Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel with a barrage of rockets and missiles, overwhelming Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system. The attack raised questions about Israeli intelligence's failure to detect Hamas' preparations and prevent the amassing of their weapons stockpile. Iran has been a key supporter of Hamas, providing funding, weapons, and missile training since the 1980s. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah have played significant roles in developing Hamas' missile program, including domestic production of rockets and smuggling missile components into Gaza.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel with a barrage of rockets and missiles, raising questions about how they amassed such an arsenal despite an Israeli blockade. Iran has been a key supporter, providing funding, weapons, and training since the 1980s. Iranian assistance has included smuggling missile components into Gaza and training Hamas engineers. Relations between Iran and Hamas have fluctuated but improved significantly in recent years, with Iran's support reflected in the advancements of Hamas' rocket and missile capabilities. Israel estimates Hamas' arsenal at 15,000 rockets and missiles, and recent conflicts have seen a significant number of these used, as well as threats from Hamas to execute Israeli civilian hostages.

U.S.-China relations are at a low point, with both nations exhibiting hawkish stances that could lead to military conflict, particularly over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Despite this, recent interactions, including a summit between Biden and Xi, suggest a mutual recognition of the dangerous state of affairs and a willingness to stabilize relations. The article suggests that both sides need to de-escalate tensions and build trust, proposing that the U.S. could offer mRNA Covid-19 vaccines to China as a goodwill gesture.