Gaza's plight forgotten as Middle East conflict escalates, analysts say

Gaza's plight has been overshadowed by the broader Middle East conflict, despite the territory being central to the recent escalation. The war, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, drew in regional players like Hezbollah and the Houthis, ultimately leading to a direct confrontation between Iran and the United States.

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Ever since the United States went to war with Iran, the whole world has forgotten Gaza and its tragedy. We no longer have anyone standing by us.

More than two-and-a-half years later, Gaza endures a severe humanitarian crisis. A fragile ceasefire in October 2025 has not led to a definitive end to the war, and peace talks between Tehran and Washington have stalled. Notably, the preliminary peace text endorsed by Iran and the US makes no mention of Gaza, signaling a shift in regional priorities.

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We are weak and oppressed, and Israel is doing whatever it wants: killing, destroying and occupying Gaza, while no one in the world lifts a finger.

Analysts interpret this as a sign of Hamas's diminished strategic importance to Iran. While Iran long supported Hamas as part of its "axis of resistance," the October 2023 attack appears to have strained the relationship. Some experts believe Iran views Hamas as having betrayed them, and that the timing of the attack was not ideal for Tehran.

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It reflects Hamas's declining strategic value in Iran's eyes.

Furthermore, Iran's strategic calculations may have shifted towards preserving Hezbollah's role in the regional balance. This suggests a recalibration of alliances and priorities in the ongoing complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

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Iranians do not really care about Gaza. Hamas was an ally, not an Iranian tool. It betrayed them. They did not want war in autumn 2023, it was too early for them.