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This manuscript presents results from an extensive, multi-country comparative monitoring study of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and its primary chemical components in Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian cities. This study represented the first time that researchers from these countries have worked together to examine spatial and temporal relationships for PM_2.5 and its major components among the study sites. The findings indicated that total PM_2.5 mass was relatively homogenous among many of the 11 sites as shown from strong between-site correlations. Mean annual concentrations ranged from 19.9 to 34.9 μg m⁻³ in Haifa and Amman, respectively, and exceeded accepted international air quality standards for annual PM_2.5 mass. Similarity of total mass was largely driven by SO₄²⁻ and crustal PM_2.5 components. Despite the close proximity of the seven, well correlated sites with respect to PM_2.5, there were …