The year 2024 has witnessed a cascade of transformative geopolitical events that have profoundly altered the global landscape, from the growing recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state to the seismic U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, marking a turning point in international relations.
Across Europe, political instability in France has underscored the fragility of democratic governance, while the Middle East has been rocked by simultaneous wars in Gaza and Lebanon, coupled with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. High-profile assassinations and the recent dramatic fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have further destabilized an already volatile region. These interconnected events highlight the urgency for international dialogue and the search for sustainable solutions in an increasingly divided world. Below, we delve into the most critical developments that have defined the year so far.
Nine Countries Recognize Palestine as an Independent State
This year, amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, nine countries formally recognized Palestine as an independent state, reflecting growing international support. These countries are Spain, Norway, Ireland, Armenia, Slovenia, the Bahamas, Trinidad, and Tobago. The total number of nations that recognize the State of Palestine as a sovereign nation now stands at 146, representing 75% of UN member states.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway’s simultaneous recognition of Palestinian statehood on May 28 was especially striking, showing growing support among Western nations for Palestine’s territorial integrity and independence. Growing recognition acted as a stamp of solidarity from these three countries, despite Israel’s kickback to pressurize these countries, such as cutting ties or threatening to close embassies.
Trump-Harris Election
This year, 60 countries had an election making it one of the world’s biggest election years. Perhaps the most internationally awaited election has been the 2024 US election, between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. The result of the election, that is to say, Trump’s landslide victory over Harris, had a strong effect on international trade and diplomacy, and even the cryptocurrency market.
Shortly after Trump’s decisive victory, the price of one Bitcoin surged to an all-time high of USD 100,000, following his sudden change of stances on the cryptocurrency. The election highlighted the immense power a US president can have on international markets by simply voicing their opinion on the matter.
Four Different French PM’s
In 2024, France experienced an unprecedented political shakeup, changing governments four times over 12 months. This political instability stemmed from mounting public discontent over economic challenges and controversial reforms, leading to the resignation of two prime ministers in quick succession. Each transition brought a new cabinet and policy direction, reflecting the country’s struggle to stabilize its governance amid widespread protests and parliamentary gridlock.
Following the June 2024 legislative elections, which led to a hung parliament, Gabriel Attal served as prime minister. He submitted his resignation on July 7, 2024, but President Emmanuel Macron initially requested him to remain in office temporarily.
Subsequently, Michel Barnier was appointed as prime minister. His tenure was short-lived, as he was ousted after losing to a no-confidence vote due to opposition to his budget from left-wing and far-right parties.
In December 2024, François Bayrou became the fourth prime minister within the year. He faced the immediate challenge of passing the 2025 budget through a fractured parliament and addressing France’s significant public finance issues.
War in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The Gaza Strip has descended into one of its darkest chapters in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with over 45,200 people killed by December 2024. Israeli airstrikes have obliterated entire neighborhoods such as Beit Hanoun and Jabalia refugee camp, while Gaza’s rocket fire has inflicted significant damage in southern Israel. International organizations have raised alarms about the worsening humanitarian crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed, schools bombing, electricity shortages, and widespread displacement.
Since Israel declared war on Hamas, evacuation orders have displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents. Efforts for a ceasefire and negotiations over hostages are ongoing, though conflicting statements from international leaders complicate the situation. The closure of Gaza’s only oncology hospital due to fuel shortages has further exacerbated the humanitarian disaster, with the health minister warning that cancer patients’ lives are at risk.
The conflict has also severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. St. Philip’s Church, once a place of worship for Gaza’s small Christian community, has been converted into a hospital, providing basic medical services to the overwhelmed population. The targeting of civilian areas, including the bombing of refugee camps in northern Rafah, has led to further casualties, in addition to one of the most shared social media hashtags #alleyesonRafah, including at least 45 deaths among displaced Palestinians.
Lebanon: A Nation Caught in Crossfire
Lebanon, already grappling with a severe economic crisis, has been thrust into a devastating war as hostilities escalate along its southern border with Israel. The conflict, marked by Israeli airstrikes and rocket exchanges from Hezbollah, has caused widespread destruction, with the death toll surpassing 3,000, mostly affecting civilians, especially after mid-June when Israeli forces mocked Lebanon with medieval-style weaponry.
On October 1, Israel launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces informed the US of “limited ground operations” targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, amid heavy shelling along the northern Israeli border and airstrikes on Beirut for the first time in nearly two decades. On September 23, Israel issued an unprecedented warning for civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate as it ramped up airstrikes targeting Hezbollah military sites.
Despite efforts to broker a ceasefire, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement on November 27 that he was ready to implement a deal, Israeli forces continued airstrikes on Beirut, hitting the Hamra district. By November 29, Lebanon’s military accused Israel of violating the fragile ceasefire multiple times, while Hezbollah retaliated claiming Israel was attacking civilians in border villages. Israel, in turn, accused Hezbollah of breaching the truce, leading to further instability in the region.
Israel-Iran Clashes: Escalating Tensions
Tensions between Israel and Iran have boiled over into open clashes, with military engagements reported across various fronts, including the Persian Gulf and Syrian territory. The confrontations have heightened fears of a broader regional war, drawing in neighboring countries. Both nations have exchanged accusations of aggression, with Iran warning of retaliation for Israeli strikes on its assets and proxies.
On April 19, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps announced it had launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel, potentially sparking a significant escalation between the regional archenemies. The US vowed to support Israel in the aftermath. Israel’s military reported detecting more than 100 Iranian drones flying over Iraq, expected to take hours to reach their targets.
On October 5, 2024, Israel’s military (IDF) stated it was “preparing a response” to what it described as “the unprecedented and unlawful Iranian attack” targeting its territory and civilians on Tuesday night. An Israeli official told AFP soon after that the planned response’s timing and nature were yet to be disclosed. The attack involved Iran firing nearly 180 ballistic missiles at multiple Israeli military air bases in retaliation for the recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
High-profile Assassinations
The recent assassinations of key regional leaders have significantly destabilized the Middle East. In May, Iran was rocked by the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a suspicious helicopter crash, leading to the appointment of Mohammad Mokhber as interim president. This event triggered a five-day mourning period, and Iran is set to hold an election within 50 days to elect a new president.
In July, Hamas’ political commander Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, reportedly in an attack blamed on Israel. In October, Hamas confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the head of its political bureau, in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. Finally, in September, Hezbollah announced the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the group’s leadership in southern Beirut.
These targeted killings, carried out through highly coordinated operations, have left leadership vacuums, leading to violent protests and reprisals, creating an even more volatile and uncertain political landscape in the region.
The Fall of Bashar al-Assad
The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, marked the end of over five decades of the Assad family rule, following a rapid successful offensive by Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This victory included the capture of Damascus and several provincial capitals, triggering celebrations from Syrians who had long suffered under Assad’s regime.
The collapse of Assad’s regime has created a power vacuum, raising concerns about Syria’s future. Rebel forces continue to fight for control of key territories, while foreign powers such as Russia, Iran, and Israel assert their influence. Israel has launched over 250 airstrikes on Syrian military sites, crippling the Assad regime’s military capabilities. In a significant development, Russia granted asylum to Assad, signaling a shift in regional power dynamics.
As competing factions vie for control, Syria faces growing instability, with the risk of further escalation. The humanitarian crisis continues as displaced Syrians seek refuge in neighboring countries. The future of Syria remains uncertain, with no clear resolution in sight to the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical implications.
The convergence of these crises has left the Middle East on the brink of a wider conflict. International efforts to mediate have yet to yield results, as underlying issues remain unaddressed. The human toll of these developments underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to peace. With millions displaced, economies in freefall, and fragile alliances tested, the region’s future hangs in the balance, demanding immediate global attention and action.
The events of 2024 have underscored the fragility of global peace and the shifting dynamics of international relations. From political instability in the West to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, the world stands at a crossroads. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts from global leaders, international organizations, and civil society to foster dialogue, rebuild trust, and work towards sustainable solutions.