The international arena witnessed turbulent times in 2024, with political shifts and societal changes across nearly every continent, including the Middle East and Europe including world's superpower, the United States elected Donald Trump as its President for the next four years.
In South Asia, Bangladesh—formerly East Pakistan—experienced a student-led movement that resulted in the toppling of Sheikh Hasina Wajid's iron-fisted rule.
In the Levant region of the Middle East, rebel forces, backed by the United States and Turkey, liberated Syria from the repressive rule of President Bashar al-Assad. Meanwhile, conflict continued to escalate across Arab countries. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israeli government killed around 47,000 Palestinians — mostly children — in the Gaza Strip under the pretext of combating Hamas following the October 7 attack, which had killed over 1,400 Israelis.
The aftermath of the Israel-Gaza conflict extended into Lebanon and Syria, sparking a series of high-profile assassinations, including Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar and political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza and Tehran, as well as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
United States Presidential Elections 2024
The year saw dramatic political developments in the U.S., including the historic return of Donald Trump to the presidential race. On July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt during his campaign when a bullet grazed his ear. The attacker was killed at the scene.
Read more: How is US President elected? Electoral College labyrinth explained
On July 21, President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor. In the U.S. presidential election on November 5, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris to secure his second term as president.
Political changes in Bangladesh
On January 7, Sheikh Hasina Wazed was re-elected as Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the fifth time in controversial elections. However, her victory was short-lived. In July, a student movement against the quota system challenged her rule.
Read more: Dhaka falls as Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Wajid resigns, flees country
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, marking the end of her 14-year tenure in power. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus arrived in Dhaka from Paris to lead an interim government.
Middle East conflict intensifies
The Gaza conflict, which began in 2023, escalated throughout 2024, with Israeli bombings continuing over the year. On July 30, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack in Tehran. On September 23, Israel launched a direct attack on Lebanon.
Read more:
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh martyred in 'Israeli attack' in Tehran
Yahya Sinwar threw stick at drone just before death, according to Israel video
Read more: China reacts to killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrike
On September 27, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike, followed by the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in October.
End of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria
After over a decade of civil war, Syria saw the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. On November 27, opposition forces began advancing, and by December 7, they captured Damascus. Bashar al-Assad and his family fled to Moscow, marking the end of their 50-year rule.
Read more: Damascus falls as Syrian army command tells officers that Bashar al-Assad's rule has ended
Throughout the year, Israeli aggression and Zionist terrorism in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, reached new heights. High-profile resistance leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah were killed, including Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Hassan Nasrallah, and Fawad Shukr.
Natural disasters in 2024
The year witnessed several natural disasters, causing thousands of deaths worldwide. On April 16, the UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, causing widespread flooding, including at Dubai Airport. Eighteen people lost their lives in Oman. Several people also perished in the Spain floods.
Read more: Spain torrential flooding kills 51 people across Valencia region
On May 17 and 19, floods in Afghanistan claimed the lives of 450 people. On June 19, over 500 pilgrims died from heatstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Ukraine-Russia war
In 2024, the Ukraine-Russia war entered a critical phase, with both sides intensifying military campaigns amid shifting international dynamics. Ukraine, bolstered by continued Western military aid and advanced weaponry, launched counteroffensives to reclaim occupied territories, making significant gains in the east. Russia, facing internal dissent and economic sanctions, escalated drone and missile attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Read more: Russia issues chilling warning over US weapons in Ukraine conflict
Diplomatic efforts for peace remained elusive, as geopolitical divides widened, with NATO doubling down on support for Ukraine and Russia seeking closer ties with China and Iran.
UK Elections
On July 5, the UK held general elections, which resulted in Keir Starmer’s Labour Party winning power after 14 years. Rishi Sunak lost leadership of the Conservative Party following the election, marking a significant shift in the UK’s political landscape.
Watch: Rishi Sunak Defeated in UK Election 2024 | SAMAA TV
