, organizations, and even some Western governments.

The International Court of Justice’s decision to pursue legal action against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with the wave of boycotts and sanctions imposed by cultural, artistic, sports, and civic institutions, has gravely undermined the legitimacy of the Israeli regime. A worldwide mobilization against Zionist terrorism has emerged, challenging decades of uncritical support for Israel.

Popular movements across many countries—including the United States and several European nations—have played a central role in shifting public perception. Particularly in universities and civil society institutions, these movements have steered global consciousness toward recognizing and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. This transformation reflects a broader change in international politics, with increased emphasis on human rights and justice regarding Palestine.

At the governmental level, similar changes are also evident. Significant policy shifts in both European and Arab countries have led to formal calls at the United Nations for sanctions against Israel. Some Arab states that had previously moved toward normalization—facing mounting domestic pressure and a transformed regional geopolitical landscape—have begun to distance themselves from Israel. This has been particularly evident in the cases of major regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which, despite their earlier willingness to normalize relations, have now adjusted their foreign policies in light of growing public sympathy for the Palestinians and disapproval of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Outlook: Where Is the World Headed?

Over the past two years, the growing influence of Palestinian groups—particularly Hamas—has become increasingly evident in the regional balance of power. The resistance movements, which once operated sporadically with limited capabilities, now enjoy broader popular and even governmental support. These groups have expanded their role not only in the military sphere but also in diplomatic and political arenas. Consequently, the potential for renewed tensions and conflicts remains high, as Israel continues to pursue its long-standing occupation policies.

The outlook suggests the continued rise of global grassroots movements and civic organizations that have emerged since 2023 in solidarity with Palestine and in opposition to Israeli atrocities. These movements have exerted significant pressure on governments to reconsider their policies toward Israel—a process that could, particularly in Western countries, lead to more balanced and justice-oriented approaches to the Palestinian question.

On a global scale, a major shift in international relations may be underway. The intensifying diplomatic rivalry among major powers—such as the United States, China, and Russia—especially regarding support for resistance movements and approaches to resolving the Palestinian issue, could heighten global tensions. This competition may reshape the balance of power in the Middle East and prompt Arab states to reassess their relationships with world powers.

Western and Arab policies, particularly those concerning normalization with Israel, are also evolving. While some Arab countries continue to strengthen ties with Tel Aviv, the overall trajectory appears to be shifting. Growing public pressure is compelling regional governments to reevaluate their foreign policies. Meanwhile, Iran and the Axis of Resistance are increasingly working to consolidate their position in both regional and global equations.

The future landscape points to a complex and volatile region. The expanding influence of the resistance front, the rise of global civic movements, and the intensifying geopolitical competition over Palestine may drive substantial changes in the policies of major powers—potentially paving the way for more just and sustainable solutions to the Palestinian issue.

At the same time, the ongoing trend toward a multipolar world and evolving relations among global powers could redefine the political map of the Middle East and reshape international approaches to this long-standing crisis.

Ultimately, the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation stands as a turning point in the history of Palestinian resistance—one that not only transformed Israel’s internal security and political landscape but also deeply altered the geopolitical and diplomatic structure of the Middle East. In today’s globalized context, this transformation serves as both a catalyst for rethinking global policies and a profound challenge to the existing international order.