Hundreds die during Hajj pilgrimage amid intense heat
Saudi Arabia has not commented on the death toll amid the heat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, required of every able Muslim once in their life.
International News
People flee as Israeli tanks push deeper into Rafah
Families have fled as Israeli forces moved further into the Gaza city of Rafah, while an Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains out of reach after eight months of war.
Putin signs partnership pact with Kim on N.Korea visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have agreed to a mutual security deal as both face stand-offs with the US and its allies.
Sudan and UAE clash at United Nations over civil war
United Nations delegates from Sudan and the United Arab Emirates have sparred during a debate on the conflict in the African country.
Billionaire UK political donor switches to back Labour
Former Conservative donor John Caudwell says he will back the Labour Party at the upcoming United Kingdom general election.
Israel expects to get US arms, IDF ‘warned of attack’
A report by public broadcaster Kan says Israel's military intelligence warned of an attack two weeks before an assault by Hamas on October 7.
Putin vows security with N Korea beyond reach of West
Russia has gone out of its way to publicise its relationship with North Korea since the start of the war in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin due to visit on Tuesday.
Netanyahu disbands war cabinet after key partner bolted
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to hold smaller consultations after disbanding his six-strong war cabinet.
Putin continues defence ministry purge, employs niece
Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to sack four defence ministers and appoint a relative is a signal he wants to clear out wastage and corruption.
Israeli PM Netanyahu disbands his inner war cabinet
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet, an Israeli official says.
NZDF plane fails again, strands delegation in PNG
Dozens of senior New Zealand business leaders were stuck in Papua New Guinea overnight after a plane failure hit the mission led by Prime Minister Chris Luxon.
Ukraine summit strives for consensus to lean on Russia
The human cost of Russia's war on Ukraine has been discussed by delegates on the second day of a major international summit in Switzerland.
Hong Kong most expensive city to be posted to
While Hong Kong has been listed at the world's most expensive city to move to, three Australian cities are in the top 100.
New Caledonia to reopen airport, shorten curfew
As deadly violence in New Caledonia continues to ebb, the French Pacific territory is shortening its overnight curfew and reopening its international airport.
Ukraine summit statement backed by nearly 80 countries
The final declaration of a Ukraine peace summit held in Switzerland has been approved by close to 80 of the 93 participating countries.
Netanyahu denounces Israeli army’s Gaza tactical pauses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a cabinet minister have criticised the idea of Israel's army taking part in a daily 11-hour humanitarian pause.
Zuma’s party says it will join South African opposition
Former South African president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto we Sizwe party says it will join the country's opposition in parliament.
Biden slams US Supreme Court at star-studded fundraiser
Hollywood celebrities George Clooney and Julia Roberts were among the guests at a fundraiser for Joe Biden that raised $42 million for his re-election campaign.
Bitter clash over tax as UK election battle intensifies
Britain's Tories are focusing on tax under Labour as fresh opinion polls show the governing party well and truly on the ropes ahead of the general election.
Eight Israeli soldiers killed amid fighting in Rafah
The Israeli military says eight of its soldiers have been killed in a blast in the south of the Gaza Strip.
Kate waves to crowds at Trooping the Colour parade
Kate, Princess of Wales, has ridden in a covered carriage with her three children to watch a military parade to mark the official birthday of the King.
Ship ablaze after attack by Yemeni Houthis: report
A Palau-flagged cargo ship is on fire and sinking, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations says after an apparent attack by Houthi rebels.
Labour will win if people vote for Farage, says UK PM
If Britain votes for Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK - who polled above the incumbent Conservatives - Labour will win the election, the prime minister says.
South African foes unite in uneasy coalition
The prospect of the African National Congress governing alongside the white-led Democratic Alliance does not sit well with many Black South Africans.
G7 confronts China on commerce, pope talks about AI
G7 leaders say they want to level the commerce playing field with China, while the pope has warned of the perils of AI during his historic appearance.
Kate in first public appearance since cancer diagnosis
Princess Kate has attended the King's birthday parade - her first appearance since she was diagnosed with cancer and paused public life to receive treatment.
US to give Sudan a further $A477m in humanitarian aid
The US has promised a further $A477m in humanitarian funds to Sudan and called on the country's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to stop blocking aid.
Kyiv rejects Putin’s offer of peace for more land
Kyiv has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's "absurd" offer of peace, which is contingent on Ukraine giving up four contested territories.
Age a central issue in US election as Trump turns 78
The ages of rival presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden often receive more attention than substantive policy issues in the run-up to the US poll.
China’s Li signals demand for New Zealand dairy, meat
China anticipates increasing demand for high-quality goods such as dairy, health products, beef and lamb from New Zealand, Premier Li Qiang says.
South Africa governing alliance emerges as MPs convene
ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to win a new term as South Africa's newly elected parliament convenes to choose a president.