In a shocking turn of events, the recent brutal attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians has sparked geopolitical tensions that could have far-reaching consequences. The Editor of the FT, Roula Khalaf, sheds light on the potential beneficiaries and losers in this complex situation.
While there is no direct evidence linking Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Hamas attack, Russia has emerged as a key beneficiary of the resulting chaos. As Israeli forces move into Gaza, the geopolitical landscape is shifting, with US President Joe Biden finding himself in a precarious position.
The timing of the attack, coinciding with Putin’s birthday, has provided Moscow with an opportunity to undermine Biden’s “liberal international order”. The relationship between Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also soured, with Russia aligning itself more closely with Iran, Israel’s chief adversary.
As tensions escalate, the fate of Biden’s re-election prospects hangs in the balance. A failure to secure a ceasefire could lead to further civilian casualties in Gaza and deepen divides within the Democratic party. Biden’s delicate balancing act between supporting Israel and addressing humanitarian concerns is being put to the test.
Ultimately, the unfolding situation in Gaza has far-reaching implications, not just for the Middle East but for global politics as a whole. As the stakes continue to rise, all eyes are on how world leaders navigate this complex and volatile situation.