The War is Spreading

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October 7th Attacks (00:00:00)

Israel and Hamas engage in an escalating war as Israeli troops invade the Gaza Strip.
Multiple countries and groups are involved in the conflict.
US officials are concerned that the war could spread beyond just Israel and Palestine and become a regional conflict.
The Gaza Strip is governed by Hamas, an Islamist organization with a mission to resist Israeli occupation.
Hamas launches a deadly attack on October 7th, killing Israelis and taking hostages.
Israel responds by declaring war on Hamas and conducting airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
Israel plans a ground invasion to target Hamas fighters and leaders.
US President Joe Biden urges Israel not to make the same mistakes as the US after 9/11.

Iran, which wants to be the most powerful country in the Middle East, is in conflict with Israel and the US.
Iran supports anti-Israel and anti-Jewish militia groups and governments as part of the axis of resistance against Israel and the US.
Iran supports Hamas by giving them training, money, and weapons, including the rockets used in the October 7th attack.
Attacks on Israeli and American targets increase throughout the region by Iranian proxies.
Hezbollah, Iran's powerful proxy group in Lebanon, poses a greater threat to Israel than Hamas.
Israel retaliates against Hezbollah along its northern border.
The US urges Israel not to invade Gaza to avoid a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Conflict could spread to the West Bank if Palestinians join the fighting.

Full-scale war is undesirable for all sides involved, but it can happen regardless.
Hezbollah and Iran do not want a full-scale war with Israel due to the potential consequences.
Threats of force can stabilize an escalating conflict.
The US deploys troops and naval strike groups as a show of force to deter Iran and its proxies.
Israel sends troops into Gaza, but Hezbollah does not invade from the north.
Hezbollah's hesitation shows the potential costs of war for Lebanon.
Iran is hesitant to use Hezbollah in this context to protect Palestinians.
Hezbollah believes that Israel will not succeed in eradicating Hamas.
Hamas is prepared for a ground invasion, using tactics such as hiding among civilians and using underground tunnels.