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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 957
79/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
958
Articles
958
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Israeli politician calls Gaza's population, including babies, the 'enemy'
An Israeli politician named Moshe Feiglin stated during an interview with the Jerusalem Post that the entire population of Gaza, including infants and children, constitutes the 'enemy.' He argued that Gaza itself, not just Hamas, is the enemy and suggested that the forced displacement of Gazans, along with permanent annexation and settlement of the region, represents a moral duty. This statement has sparked controversy due to its implications regarding civilian populations in conflict zones.
Saudi Arabia has right to defend itself from Houthi attacks, says Rubio
US Senator Marco Rubio stated that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself against attacks by the Houthi movement in Yemen. During a press briefing in Maryland, Rubio emphasized that both Saudi Arabia and Yemen's internationally recognized government oppose Houthi control over territory. He reiterated the United States' commitment to a binding security agreement with Saudi Arabia. The comments come amid ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Houthi rebels have been engaged in fighting with Saudi-led forces.
Yemeni and Saudi forces launch counteroffensive against the Houthis
Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, have launched a counteroffensive against the Houthi rebels in an attempt to reclaim territory, particularly focusing on regaining control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This area is crucial for global trade and Saudi oil exports, giving the Houthis significant leverage over international powers like the U.S. and its Gulf allies. The U.S. has not committed to direct military involvement in the conflict, though it is offering intelligence and targeting support. The operation involves tens of thousands of Yemeni troops and Saudi air support, aiming to recapture the capital Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control for years. Meanwhile, the Houthis continue attacking Saudi infrastructure, including Aramco facilities. U.S. officials have expressed concerns about engaging directly in Yemen, citing potential distractions from their focus on Iran. President Trump faces internal pressure to support his ally, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while avoiding deeper involvement in the region.
Hormuz Strait disruptions could lead to global food security crisis, International Chamber of Commerce Chief warns
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) secretary general, John Denton, warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a global food security crisis. He cited potential grain price increases of up to 80% if the strait remains closed, along with a 40% drop in available fertilizer worldwide. These issues could impact international agriculture and food supplies, particularly affecting countries reliant on imports. The ICC is collaborating with the UN and International Maritime Organization to establish a temporary UN-led management system for the strait, but U.S.-Iran tensions are delaying progress.
Qatar emir vows continued support for Yemen's sovereignty
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. This pledge came after a communication with Rashad al-Alimi, the chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, in response to a letter discussing bilateral relations and developments in Yemen. The statement was reported by Saba news agency, which is affiliated with the Houthi movement in Yemen. The Emir emphasized Qatar's ongoing support for peace and stability in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining Yemen's sovereignty amid ongoing conflicts.
Pakistan and Turkey to provide military support to Saudi Arabia amid war with Houthis
Pakistan and Turkey have pledged to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in its ongoing conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This commitment was made during an emergency meeting of the Political Strategy and Defence Committee of the Makkah Alliance, a coalition of nations including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The alliance stated that it would take immediate steps to implement collective defense agreements and deploy military resources to Saudi Arabia. The statement emphasized that the security of each member nation is considered essential to the overall security of all three countries.
Trump says high gas prices 'small price to pay for keeping the world safe'
US President Donald Trump addressed supporters at a rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, stating that high gas prices are a 'small price to pay' for maintaining global and national security. He claimed that oil prices are lower under his administration compared to President Joe Biden's, asserting that gasoline costs will drop below $1.85 per gallon within a short timeframe. Trump reiterated his stance against allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons, framing his policies as essential for preventing potential global catastrophe.
Greens Pass ‘Zionism Is Racism’ Motion at Party Conference
At their largest-ever conference in Brighton, UK Green Party members passed a motion declaring Zionism as racism, making them the first mainstream British political party to take such a stance. The motion, supported by 1,022 votes to 813, calls for backing a single, democratic Palestinian state, supporting Palestinian political prisoners, opposing the Palestine Action ban, and affirming Palestinians' right to resistance. An amendment aimed at protecting Jewish members affiliated with Zionist institutions was rejected. Proponents argue the motion distinguishes between Judaism and Zionism and does not affect internal party discipline. The decision sparked controversy, with pro-Israel demonstrators protesting outside the conference, accusing the Greens of promoting racism. Internal divisions were evident, with senior figures like co-deputy leader Mothin Ali supporting the motion while former leader Caroline Lucas opposed it. Green Party policy has previously described Israeli actions as apartheid and genocide, and supports a full arms embargo and an end to occupation.
UK threatens to expel Israeli diplomats over planned East Jerusalem consulate closure
The UK has threatened to expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats in retaliation for Israel's plan to close its consulate in East Jerusalem, which the UK views as part of its broader sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK's decision to ban trade with goods from illegal settlements and sanction companies supporting their construction has prompted Israel to take this diplomatic action. The UK Foreign Office did not confirm the threat but acknowledged concerns raised by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, who argued that closing the consulate in East Jerusalem, recognized as occupied Palestinian territory, may be unlawful. Israeli officials dismissed the UK's threat as speculative, emphasizing that they would respond proportionately to any actions against Israel. UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell attempted to prevent the closure but failed, while some analysts suggest the UK's stance may influence the upcoming Israeli national election.
Yemen's Saudi-backed forces announce takeover of Mocha
Yemeni forces supported by Saudi Arabia have taken control of the city of Mocha, located west of Taiz province. The announcement was made by a military source who spoke to Saba, the Yemeni news agency aligned with government forces. This development marks another shift in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where various factions and external backers continue to exert influence. The takeover of Mocha highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region, with international actors playing significant roles in the war effort.
Watch: Israeli Druze politician calls for seizing of Syria's Sweida
On October 5, 2026, Israeli Druze politician Ayoob Kara, who previously served as Israel's Minister of Communication, expressed support for the Israeli Druze community taking control of Sweida, a southern Syrian city predominantly inhabited by Druze Syrians. The statement was part of broader discussions around the 'War on Iran' and regional tensions. Kara emphasized the determination of the Israeli Druze community to assert their position in the region, reflecting ongoing geopolitical complexities involving Syria and Israel.
Israeli forces raid Qalqilyah in occupied West Bank
Israeli forces conducted a military raid on the city of Qalqilyah in the occupied West Bank on October 6, 2026. Local sources reported that the Israeli army was deploying additional military reinforcements into the area as part of the ongoing operation. The raid took place in the northern West Bank, where tensions between Israeli security forces and Palestinian residents are often high. Such operations are typically carried out under the pretext of counterterrorism or maintaining control over the region. The event occurred amid broader regional instability, though specific details about casualties or objectives were not provided in the available information.
I won't accept exclusion, says Polanski after criticism of Zionism motion
A motion passed at the Green Party's conference in Brighton, which criticized Zionism and supported Palestinian rights, has sparked controversy within the party and beyond. The motion, endorsed by 1,022 votes to 813, includes statements describing Zionism as involving 'dehumanisation, displacement, dispossession, disenfranchisement and destruction of Palestinians.' This has led to backlash, including nine Labour MPs referring the Green Party to Sussex Police over potential antisemitic offenses. Leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, has rejected calls for exclusion based on religious or communal identity and emphasized the party's commitment to 'compassion, fairness and equality for all.' Israel's foreign ministry banned Polanski from entry, and Jewish groups condemned the motion. Meanwhile, Labour MPs raised concerns with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), citing fears of discriminatory practices against Jewish members. The EHRC stated it would consider complaints but has not yet launched an investigation. The European Green Party distanced itself from the motion, calling for clarity.