United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 2014
Ownership
Middle East Eye is a London-based online news outlet launched in April 2014, co-founded and edited by former Guardian journalist David Hearst. It is formally owned by M.E.E. Limited, a UK company whose majority shareholder/director is Jamal Bessasso. Its true backing is opaque and widely reported to be linked to Qatar, which MEE denies.
Funding
MEE does not disclose its funding sources. It is not subscription-funded in any major way and carries little advertising; multiple analysts and regional governments allege Qatari state-linked financing, an allegation the outlet rejects, leaving its finances unverified.
Affiliation & stance
MEE covers the Middle East from a stance sympathetic to Palestinian, Muslim-Brotherhood and Qatari-aligned perspectives, and rival Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain) demanded its closure during the 2017 Qatar crisis, calling it a Qatari mouthpiece. Given the credible, repeatedly reported allegations of covert Qatari government-aligned funding and its opaque ownership, it is better classed as DEPENDENT (government-aligned interest) rather than the site's current INDEPENDENT label; its lean is closer to CENTER_LEFT/anti-Gulf-establishment, with the caveat that the funding claims remain unproven.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 578
79/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
671
Articles
671
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Recent coverage
Sudan's RSF closes in on Al Obeid as UN warned of imminent atrocities
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, is advancing toward Al Obeid in the North Kordofan region, which is currently held by the Sudanese army. The city has experienced significant disruptions due to RSF drone strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure, including the main power station, leading to power outages, water shortages, and hospital operations being affected. Residents report that life remains mostly normal despite these challenges, though fuel shortages persist after attacks on gas stations. Videos circulating online show RSF fighters claiming they will capture Al Obeid within days. Al Obeid is strategically important as it houses the army's 5th Infantry Division and serves as a major commercial hub. Losing this city would be a significant setback for the army, similar to their previous loss of El Fasher in Darfur, which led to widespread atrocities by the RSF. In response, multiple countries, including Norway, Britain, France, and Germany, have raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council, warning of potential large-scale atrocities if the RSF escalates its assault on Al Obeid.
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
France weighs up resetting Turkey ties as Europe's security landscape shifts
The article discusses France's potential shift in its foreign policy toward Turkey amid changing security dynamics in Europe. It highlights the improving relationship between French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, noting their collaboration during a press event with U.S. President Donald Trump. This marks a departure from years of tension over issues like Syria, Armenia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The article suggests that France sees Turkey as a strategic partner in addressing security challenges, particularly due to Turkey's distancing from Russia and its alignment with Western interests. Former French ambassador Gerard Araud comments on Turkey's growing influence and its role in balancing Russian pressure, emphasizing shared interests in regions like Syria.
Andy Burnham to drop spy-tech firm Palantir from NHS, reports say
Andy Burnham, the incoming UK Prime Minister, is reportedly planning to remove US-based tech firm Palantir from the National Health Service (NHS) contracts. Palantir, known for its data surveillance capabilities, has secured a £330 million deal with the NHS over seven years, along with significant contracts with the Ministry of Defence and nuclear deterrence programs. Critics argue that Palantir's ties to the Israeli military, including its involvement in targeting civilians in Gaza, raise ethical concerns. In 2024, Palantir partnered with Israel's Ministry of Defense for operations in Gaza, and its CEO defended the actions as targeting 'mostly terrorists.' A UN report suggests the company may have knowingly facilitated unlawful military actions. Additionally, the US Pentagon is investigating whether Palantir's AI systems contributed to civilian casualties during a missile strike in Iran. While some politicians, like Stuart Andrew of the Conservatives, criticize Burnham's potential decision as politically motivated, others argue that the NHS should prioritize technological advancement regardless of political affiliations.
Yemen's armed forces threaten Saudi targets over Iran flight to Sanaa
Yemen's armed forces announced that they confronted Saudi warplanes which they claimed tried to block an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport. The military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, stated that Yemen would target Saudi airports and other critical infrastructure if Saudi Arabia continues to violate Yemeni airspace. Despite potential repercussions, flights between Sanaa and Tehran will continue.
Syrian foreign minister's visit to Lebanon opens cautious channel to Hezbollah
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani made a second official visit to Lebanon, which included a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key political figure associated with Hezbollah. This visit aimed to address concerns over potential U.S. pressure on Syria to confront Hezbollah and to signal that Syria’s new administration does not intend to intervene militarily in Lebanon. The meeting with Berri represented a shift from previous visits, where he was not included in the official agenda. A senior Lebanese official noted that the visit was coordinated to clarify Syria's intentions and reassure Lebanon. During the visit, Shaibani stated that Syria would engage with Hezbollah if it served national interests, echoing similar comments from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Inside the UAE-backed RSF siege of Sudan's el-Obeid
This article reports on the ongoing conflict in Sudan's el-Obeid city, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), backed by the United Arab Emirates, have been conducting drone strikes and sieges against civilian infrastructure. Residents describe the humanitarian crisis, including loss of life, food shortages, and displacement. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) remain in control of parts of the city, while the RSF has intensified attacks on critical facilities like petrol stations, water systems, and the main market. Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) shows evidence of deliberate bombardment of civilian infrastructure. The situation has led to increased internal displacement, with nearly 600,000 people now residing in el-Obeid, many having fled from other regions affected by violence and famine.
Starmer quits as Labour leader and paves way for contest for new prime minister
Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as leader of the Labour Party and as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announcing his intention to step down as Labour leader and allowing for a leadership contest to determine the next prime minister. He stated that he believes he is not the best person to lead Labour into the next general election and has informed the King of his decision. A timetable for the leadership contest has been outlined, with nominations opening on 9 July and concluding by 16 July. Starmer emphasized his commitment to ensuring an orderly transition of power and pledged to support his successor. Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, has confirmed his candidacy for the leadership position, receiving early support from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Other potential contenders include former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, though he remains undecided. Burnham, upon being sworn in as an MP for Makerfield, faced both applause and some opposition in the House of Commons. His priorities reportedly include focusing on becoming an MP first and later addressing whether to call a general election if he becomes prime minister. Starmer's tenure as Prime Minster
Wimbledon 2026: Zeynep Sonmez sports watermelon shock absorber for Palestine
At Wimbledon 2026, Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez faced restrictions from tournament organizers who prohibited her from wearing a Palestinian pin on her clothing. In response, she attached a watermelon-shaped vibration damper to her racket as a symbolic gesture of support for Palestine. The watermelon has historically been used as a symbol of Palestinian resistance due to its association with the colors of the Palestinian flag during periods when open displays of the flag were banned. Sonmez noted that Ukrainian players, such as Daria Snigur, were permitted to wear Ukrainian flags, highlighting perceived double standards in the tournament’s policies. Tournament director Jamie Baker stated that political messaging on court was not allowed, though he acknowledged the 'unique' circumstances surrounding Ukraine. Social media reactions praised Sonmez's creative defiance and criticized Wimbledon for alleged hypocrisy.
Iran tells UN Israel is normalising ‘state terrorism’
Iran has formally protested at the United Nations over threats by Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, who allegedly threatened to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Iran’s UN Ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, conveyed the complaint in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Security Council, and the General Assembly. He labeled Katz’s remarks as part of a broader 'policy of state terrorism' by Israel, accusing the country of engaging in illegal acts of aggression against Iran, including past assassinations of Iranian leaders with U.S. involvement. Iravani also criticized the Security Council for failing to uphold its duties under the UN Charter, claiming this has emboldened Israel to continue such actions, posing a threat to global peace.
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Child killed in Israeli strike while searching for water in Gaza
On 3 July 2026, a Palestinian child was killed and another injured in Gaza after an Israeli drone struck them while they were collecting water near Al-Omari Mosque in Gaza City. The incident occurred as the individuals were filling water containers, according to a statement from Gaza's civil defence agency. This event took place amid ongoing tensions in the region, though specific broader context surrounding the attack is not detailed in the provided text.
Outrage after Turkish stand-up comedian arrested for 'insulting' Erdogan
Turkish comedian Deniz Goktas was arrested after a stand-up comedy performance he gave in Istanbul on June 1, which included jokes about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, religious texts, and political figures, went viral on YouTube with nearly nine million views. The Istanbul Public Prosecutors' Office cited complaints alleging insults to Erdogan and 'religious values,' leading to his arrest upon returning from a holiday. During the performance, Goktas mocked Erdogan's leadership style and made references to the Quran, describing it as the 'fourth and final book in Islam.' In court, Goktas denied any intent to insult or denigrate, arguing that terms like 'dictator' are politically charged and commonly debated. His arrest has drawn criticism from Turkish opposition figures and human rights organizations, who view it as an assault on freedom of expression and part of broader efforts to suppress dissent.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Sudan’s RSF committed crimes against humanity in El Fasher, Amnesty says
Israel has cut ties with the head of European diplomacy over comparisons to apartheid
Trump justifies Iran deal as a way to prevent 'economic catastrophe'
‘Reminiscent of the West Bank’: Pro-Israel activists attack protesters at London settlement event
Nearly 100 UK MPs and peers urge cancellation of Israeli settlement event
Revealed: New details of London event promoting Israeli settlement-linked companies
