On 7 October, Hamas shocked the world, when thousands of its militants invaded southern Israel in an attack that demonstrated an unusual level of complexity.

Iranian-backed militia drone attacks on US forces have increased in recent days. While these incidents come in the wake of the Hamas attack, in Syria they have different implications.

China has a huge interest in ensuring that the Gulf region is stable. A regional war that disrupts the oil supply can potentially bring China to an economic halt.

Egyptian officials have been talking to Iran since Israel's war on Gaza began earlier this month and warning of potentially catastrophic consequences for the region should the conflict expand.

Memories of death and destruction during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel are still ripe among Lebanese people who have yet to recover. Meanwhile, it's in a deep economic crisis.

Potential outcomes include a temporary Israeli re-occupation, the return of the Palestinian Authority or even a disarmed Hamas to rule in Gaza or even international peacekeepers being deployed.

As Israel ponders its next steps, caution should be the operating word. Israel should set realistic and gradual goals to degrade Hamas while fostering hope for an actual resolution of the conflict.

The BBC, which prides itself on impartiality, has been attacked by both sides for refusing to call Hamas terrorists and for labelling pro-Palestinian protesters as supporters of Hamas.