Middle East on Edge: Fears Echo October 7th After US-Israel Strikes on Iran

The Middle East is bracing for further conflict following a major joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, an operation US President Donald Trump has stated aims to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities, destroy its missile program, and ultimately instigate regime change. The strikes, which began on Saturday, February 28, 2026, have triggered a wave of retaliatory strikes from Iran across the region, raising fears of a wider war and evoking memories of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.

Jerusalem Recalls October 7th Amidst Renewed Fears

In Jerusalem, a sense of fear has gripped the city, mirroring the atmosphere following the October 7th attacks. Streets are largely empty, access to places of worship is restricted, and shops in the Old City remain closed. Father Ibrahim Faltas, the former vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, recalls the panic and uncertainty of that day, noting the parallels with the current situation.

“Together with the teachers and the rest of the school staff, we barely managed to maintain the necessary calm to calm the children, whose parents had brought them to school a moment ago, said goodbye to them and gone about their day,” says Father Faltas. “It was not uncomplicated for the teachers to hold back their tears as they encouraged the children. Before entering the classroom, they had just recited a simple prayer of Saint Francis. I looked at the children and saw hidden trauma in their sad eyes.”

A Region Engulfed in Flames

The recent escalation follows a period of increasing tension, with Iran already weakened by last summer’s conflict with Israel, which saw brief US involvement. A severe economic crisis in Iran sparked nationwide protests in January, which were met with a forceful crackdown. Trump had previously warned of impending military action, and the recent strikes represent a significant escalation of US policy.

Iran has responded by launching missiles and drones targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia Muslim militia in Lebanon, has also joined the fighting, launching rockets into Israel. Israel has retaliated with strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The Human Cost: Children Bear the Brunt

Father Faltas emphasizes the devastating impact of the conflict on children, who are caught in the crossfire and suffer the most. “We live seemingly normally near the holy places, because we believe, pray and hope, but the deafening noise of war always brings us back to the painful reality,” he says. “Children do not know violence, do not know the inhuman causes of violence and continue to be the innocent victims of the absurdity caused by evil. Children know and recognize only good. In such moments they tremble and are made to tremble by evil.”

He highlights the suffering of children in Gaza, Tehran, Kyiv, and Tel Aviv, facing hunger, cold, displacement, and even death. In Gaza, children are reportedly forced to scavenge through ruins for items to sell for food and blankets.

Calls for Peace and Accountability

The international community has issued numerous appeals for peace, but these have largely gone unanswered. Father Faltas questions who will respond to these calls and hold those responsible for the violence accountable. He argues that the pursuit of peace is hampered by the trampling of basic human rights and the prioritization of the “war economy” over the needs of those who suffer.

“My life experience in the Holy Land,” writes Father Faltas, “makes me still believe and hope that there are human beings whose hearts are filled with love for their neighbor without restrictions and boundaries, who are able to extend a friendly hand, to listen attentively, to give a hug that warms the soul. This is the humanity in which every human being should recognize himself, and this is the humanity that should be represented by the international community.”

Key Takeaways

• The US and Israel have launched a major joint attack on Iran, aiming for regime change.
• Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East, escalating regional tensions.
• Civilians, particularly children, are bearing the brunt of the conflict.
• International calls for peace have so far been ineffective.
• The situation evokes memories of the October 7, 2023, attacks and raises fears of a wider war.