Gaza: Epicenter of the Middle East Conflict. With the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, the Middle East conflict has escalated to unprecedented levels. Muriel Asseburg explains, in historical context and with a refreshing distance, what has happened since October 7, 2023, which actors are involved in the conflict, and what consequences the war has far beyond Israel and Palestine. A must-read for anyone wanting to understand why the conflict continues to escalate and what drives the parties involved.

On October 7, 2023, residents of some kibbutzim and visitors to the Nova Music Festival—along with the Israeli military—are caught off guard by a terrorist attack from Hamas. More than a thousand people lose their lives, and 250 hostages are taken. In response, Israel completely seals off the Gaza Strip, launches a large-scale offensive against Hamas, and accepts a humanitarian catastrophe. Muriel Asseburg empathetically recounts the horrific events since October 7, explains the background, and shows how the war continues to spread: from the West Bank to Syria and Iraq, across Lebanon to the Houthi militias in Yemen, and to direct attacks between Israel and Iran. She also describes the efforts of the U.S., the Arab contact group, and the International Courts in The Hague to contain the violence. She skillfully clarifies the different perspectives, creating a picture of impressive depth.

In a calm, factual tone, the Middle East expert navigates this ideologically charged territory. Gaza: How a land strip only 40 km long and 14 km wide became the epicenter of the Middle East conflict. A balanced assessment of a complex conflict. For all those who are affected by the war but still want to keep a cool head.