Middle East and North Africa

With the fragile new Syrian government, uncertain security situation in the region, ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah, and with continuous threats from Iran, Israel is unlikely to be willing to give up Mount Hermon at all.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and the rise of a transitional government signals a pivotal shift in Syrian history, but the damage left by decades of systemic oppression and violence will take far longer to repair.

The IPS has allegedly long been responsible for severe human rights violations, with decades of reports revealing an intricate system that not only disregards international legal standards, but actively perpetuates violence, psychological abuse and inhumane living conditions against thousands of people.

The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah has caused a heightened and critical concern for regional stability. If Hamas is joined by Hezbollah in an all-out armed conflict with Israel, the lives lost, and damage done will multiply to unimaginable levels.

In the end, Qatar’s criticized leniency and support of Hamas will take a back-seat as the country will likely play a key role in finding a resolution to the war, giving it the credibility it needs to continue maintaining some degree of ties with a near globally recognized terrorist group.

The situation resulting from the attacks on Israel has evolved into a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. The scale of destruction, mass evacuations and accusations of war crimes by Israel paints a grim picture of the ongoing crisis.

As UNITAD approaches the conclusion of its mandate in 2024, the depth and breadth of its investigations into ISIL's crimes are evident. The relentless pursuit of justice is clear across key areas.

Even if Israel eventually succeeds in rooting out the organization and the international community is able to make sustainable post-conflict arrangements for the territory’s governance and reconstruction, this does nothing to mitigate the immediate human security challenges.

The joint application to the ICJ by Canada and the Netherlands, alongside the international efforts to bring Iranian and Syrian military officials to account for alleged war crimes at the ICC, mark significant steps toward achieving justice and accountability for the victims of the long-lasting Syrian conflict.

Addressing the root causes of the crisis, including socio-economic insecurity and political tensions, is imperative for establishing lasting peace and security within the camp. The international community must remain committed to supporting humanitarian efforts, facilitating dialogue and advocating for the rights and dignity of the refugees.