ABSTRACT This paper investigates the sensitivity of a set of Middle Eastern stock markets to the most recent armed confrontation between Hamas and Israel. The analysis reveals a discernible negative impact across almost all markets considered, with the Israeli stock market experiencing the most pronounced effect on the event day. Interestingly, the Israeli stock market appears to be relatively more efficient than those of neighbouring countries. At the sector level, among the negatively affected sectors, the energy sector experienced the most pronounced impact. However, some sectors, notably materials, industrials, and information technology, were relatively resilient to this geostrategic shock.