As of December 8, 2024, the situation in Syria has undergone a significant transformation with the formal removal of the Syrian government. This change follows the withdrawal of Russian and Iranian forces, which has led to a power vacuum in the region [ff29b23a]. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has been at the forefront of this shift, recently capturing Aleppo, Syria's largest city, in a major offensive [4ae96a9a]. Al-Golani's rebranding of HTS from its al-Qaeda roots to a more localized insurgency has allowed the group to gain traction and support among some factions in Syria [65d59329].
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with reports indicating that over 1,400 families have been erased from civil registries and 3,700 families have only one survivor due to the ongoing conflict [ff29b23a]. The death toll in Gaza has continued to rise, with 75 Palestinians killed in strikes on November 28, 2024 [ff29b23a]. This situation has drawn international attention and criticism, particularly regarding the portrayal of HTS as a liberation force amidst the chaos [ff29b23a].
Maire Leadbeater has expressed hope that Gulf states will assist in rebuilding Syria and facilitate the return of refugees, emphasizing the need for international support in the wake of the conflict [ff29b23a]. The implications of the Syrian conflict extend beyond its borders, affecting Lebanon and the broader Middle East region [ff29b23a].
In a related note, the economic landscape is shifting as well, with New Zealand's debt to GDP ratio increasing from 31.8% in 2019 to 45.77% in 2023, reflecting broader global economic challenges [ff29b23a]. Comparatively, the U.S. debt to GDP ratio is projected to rise from 80% in 2019 to an expected 123% in 2024, highlighting the interconnectedness of global economic issues [ff29b23a]. As various factions vie for power amidst a backdrop of international interests and regional conflicts, the future of both Syria and Gaza remains uncertain [4ae96a9a][65d59329].