Political violence has seen a sharp increase in the past year, with Ukraine and Palestine emerging as the two major global hotspots of conflict. According to data from the NGO Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), conflicts surged in 2024, with a 25% increase globally compared to the previous year. This rise has resulted in one in eight people being exposed to conflict, leading to an estimated 223,000 fatalities. The intensity and toll of armed conflicts are also on the rise, with a 37% increase in the number of people killed in conflicts. ACLED identifies Palestine as the most conflict-ridden country in the world, with the Middle East being the most affected region. This assessment is based on indicators such as the deadliness, danger, diffusion, and fragmentation of armed conflicts.
In Palestine, 81% of the population is estimated to be exposed to conflict, with 35,000 fatalities recorded in the past year alone. The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has led to a significant loss of life, with more than 45,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023. ACLED puts the total number of fatalities in the Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, at over 50,000. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues to be the deadliest in the world, with Myanmar also experiencing internal conflict following a military coup in 2021. These two countries are among the 50 worldwide currently facing active conflict.
While Ukraine and Palestine are at the forefront of global conflict, other regions are also considered vulnerable to uprisings. ACLED’s Conflict Watchlist for 2025 identifies Mexico and Colombia in the Americas, Pakistan in Asia, and Sudan, Sahel, and the Great Lakes region of Africa as “crisis areas” likely to see escalating conflicts in the coming year. Myanmar, Ukraine, Iran and its allies, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon are also on the watchlist for potential conflict. The UN estimates that 305 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2025 due to the impact of conflicts and violence. Despite international obligations to protect the delivery of humanitarian aid under humanitarian law, places such as Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine are expected to face severe underfunding of humanitarian assistance.
The increase in global conflicts demonstrates a growing trend of violence and instability affecting millions of people around the world. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine have claimed thousands of lives, with no immediate resolution in sight. The rise in political violence highlights the need for international cooperation and intervention to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace and stability. As conflict continues to deepen in various regions, the humanitarian needs of millions of people are at risk of being overlooked or underfunded, putting vulnerable populations at further risk.
In light of the escalating conflicts, efforts must be made to prioritize humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding initiatives to prevent further violence and loss of life. The data provided by organizations such as ACLED and the IIIS offer valuable insights into the impact of conflicts on communities and the challenges facing humanitarian organizations. By raising awareness of the growing crisis and advocating for increased support for conflict-affected populations, it is possible to work towards addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting long-term peace and stability in regions facing ongoing violence. As the world grapples with the consequences of escalating conflicts, it is crucial to take decisive action to protect the lives and well-being of those affected by political violence and conflict.
