Escalating conflict in the Middle East has led to significant upheavals in global financial markets. On March 18, 2025, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, effectively ending a ceasefire that had been in place since January. These strikes resulted in over 400 Palestinian casualties, including many women and children, marking one of the deadliest 24-hour periods in the region since 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that these operations were “just the beginning,” with the primary objective of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages. He emphasized that future negotiations would proceed “under fire,” indicating a potential intensification of military actions.
The abrupt termination of the ceasefire has drawn widespread international condemnation. Nations such as Egypt and Qatar, along with various foreign ministries, have criticized the Israeli offensive, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the renewed violence. The United Nations has underscored the critical need for immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected civilian population.
In response to the escalating conflict, global financial markets have experienced notable fluctuations. Oil prices have surged for the third consecutive day, driven by concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East—a region that plays a pivotal role in global oil production. As of 11:16 AM UAE time on March 18, Brent crude, which serves as a benchmark for two-thirds of the world’s oil, rose by 0.61% to $71.50 per barrel. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate , the gauge for U.S. crude, increased by 0.61% to $67.99 per barrel.
Concurrently, gold prices have reached unprecedented levels, with the precious metal surpassing $3,000 per ounce for the first time. This surge is attributed to investors seeking safe-haven assets amidst the geopolitical instability and a weakening U.S. dollar. The heightened demand for gold reflects broader market anxieties regarding the potential for a wider regional conflict and its implications for the global economy.
The escalation has also impacted regional stock markets. While most Gulf markets have recorded gains, the Saudi index fell by 0.8%, influenced by a 1.4% drop in Saudi Aramco stocks trading ex-dividend. The prevailing tensions have contributed to an uneasy market atmosphere, with investors closely monitoring developments.
The breakdown of the ceasefire has its roots in complex negotiations between Israel and Hamas. On March 1, Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal to extend the truce, insisting on the implementation of a second phase that involved the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In response, Israel ceased the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza on March 2, a move condemned by mediators Egypt and Qatar, as well as the United Nations, as a violation of the ceasefire terms.
The resumption of hostilities has led to severe humanitarian consequences. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concern over the escalating civilian casualties and the deteriorating living conditions in Gaza. The international community continues to call for an immediate cessation of violence and the resumption of dialogue to prevent further loss of life and instability in the region.
