The Potential Fallout of a Widening Israel-Hamas War
In the mini-documentary Middle East Shockwave, we show how a regional conflict would imperil more lives, worsen poverty and threaten the global economy.
Iranians take part in a rally against Israel on Oct. 13 in Tehran, six days after a surprise attack by Hamas triggered the ongoing war. With an invasion of Gaza imminent, the risk of regional conflict involving Iran threatens more violence, poverty and economic hardship.
Photographer: AFP
The war between Hamas and Israel has claimed close to 5,000 lives, according to authorities on both sides. Following the militant group’s Oct. 7 incursion into Israel, during which it killed 1,400 people while kidnapping hundreds more, Israel responded with a bombing campaign that’s killed thousands of Palestinians ahead of an expected ground invasion.
Tensions in the region have been rising. With no end in sight, the war could draw in Iran-backed militias such as Hezbollah or even Iran itself. As US naval forces mass offshore, the potential for escalation is growing. In the Bloomberg Originals mini-documentary Middle East Shockwave, we explore where the war may go from here, and how a regional conflict would imperil the safety and livelihoods of millions of people across the region—and all over the world.