In the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East, spot gold prices surged to their highest level in four weeks on Wednesday, as concerns over a potential conflict in the region intensified demand for safe-haven assets. Gold has gained as much as 1.07%, reaching a peak of $1,945.85 so far on the day.

The surge in gold prices followed Israel’s military bombardment of Gaza with air strikes, anticipating a widely expected ground invasion against Hamas, which recently launched an incursion into southern Israel. The ongoing conflict has raised fears of a broader regional conflagration, prompting investors to flock to assets traditionally considered safe, such as gold.

Investors turned to the precious metal as tensions between Israel and Hamas reached a critical point. The situation escalated after Hamas’s incursion into southern Israel earlier this month, prompting retaliatory measures from the Israeli military, including airstrikes on Gaza. The potential for the conflict to spill over into a wider regional crisis has significantly increased demand for safe-haven assets, with gold being a prime choice for investors seeking stability amidst geopolitical uncertainty.

The rising gold prices underscore the metal’s role as a safe haven during times of geopolitical instability. Investors often turn to gold as a store of value and a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. Its tangible nature and limited supply make it an attractive asset in times of crisis.