How the Middle East war is impacting the region

One week into a widening war, even parts of the Middle East that have not come under direct attack are feeling the impact.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some areas affected:

Egypt: The war is hitting Egypt’s beleaguered economy. Global shipping companies are now rerouting some vessels away from the Suez Canal – a major source of foreign currency. This is also a big blow to tourism and affects millions of Egyptians who work in Arab Gulf states.

Although Egypt is a close US ally, and major recipient of its military aid, it has a national security policy of hosting no foreign military bases. That’s a relief to Egyptians right now.

Syria: The country has sent more troops to its borders with Lebanon and Iraq to block infiltration by Iran-backed armed groups, particularly Hezbollah. This week, several people, including children, have been hurt by debris from Iranian missiles, according to Syria’s state news agency.

Occupied West Bank: At the start of the Iran war, Israel closed many checkpoints and military gates for Palestinians in the West Bank, citing security concerns.

While Iranian missile fragments have fallen in Palestinian villages, Palestinians must rely on warning sirens from Israeli settlements or download apps for Israeli civilians to alert them to incoming rocket fire.

Gaza Strip: In war-torn Gaza, aid is now re-entering through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which Israel had closed for three days, saying it could be targeted by Iran.

The Rafah crossing with Egypt – the main exit point for medical evacuations – remains shut. Talks for Donald Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace are said to be on hold, with many members caught up in the new regional conflict.