The article retraces the evolution of the conflict in West Asia, marked by the escalation of the Israeli operations in Gaza and of the reciprocal attacks between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Force (IDF). Prime Minister Netanyahu has so far derailed the negotiations for a ceasefire and a prisoner swap that threaten his tenuous hold on power. The Israeli Government and its US backers are worried about China’s successful initiative in support of a United National Reconciliation Government’to rule Gaza. China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab and African states are behind the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian Unity whereas Iran is heightening its collaboration with Hezbollah, Syria, the Iraqi Islamic Resistance, and Yemen’s Houthis.
