Middle East Overview: May 2026
April was the deadliest month in Gaza this year, conflict in Iraq took on its own trajectory, and violence continued in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
All analysis on Middle East
Nasser Khdour on Israel’s escalation in Gaza amid Hamas’ refusal to disarm
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on new developments in the Gaza Strip as Israel intensifies attacks
Bassel Doueik on systematic property destruction in southern Lebanon
ACLED’s Lebanon and Jordan Researcher Bassel Doueik comments on Israel’s use of Gaza-style tactics in Lebanon.
Nohad Eltayeb on how Middle East tensions are reshaping Sudan’s war economy
ACLED’s Senior Research Assistant, Nohad Eltayeb, comments on the growing impact of regional pressure and shifting supply networks on Sudan’s conflict dynamics
Showing 10 of 210 items
Webinar | Connected insurgencies: The global evolution of jihadist groups
Join ACLED on 14 May 2 p.m. CET | 1 p.m. London for a webinar that will explore the overlapping patterns of jihadist movements across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Register now!
Middle East Overview: May 2026
April was the deadliest month in Gaza this year, conflict in Iraq took on its own trajectory, and violence continued in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
Nasser Khdour on Israel’s escalation in Gaza amid Hamas’ refusal to disarm
ACLED’s Middle East Assistant Research Manager Nasser Khdour comments on new developments in the Gaza Strip as Israel intensifies attacks
Bassel Doueik on systematic property destruction in southern Lebanon
ACLED’s Lebanon and Jordan Researcher Bassel Doueik comments on Israel’s use of Gaza-style tactics in Lebanon.
Nohad Eltayeb on how Middle East tensions are reshaping Sudan’s war economy
ACLED’s Senior Research Assistant, Nohad Eltayeb, comments on the growing impact of regional pressure and shifting supply networks on Sudan’s conflict dynamics
60 days of the Iran war — 6 conflicts you didn’t see
While global attention was fixed on Iran, violence, unrest, and instability continued to escalate elsewhere — largely out of view.
Who are the Israel-backed armed groups fighting Hamas in Gaza?
The Board of Peace wants Hamas to disarm. But the group's reluctance to do so stems from more than just Israel's repeated ceasefire violations.
Middle East: Local disputes, the Israeli military, and settler violence endanger officials
Local officials in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon faced the lion’s share of the violence.
Is civil unrest poised to escalate in Lebanon?
Even as the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire begins, potential Israel-Lebanon peace talks could exacerbate domestic tensions.
Webinar | The eastern front: Regional reverberations of the Iran War on South Asia
Watch the recorded webinar examining how the Iran conflict is reshaping South Asia. This discussion explores the interplay between regional conflicts, the role of armed groups, and broader societal impacts.