The war on Gaza and its impact on international shipping and global supply chains

الملخص

This research paper explores the repercussions of the Israeli war on Gaza since October 2023 and its implications for international maritime navigation and global supply chains, with a particular focus on the Red Sea region and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The study sheds light on the escalating geopolitical tensions that have jeopardized the freedom of movement for commercial vessels and triggered a significant rise in shipping and insurance costs, thereby negatively impacting the global economy. A descriptive and analytical methodology was adopted to examine the unfolding events and their connection to broader geopolitical and economic challenges. The analysis draws upon recent reports from international organizations and official data sources to assess the economic and logistical consequences of the conflict. The paper concludes that the persistence of the Gaza conflict, in the absence of decisive diplomatic intervention, may lead to wider disruptions in global supply chains. This underscores the urgent need for an international response to ensure the protection of maritime trade and regional security.