Arab-Israeli Research Articles

Social Context of Face-Threatening Acts in Abu Ubaidah’s Speech on Al Jazeera Channel

This research examines Face-Threatening Acts (FTAs) in Abu Ubaidah's speech on Al Jazeera's YouTube channel within the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Unlike previous studies focused on Western political discourse, this research uncovers distinct face management patterns within Arab-Islamic political communication broadcast globally. Using a qualitative approach with pragmatic discourse analysis, the research analyzes Abu Ubaidah's speech on the Gaza conflict on April 23, 2024. Data collection involved indirect observation through watching and transcribing the speech video, complemented by literature review. The analysis combines Brown and Levinson's politeness model with Miles and Huberman's data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing framework. The findings reveal Abu Ubaidah's strategic use of FTAs for delegitimizing adversaries, constructing resistance identity, and fostering solidarity, with 23 FTAs targeting positive face and 19 targeting negative face. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on the interaction between FTAs and the social context as markers of cultural-religious identity in Arab political discourse during conflicts, and providing new insights into how FTAs is employed to achieve communicative and ideological goals in non-Western contexts. This research recommends further exploring communication strategies in similar conflicts through various linguistic approaches.

Arab representation in Israeli healthcare professions: achievements, challenges and opportunities

BackgroundIsrael is a multiethnic society with a population of 9.8 million at the end of 2023. Israeli Arabs (i.e., Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel) account for 21% of the Israel’s overall population, 22% of its working age population and 16% of the employed population. This study has several objectives: (1) To provide an overview of the current representation of Israeli Arabs in four key health care professions (medicine, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy) in terms of employment, licensure, and professional studies; (2) To document changes in those parameters over the past decade, subject to limitations of data availability; (3) To provide a broader context on the employment of Israeli Arabs; (4) To explore the policy implications of the key findings.MethodsEstimates of employment levels are based on the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Data on licensure (i.e., professional qualification) and place of professional studies were extracted from the Ministry of Health report series entitled “The Health Care Professions”. Data on enrollment in degree programs in Israel was provided by the Council of Higher Education. Important background information was elicited from relevant policy documents and policy experts.ResultsIn 2023, among employed Israelis up to age 67, Arabs constituted approximately one-quarter of Israel’s physicians (25%), nurses (27%), and dentists (27%), and half of Israel’s pharmacists (49%). These percentages are substantially higher than they were in 2010, with the increase being particularly marked in the case of physicians (25% versus 8%). The number of new licenses granted annually increased significantly between 2010 and 2022 for both Arabs and Jews in each of the professions covered. The percentage of newly licensed professionals who are Arab increased substantially among physicians and nurses, while remaining stable among dentists and pharmacists. In medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, many of the licensed Arab health professionals had studied outside of Israel; this phenomenon also exists for nursing but is less widespread there. In the 2022/3 academic year, the percentage of first-degree students in Israeli colleges and universities who were Arab was 70% in pharmacy, 33% in nursing, 23% in dentistry, and 9% in medicine. Between 2012/3 and 2022/3 the percentage of first-degree students who are Arab increased substantially for pharmacy, declined slightly for nursing, and declined substantially for medicine and dentistry.ConclusionsArab professionals play a substantial and recently increased role in the provision of health care services in Israel. It is important to recognize, appreciate, and maintain this substantial role. Moreover, its potential as a model for sectors other than health care should be explored. To build on achievements to date, and to promote continued progress, policymakers should expand access to health professional education within Israel, upgrade the skills of graduates of non-Israeli universities, promote diversity in leadership positions and key specialties, and expand specialty care services in Arab localities.

Unveiling the colonial violence of space in the Gaza genocide

This article addresses the ongoing genocidal war and extended blockade of Gaza that has been in effect since 2007, framing it as a manifestation of colonial violence against space and a collective punishment. I reflect on my positionality as a Palestinian UK-based scholar whose work focuses on captivity and resistance in Israeli prisons and the impact of colonization on my life and my family who are living under this genocidal war. Drawing from personal experience, I recount the forced displacement of my family from space, the destruction of our family home and the subsequent struggles of sheltering in the harsh conditions of tents amid the cold, lacking the essential necessities of dignified life, such as food and warmth. The narrative extends the broader dehumanization and dehistoricization of the Palestinian people enacted by the international colonial discourse embraced by Western liberal media, which works to justify the current genocide and mass killing of Palestinian civilians. This highlights the media’s blindness to the historical context, exposing the current war of Gaza as a continuation of the Zionist colonizer’s relentless effort since Nakba 1948 to eliminate Palestinian existence and erase them from the space. By shedding light on these critical issues, the article seeks to challenge prevailing narratives and reflect a more nuanced understanding of the Palestinian struggle for existence within the space they call homeland.

A Cognitive Analysis of The Israeli Narratives of Victimization in Gaza wars

Victimization narratives are a significant factor in the Gaza war. Israel, with all military power, shows itself as a victim in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Fake Stories, whether intentionally created or inadvertently spread, can significantly impact international public opinion. It affects policy decisions, influences public support, and contributes to the perpetuation of the conflict. The researcher employs a cognitive model in a mixed method to analyze ten Israeli narratives that were presented in media reports, TV stations, and social platforms during the period from 6 June 2017 to 15 February 2024. Recognizing the cognitive semantics of victimization narratives helps observers determine reporters' goals and reduces potential adverse effects. The use of qualitative and quantitative analysis has found that the Israeli victimization narrative has specific aspects of cognitive semantics following Lakoff & Johnson's conceptual metaphor theory (1980), Kövecses (2020). It also has found that Israel gained different goals throughout the victimization narratives; the most frequent goals are to shape public opinion, attain emotional response, justify the war against Gaza, Enhance Jewish identity, marginalize Palestine, and prejudice Hamas

Antisemitism on Campus in the Wake of October 7: Examining Stress, Coping, and Depressive Symptoms Among Jewish Students.

The Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, were an inflection point that spurred a global rise in antisemitism. College and university campuses were particularly affected. Given the adverse impacts of prejudice and discrimination for mental health and the dearth of research on psychosocial effects of antisemitism, examining stress, coping, and mental health among Jewish students within this context is crucial. In this study, we used longitudinal data and multilevel modelling in the months after the events of October 7 to examine within- and between-person effects of antisemitism-related stress, stress associated with the Israel-Palestine conflict, and approach and avoidance coping on depressive symptoms among a sample of 253 Jewish college and university students. Within-person results indicated that increases from one's usual level of antisemitism-related stress and stress attributable to the Israel-Palestine conflict were independently associated with heightened depressive symptoms. Increased use of avoidance coping was also associated with heightened depressive symptoms, whereas the inverse was true for approach coping which had a protective effect. Similar effects were observed at the between-person level. Results from the present work draw attention to both the potentially detrimental effects of stress associated with antisemitism, but also highlight coping as a target for intervention to potentially combat such effects. The findings also point to a path forward where campuses can remain open areas of inquiry by fostering resilience at both the community and individual level.

Navigating Taboo: Exposure of Arab Adolescents to Sexual Content in Computer Games

Computer games, particularly those featuring violent and sexual content like GTA, have become integral to the lives of adolescents. While numerous studies have explored the impact of violent content in video games, there is a notable dearth of research on exposure to sexual content, especially in conservative Arab societies where discussions on sexuality remain taboo. This qualitative study addresses this gap by investigating the experiences of 17 Arab adolescents exposed to sexual content in GTA through in-depth interviews. The findings reveal a complex relationship with such content, marked by enjoyment alongside feelings of guilt due to societal prohibitions. Participants identified the game as a unique space for learning about sexuality, expressing a desire for sex education in schools. The study highlights the need for open discourse, particularly in schools, to address sex education and navigate the challenges posed by sexually explicit computer games in the context of conservative Arab Israeli community.

The shifting dynamics of amity and enmity in the Middle East: analysing the 2023 Israel-Hamas war through the framework of regional security complex theory

ABSTRACT In Middle Eastern regional politics, the Israel-Palestine conflict has been a key factor in shaping political dynamics. During the establishment of Israel, Arab countries, including the Gulf states, expressed support for the Palestinian cause, leading to the expansion of anti-Israel sentiment. However, following the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979, the focus of hostility gradually shifted towards Iran. With the Arab Spring further amplifying Iran's influence, the Gulf states began to explore the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel as a new strategy for survival. This rapidly changing political landscape posed a crisis for Hamas, culminating in Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023. This study, based on Buzan's Regional Security Complex Theory, aims to examine how the changing perceptions of amity and enmity surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict are reflected in the political attitudes of the Gulf states. The Gulf monarchies continue to consider the potential benefits of normalizing relations with Israel. However, given that hostility once again dominates public sentiment, these states are merely observing the situation. This conflict has confirmed that emotional factors, such as amity and enmity, still play a significant role in shaping the Middle Eastern regional security complex.

Navigating the Crossroads: Analyzing China’s Middle East Policy in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Context

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, its Middle East policy has undergone three stages: initial rise, elevated influence, and adjustment. With the outbreak of a new round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has significantly shifted, marked by deepening divisions within the Arab world, challenges to US strategy, and the expansion of China’s diplomatic space. This study explores how these changes impact China’s Middle East policy and analyzes how China responds to emerging challenges, including rising geopolitical risks, obstacles to bilateral economic cooperation, shifts in international public opinion, and the sustainability of its “balanced diplomacy” approach. China aims to maintain a balance between Palestine and Israel, promote regional stability, and advance economic cooperation. However, in light of new regional dynamics, this study proposes that China needs to adjust its policy by strengthening its engagement with international responsibilities, ensuring security and economic cooperation in parallel, and increasing foreign aid and public diplomacy. Moreover, China should innovate its public opinion management and information dissemination strategies to navigate the complex media environment. By analyzing these issues, this article will examine the direction of China’s Middle East policy adjustments and their broader implications for regional dynamics and global strategic competition.

The Middle East remains in a State of military-political Turbulence

The article analyzes the crisis situation in the Middle East that has developed by the end of 2024. The author believes that the main destabilizing factors in the situation in this region are the unresolved Palestinian problem and the intervention of external forces in the Israeli-Palestinian confl ict. A special feature of the new outbreak of violence in the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon and, in general, the region was the active participation in the war with Israel of non-state actors in the person of radical Islamist groups: Hamas, Islamic Jihad (banned in Russia), Hezbollah, Ansar Allah and the like. Tehran views these groups as an "axis of resistance" to Israel and provides them with fi nancial, material and military assistance. Washington, in turn, is increasing military assistance to Israel. A signifi cant event in the Middle East was the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria and, as a result, a change in the entire confi guration of military and political forces in the region. Against the backdrop of Iran's weakening position in the Arab East, the positions of Turkey and the Persian Gulf monarchies have noticeably strengthened there. The United States and Israel indirectly benefi ted from the change of power in Damascus. The author considers several scenarios and options for further developments in the Middle East. In his opinion, much will depend on the ability of the Israeli authorities to peacefully resolve the Palestinian problem and on the level of confrontation between the two regional powers: Iran and Israel. The direct exchanges of missile and bomb strikes and drone strikes between these countries that took place in 2024 may continue in 2025, and massive strikes by the Israeli Air Force, with US support, on nuclear, missile and other strategically important Iranian facilities are not excluded. At the same time, information about the creation of nuclear weapons in Iran may become a "red line" for Tel Aviv and Washington. The author believes that the task of the world community and, above all, the UN structures, is to prevent such a development of events, which is fraught with a nuclear catastrophe.

Analisis Framing Dan Retorika dalam Teks Pidato Menteri Luar Negeri RI Terkait Isu Kemanusiaan di Palestina Tahun 2024

This study focuses on the analysis of rhetoric and framing in the speeches of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, delivered at two major international forums in 2024, namely the United Nations Security Council Open Debate and the International Court of Justice. Using a qualitative approach grounded in the interpretive paradigm, this research employs Ibnu Hamad's framing analysis to understand how the Minister of Foreign Affairs constructs discourse related to humanitarian issues in Palestine. Pathos rhetoric serves as a key element in the speech text, used to evoke the audience's emotions and influence their perception of human rights issues in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The analysis results reveal that Minister Retno Marsudi’s speeches highlight verbal and non-verbal symbols that reinforce Indonesia's solidarity with Palestine. The use of emotional language, quotes from Israeli officials, and symbolic attributes like the keffiyeh support the framing aimed at portraying Israel as the primary perpetrator of humanitarian crimes. Strategic fact presentation is also employed to emphasize the United Nations Security Council's failure to enforce resolutions against Israel. Priming is conducted by selecting critical moments to maximize the audience's attention to the delivered message. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of humanitarian diplomacy through state speeches. However, the effectiveness of the pathos rhetoric used needs further examination by observing the audience's direct responses. This research is expected to contribute to the development of political communication studies, particularly in the context of framing and rhetoric in state speech texts.

Israel–Palestine: Unresolved group trauma is an obstacle for peace

This article explores key aspects of man-made human suffering from a psychoanalytic, group-analytic and group attachment standpoint. It postulates that, when unresolved individual and group trauma remains untreated, it can be a fuel for vicious cycles of hatred, terror and destruction. In order to explore this, the article focuses on the intractable Israel–Palestine conflict; it invites the reader to reflect on the Jewish Holocaust and the Palestinian Nakba and their role in the perpetuation of the ongoing conflict. It includes a clinical case study of a Holocaust survivor who benefited from combined individual and group psychotherapy and became able to come to terms with her traumatic past. The aim of the present research is to encourage working harder for peace, endeavouring to achieve a deeper understanding of unconscious individual and group psychological defence mechanisms in the clinical setting as well as the sociopolitical context.

The Necessity of Digital Tools for Israeli Arab EFL Students: Benefits and Challenges

The pervasive influence of technology in contemporary life has significantly affected education, particularly language learning. As technological integration becomes increasingly essential in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction (Caena & Redecker,2019), this study investigates the necessity and effectiveness of digital tools within the Arab educational sector in Israel. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the research examines the perspectives of fifteen English teachers from diverse Arab schools across various regions of Israel. It explores their insights regarding the use of digital tools in English instruction, highlighting both the advantages and the challenges associated with their implementation. The study also provides recommendations for optimizing the integration of digital tools in English education and addressing prevalent challenges in the Arab educational context. The results reveal that the advantages of digital tools in English instruction substantially outweigh the drawbacks, positioning technology as a pivotal asset in modern education.

The Impact of Physical Activity and Screen Time on Motor Creativity in Kindergarteners

Background/Objectives: Motor creativity and physical activity are essential to early childhood development, impacting physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. This study investigates the relationships among motor creativity, motor working memory (MSTM), screen time, and physical activity (PA) in kindergarten children, focusing on the mediating roles of cognitive functions and screen time. Methods: Data were collected from 124 Arab Israeli kindergarten children through assessments of Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement (TCAM) for motor creativity and the Hand Movement Test for MSTM. Parents reported the children’s screen time and days engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results: The results show significant positive associations between motor creativity and both MSTM and PA, underscoring the role of cognitive processes in creative motor expression. Linear regression and mediation analyses showed that MSTM significantly mediates the relationship between PA and motor creativity. Conversely, screen time negatively correlates with PA and motor creativity, serving as a significant mediator that restricts opportunities for physical and creative activities. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the bidirectional relationship between PA and motor creativity, wherein diverse physical activities stimulate creativity, and creative movements encourage active participation. The combined mediating effects of MSTM and screen time highlight the complexity of these relationships, suggesting the need for integrated interventions. The findings inform early childhood education by advocating for strategies that promote physical activity, enhance cognitive functions, and limit excessive screen time, fostering holistic development in young children.

The cyclicity of reborrowing and the ping-pong effect: The case of Arabic–Hebrew–Arabic ṣabāba/sababa ‘ok’

Aims and objectives: The nature of the effect of language contact has been a source for extensive investigation in the linguistic field. More specifically, the case of reborrowing, that is, the shift from language A to language B and then cyclically back to language A, often involving a change in meaning and/or form, has been a source for extensive interest. In this paper, we examined the word ṣabāba/sababa ‘o.k’ as a case study of reborrowing from Classical Arabic into Israeli Hebrew and then back to Spoken Palestinian Arabic. We show that while language contact does motivate and affect change, it does not necessarily take part in internal changes exhibited in the target language itself, but can, in turn, later be exhibited back in the original language or one of its dialects. In addition, as language-contact change operates according to more general principles of linguistic change, such as grammaticalization, we shall demonstrate both intra- and inter-language changes. Methodology and data: We used the Lisān al-ʿArab (لسان العرب, ‘Tongue of Arabs’) dictionary for the etymological investigation in Arabic,1 the corpus of the Quran for historical Arabic data, scripts and poems from the Mamluk Arabic period for the Middle Ages’ Arabic data,2 and for contemporary spoken Arabic, we used a corpus of 100 random WhatsApp messages of Israeli Arab Bedouin students (such usage exists in all Palestinian Arabic dialects). For the Hebrew data, we used the Israeli Historical Jpress Corpus3 and the Hebrew Historical Maagarim corpus;4 and finally, for contemporary Hebrew data, we used 100 random examples from the hetenten corpus.5 Analysis: We found a reborrowing ‘ping pong effect’, from classical Arabic to 20th-century Hebrew, and in the contemporary 21st century back to Spoken Palestinian Arabic. We also found a phonetic change from Classical Arabic ṣabāba صَباَبة to Contemporary Arabic sababa صبابا. A similar phonetic change occurred in Hebrew, from sabaaba סבאבה to sababa סבבה. Thus, this was not a diachronic shift from Classical Arabic to Spoken Arabic, but rather the classical Arabic word was borrowed into Hebrew and then, in a ‘ping-pong’ reborrowing shift, went back to spoken Arabic. This process involved mechanisms of metonymy, bridging contexts, and lexicalization. Conclusions: While language contact does motivate and affect change, it does not necessarily occur through internal changes exhibited in the target language itself but rather can be transferred back, in a cyclical fashion, to the original language. These results focused on a bilingual community, shedding additional light on the nature of linguistic processes of reborrowing and language contact.

Covering the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Al Jazeera English and BBC’s Online Reporting on the 2023 Gaza War

The Hamas surprise attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and the Israeli military response unleashed a catastrophic episode of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and exacerbated broader tensions in the region. This study compares Al Jazeera English (AJE) and BBC’s coverage of and discourse around key events in the early stages of the 2023 Israel–Gaza War. Using critical discourse analysis as an analytical framework, this study employs mixed methods to compare transitivity, intertextuality, and lexicalization as key discursive features in the two outlets’ coverage of the war. Counter to previous qualitative works, this study quantitatively reveals no variation between AJE and BBC’s use of active voice yet points to key qualitative differences in the discursive treatment of Palestinians and the reporting on death tolls. It further demonstrates drastic differences in the quoting patterns and negative lexicalization of the early phases of the war, with AJE taking a more balanced approach and BBC refraining from emphasizing accusations against Israel of committing “genocide”, “ethnic cleansing”, “terrorism”, and “war crimes”. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of differential discourses around the Gaza War and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in international media.

Positioning in News Translation Regarding Hamas: A Parallel Corpus-Based Approach

Translating news reports can hardly be free from subjectivity, especially in relation to a conflict, since the opposing ideology often creates friction that necessitates translators to assume complex and multifaceted roles. The concept of positioning refers to participants’ attitudes or stances toward the event or other participants in the event which significantly influences the interpretation of a text. The objective of this study is to examine the positioning regarding Hamas in a parallel corpus-based Israel-Palestine conflict. The corpus comprises 160 articles that have been translated from English to Indonesian. The researcher applied the evaluative model proposed by Pan and Liao (2020), that integrated CDA (Fairclough, 2013), Appraisal Theory (Martin & White, 2005), and Narrative Theory (Baker, 2006). It was found that the translators intentionally and carefully (re)positioned of Hamas by implementing a discursive strategy called redacted labelling in their actual activities. This can be done by omitting, adding, softening, and even strengthening the word construction embedded in these elements. The activities were motivated by the political stance of the news organization as determined by its official identity, media discourse counterpoints, the situation of the political of Indonesia toward the conflict, and their expectations of the reaction of the target audience. Examining news translation using CDA adds to translation theory by providing a critical perspective on how non-linguistic elements like ideology, power, and culture influence the translation process. It provides a more in-depth understanding of the translator's position as an agent who translates meanings, values, and worldviews as well as words.

Nonviolent Modes of Resistance in Susan Abulhawa's Mornings in Jenin and Against the Loveless World

The paper explores the theme of non-violent resistance in two powerful novels by the American-Palestinian writer, Susan Abulhawa: Mornings in Jenin (2010) and Against the Loveless World (2020). Both novels provide poignant narratives of Palestinian women navigating the complexities of life under occupation, and their journeys reveal various forms of non-violent resistance as a response to oppression and adversity. In Mornings in Jenin, the characters' resilience is showcased through acts of cultural preservation, cultural expression, and the “ethic of love”. Despite enduring the harsh realities of displacement, the protagonist Amal and her family cling to their Palestinian identity and heritage as a form of non-violent resistance. Additionally, the novel portrays the power of storytelling and memory in preserving the Palestinian narrative, thus countering the erasure of their history. Similarly, Against the Loveless World delves into the life of Nahr, a Palestinian woman whose journey from refugee camps to prison is marked by several forms of resistance to oppression. Nahr's resistance is manifested in recreating and rediscovering the self, celebrating traditions, finding genuine love, and teaching resistance to others. Both novels emphasize the importance of women's voices and agency in the Palestinian struggle, highlighting the role of women as key agents of change and resilience. The paper draws from the works of Edward Said, Ghassan Kanafani, Gramsci, Michel de Certeau, Stuart Hall, Bell Hook among others.

Peran dan Tantangan International Criminal Court (ICC) dalam Percobaan Perdamaian Konflik Israel-Palestina

The International Criminal Court (ICC) plays a strategic role in upholding international law, particularly in addressing grave crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. In the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the ICC serves as an independent body offering hope to Palestine in seeking accountability for alleged human rights violations committed by Israel. This study analyzes the ICC’s role in the conflict and identifies the challenges it faces. The findings reveal that the ICC’s jurisdiction, as stipulated by the Rome Statute, encounters significant obstacles, particularly as Israel has not ratified the Rome Statute and firmly rejects the ICC’s authority. Conversely, Palestine, a member of the ICC since April 2015, has sought to utilize international legal mechanisms to pursue justice. The study concludes that while the ICC has considerable potential to enforce justice, legal and political challenges such as the refusal of cooperation by accused parties and the complex geopolitical dynamics limit its effectiveness. This research provides critical insights into the ICC’s role and challenges in administering justice in conflict zones, as well as its contribution to peace efforts in Israel and Palestine.

Navigating Media Complexities: Israeli Arab Parents' Perspectives on Media Challenges and Mediation

Background: Children's exposure to digital media presents both opportunities and significant challenges, particularly for parents balancing traditional values with modern influences. This study aims to examine Arab parents' perceptions, strategies, and challenges in managing their children’s media exposure, shedding light on an increasingly critical aspect of parenting. Method: This is a qualitative phenomenological study employed semi-structured interviews with 12 Arabic-speaking parents of children aged 5–12. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: Parents voiced concerns about inappropriate media content and shared a mix of reactive and proactive mediation strategies. They reported feelings of helplessness due to technological gaps but emphasized the importance of professional guidance and community support. Conclusions: The findings highlight the necessity of culturally sensitive interventions that integrate traditional values with modern parenting practices, equipping families to navigate the complexities of digital media use effectively.

Inter- and intra-connectedness between energy, gold, Bitcoin, and Gulf Cooperation Council stock markets: New evidence from various financial crises

This study analyzes the inter-dependence of the oil, gold, Bitcoin (BTC), and Gulf Cooperation Council stock markets during the recent Russia–Ukraine and Israel–Palestine conflicts. The study found that these markets were less inter-connected during oil battles and the Russia–Ukraine conflict but more inter-connected during the COVID-19 crisis. Findings indicated that Oman, Kuwait, gold, and Qatar are the most significant spillover receivers, whereas the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and West Texas Intermediate are the primary risk spillover transmitters in the Israel–Palestine conflict. Additionally, BTC and the UAE are significant transmitters, whereas Kuwait and Qatar are the highest-risk spillover receivers in the Russia–Ukraine war. Portfolio estimates revealed that gold, BTC, and/or oil are useful in various equity markets for portfolio diversification and hedging under different market conditions and time horizons. These data can guide managers in portfolio construction and risk diversification.