Gaza Conflict Has Reshaped Regional Dynamics and Exposed Weaknesses in Global Order: Experts
The Gaza conflict has triggered far-reaching changes extending beyond the immediate battlefield, challenging the credibility of international institutions and the application of international law while reshaping regional security dynamics and global perceptions of the Palestinian issue. The conflict has also exposed contradictions within the existing international order and prompted wider reassessments of geopolitical alignments, with significant implications for Palestine, Pakistan, the Muslim world and global politics.
These observations were made by the experts during a seminar titled “Beyond the Battlefield: What Has Gaza Changed?”, organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, on October 6, 2026. The speakers included Dr. Khuram Iqbal, associate professor, NIISS, QAU; Brig. (r) Said Nazir, defense and security analyst; Dr. Salma Malik, associate professor, DSS, QAU; and Dr. Zarni, human rights activist. Khalid Rahman, chairman, IPS, chaired the session, which also featured Amb. (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman, IPS.
In his opening remarks, Amb. (r) Syed Abrar Hussain said the repercussions of the Gaza conflict could not be viewed within the geographical limits of the territory. He identified three broad areas of change: declining confidence in international law and institutions, shifts in regional and global geopolitical dynamics, and the renewed prominence of the Palestine issue. He noted that the selective application of international law had contributed to growing distrust, particularly across the Global South.
Highlighting major developments, Dr. Khuram Iqbal asserted that the longstanding bipartisan support for Israel in Western capitals, particularly the United States, had come under pressure from changing public opinion. He said that the regional impact of the conflict, including disruption to the process associated with the Abraham Accords and emerging links between West Asian and South Asian security dynamics. He further highlighted the implications of closer Israel-India relations for Pakistan amid changing regional alignments.
Examining the conflict from humanitarian, military, regional and international perspectives, Brig. (r) highlighted Gaza’s destruction, reconstruction challenges, Palestinian political divisions and uncertainty surrounding the peace process. He argued that the conflict had challenged perceptions of Israel’s military invincibility and demonstrated the limitations of military power without corresponding political and diplomatic objectives. He also addressed changing deterrence dynamics, energy security and the significance of strategic chokepoints.
Dr. Salma Malik, while focusing on the implications for the rules-based international order, said the conflict had highlighted inconsistencies in the application of international law and raised questions about the credibility of global institutions. She also highlighted its implications for Pakistan, particularly regarding governance, social cohesion and the country’s diplomatic role.
Joining online, Dr. Zarni said the Gaza conflict had prompted wider scrutiny of the international political order. He highlighted contradictions in international law, the growing influence of civil society in shaping perceptions of Palestine, and renewed attention to colonial legacies in contemporary international relations.
Concluding the seminar, Khalid Rahman stressed that complex international challenges require sustained and incremental efforts rather than shortcuts. He called for contemporary developments surrounding Gaza to be understood within their broader historical and international context, emphasizing the need for long-term thinking.
