17-11-2025

Middle East and Africa Conflict Escalation

Date: 17-11-2025
Sources: economist.com: 4 | news.sky.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
Image for cluster 2
Image Source:

Source: straitstimes.com

Image content: The image shows the Palestinian flag flying over a devastated urban landscape, with rubble and destroyed buildings in the foreground. The scene is set against a backdrop of a blue sky with clouds illuminated by the setting sun, creating a striking contrast between the destruction on the ground and the serene atmosphere above. **Key Elements:** * **Palestinian Flag:** The flag is prominently displayed, symbolizing Palestinian identity and resilience. * **Destroyed Buildings:** The extensive destruction suggests significant conflict or military action. * **Rubble and Debris:** The presence of rubble indicates recent or ongoing violence. **Relevance to News Coverage:** * The image is directly related to the news article's discussion of escalating tensions and conflicts in various regions, including Gaza. * The destruction visible in the image aligns with the article's mention of violence and humanitarian crises in these areas. * The presence of the Palestinian flag amidst the devastation highlights the human impact of these conflicts. **Concise Description

Summary

The region is witnessing escalating tensions and conflicts in various areas, including Ethiopia's Tigray region, Gaza, Sudan's Darfur, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situations are marked by violence, humanitarian crises, and the presence of unexploded ordnance. International efforts to address these issues, including aid and peacekeeping forces, are being hindered by various factors, including Israeli restrictions and opposition from regional actors.

Key Points

  • Ethiopia's Tigray region is on the brink of another war despite a 2022 peace agreement.
  • Gaza's ceasefire is fragile, with uncertainty surrounding reconstruction efforts.
  • Hemedti, leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, has gained control of Darfur.
  • Unexploded ordnance in Gaza poses a significant threat to civilians.
  • Aid for Gaza is being held in Jordan due to Israeli restrictions.

Articles in this Cluster

Ethiopia is perilously close to another war

The article discusses the escalating tensions in Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region, where a brutal civil war between 2020 and 2022 resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Despite a peace agreement brokered by Western and African officials in November 2022, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for the conflict to balloon into a regional conflagration. The article highlights the concerns of separatist pressures in Tigray and the role of the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in the conflict.
Entities: Ethiopia, Tigray, America, Biden, Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)Tone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Gaza’s zombie ceasefire

The article discusses the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, questioning its permanence and the prospects for reconstruction. It highlights the historical context of temporary measures becoming permanent in the Middle East, referencing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Palestinian Authority's prolonged existence. The article notes the uncertainty and despair among Gaza's 2 million inhabitants regarding their future. It also touches upon the unlikelihood of successful reconstruction plans, whether Arab or American, and references other regional issues and conflicts.
Entities: Gaza, Israel, West Bank, Palestinian Authority, Middle EastTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hemedti: warlord, power-broker and the new sultan of Darfur

The article profiles Hemedti, the leader of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who has gained control of his own statelet in Darfur. The capture of el-Fasher on October 27th demonstrates the RSF's military capabilities and Hemedti's growing influence. As a result, Hemedti is now a key player in determining the future of Sudan's civil war. The article discusses Hemedti's rise to power and his role in shaping the conflict in Sudan.
Entities: Hemedti, Sudan, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Darfur, el-FasherTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

The dangers beneath Gaza’s rubble

The article discusses the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Gaza, which is believed to have more UXO per square meter than anywhere else in the world. The UXO is a remnant of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and it poses a significant threat to civilians. The article notes that Hamas has been using the UXO to create new weapons to use against Israel. The situation is dire, with estimates suggesting that there are over 7,000 tonnes of UXO in the strip. The article highlights the long-term consequences of conflict and the need for a comprehensive solution to address the issue.
Entities: Gaza, Hamas, Israel, Unexploded ordnance (UXO), Gaza StripTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Inside Jordan warehouse where Gaza aid held 'after being refused entry by Israel' | World News | Sky News

The article reports on the large quantities of aid for Gaza being held in Jordan due to Israeli restrictions. The aid, including tents, blankets, and medicine, has been stockpiled since March and is equivalent to thousands of trucks' worth. The UN and aid organizations criticize Israel for breaching international humanitarian law by not allowing the aid to enter Gaza, where tens of thousands of displaced families are in need. The Israeli military claims that the aid is being stopped due to security concerns following an attack on a border crossing in September. Meanwhile, Gaza is experiencing heavy rainfall, causing flooding in tent camps and highlighting the urgent need for aid.
Entities: Gaza, Jordan, Israel, United Nations, UNRWATone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

UN Security Council set to vote on international force for Gaza | The Straits Times

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a US-drafted resolution supporting President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, which includes the deployment of an international force to secure border areas and demilitarize Gaza. The plan has been met with opposition from Israel, which rejects the idea of a Palestinian state, and Russia, which has circulated a competing draft resolution. Despite this, the US has garnered support from several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, and diplomats expect the US draft to be adopted. The resolution endorses Trump's plan, which allowed for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to take hold, and authorizes the creation of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to work with Israel, Egypt, and Palestinian police.
Entities: UN Security Council, US, Donald Trump, Gaza, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform