Gaza burning: Palestinians run for cover from tear gas during attacks by Israeli occupation forces near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip on May 14. Palestinians protested against the inauguration of the US embassy following its controversial move to Occupied Jerusalem. Image Credit: AFP
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2018 proved to be another tumultuous year in the Middle East.

But the ruinous conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq seemed to be winding down after exacting a painful price.

Israeli intransigence peaked after the US decision to move its embassy to Occupied Jerusalem; the regime killed hundreds in Gaza.

Iran continued with its destabilisation tactics even as sanctions hit ordinary people. Lebanon’s political paralysis looked set to continue.

Yemen peace hopes rise: Yemen’s Foreign Minister Khalid Al Yamani (left) and the head of the Al Houthi delegation Mohammad Abdul Salam shake hands as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres looks on during peace talks in Rimbo, north of Stockholm, Sweden, on December 13. Yemen’s government and the militia agreed to a ceasefire in flashpoint Hodeida, where the United Nations will now play a central role, Guterres said. Image Credit: AFP
Wave of discontent in Iran: A wave of protesters chant slogans at the historic Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, on June 25. Iranians were protesting against the rising cost of living as the currency crashed in the wake of new sanctions announced by US President Trump after he pulled out of the nuclear agreement with Iran. Image Credit: AP
Disaster in Ghouta: A Syrian couple mourn one of their children in the rebel-held town of Douma following air strikes on the Eastern Ghouta region on April 8. Regime forces recaptured the enclave after a deal with rebels. Image Credit: AFP
Khashoggi murder case: A barricaded Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 11. Saudi Arabia is investigating the murder of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (inset)in the consulate in Istanbul. The case became a major political story in 2018. Image Credit: AFP
Controversial law: Lawmakers of 1948 areas protest and rip copies of the bill after Knesset passed a nation state law on July 18. Image Credit: AFP
Protests in Iraq: A protester in front of the burning Iranian Consulate in Basra, Iraq, on September 7. Image Credit: Reuters
Lebanon impasse continues: Lebanese Prime Minister and candidate for parliamentary election Saad Hariri shows his ink-stained finger after casting his vote in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 6. Image Credit: AP
Al Sissi re-elected president: Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi casts his ballot. Al Sissi won a second presidential term in elections held between March 26 and 28. Image Credit: AFP
Freedom of movement: Dr Samira Al Gamdi, a practicing psychologist, drives her car to work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on June 24. Saudi Arabia implemented a historic decision to allow women to drive in June 2018. Image Credit: Reuters
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