What's happening?

It has been an unhappy New Year in the Middle EastThe lands around the east of the Mediterranean Sea and Arabia. . The war between IsraelA country in the Middle East, and the only Jewish nation in the modern period. It is seen by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land. and HamasA militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. is still happening. And other countries risk being dragged in. A series of events, shown in the picture above, have made headlines around the world.

World leaders fear that there could be more violence in the Middle East. The conflictA state of disagreement when there is a difference of interests, values or goals. between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel could grow. Any single sudden event could spark different groups to join in.

But there are also many reasons why armed groups and countries might want to avoidKeep away from something. a bigger war. A war in the area could shut the Suez CanalAn artificial channel that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the the Red Sea. It is a key trade route for goods between Europe and Asia. , which might lead to shortages of goods worldwide. And although IranA country in Western Asia, officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran. It has a population of 84 million. supports Hamas, it may hold back if it thinks war will cost the country too much.

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Could America be drawn in?

Yes! America does not want to be drawn in, but if its soldiers in the Middle East are attacked, some say they will have no choice.

No! Nobody wants a larger war in the Middle East. It would not really be good for any group or country. Over time, the chance of war will get smaller and smaller.