Israel ‘more optimistic’ on Gaza hostage deal prospects
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says indirect negotiations are taking place for the return of about 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
unrest, conflicts and war
Germany’s Scholz pledges Ukraine aid in surprise visit
A day after EU officials arrived in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine in its fight with Russia, German leader Olaf Sholz has visited promising more military aid.
Israel strikes back at Lebanon after Hezbollah attack
Residents in Beirut heard drones flying overhead as Lebanon's official news agency reported Israel had renewed strikes in southern Lebanon.
NATO expected to dodge Ukraine’s call for quick invite
Ukraine is unlikely to get a coveted invitation to join NATO, with boss Mark Rutte saying the alliance is working on "building the bridge" to membership.
Zelenskiy wants reinforcement of eastern Ukraine front
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said much depends on Ukraine's Western allies providing vital weaponry in a timely manner.
Israel threatens to expand war if Hezbollah truce ends
Defence Minister Israel Katz says Israel will hold Lebanon responsible for failing to disarm militants who violate a ceasefire.
Pro-Palestine shift borne from frustration, peace push
Frustration at a lack of progress on a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and the need for momentum toward peace drove an Australian policy shift.
Gaza City suburb evacuated, spurs wave of displacement
Residents of the eastern Gaza City suburb of Shejaia were forced to flee on donkey carts and rickshaws or by foot after Israel ordered a mass evacuation.
Hezbollah rockets land near Tel Aviv
Hezbollah has fired a barrage of rockets at Israel, destroying houses near Tel Aviv, after Israel killed at least 29 people in Beirut.
Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will write off debts of new army recruits in a bid to increase military recruitment.
Tense stand-off at synagogue despite cancelled protest
Police have separated pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups after a planned protest outside a synagogue was cancelled at the last minute.
Israel expected to approve ceasefire with Hezbollah
Lebanese sources say a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah is near and expected to be announced by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Russian drones, missiles hit Kyiv and Kharkiv
Ukrainian officials say about 30 people have been injured in Russian missile attacks on Kharkiv and Odesa.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire holds in first hours
A ceasefire accord has cleared the way for an end to a conflict across the Israeli-Lebanese border that was ignited by the larger Gaza war in 2023.
Russia accelerates advance in Ukraine’s east
Russian forces that control 18 per cent of Ukraine are advancing at their fastest pace since early 2022, according to analysts.
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
Police arrest 1000 amid Pakistan demos over ex-PM Khan
Almost 1000 supporters of jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan have been arrested following clashes in Islamabad.
Lebanese returning as Israel-Hezbollah truce holds
Displaced Lebanese people have been heading toward home, as an Israeli-Hezbollah truce is hailed as a 'first ray of hope' by the UN chief.
US urges Ukraine to draft 18-year-olds to bolster ranks
A senior US official wants the Ukrainian government to increase the size of its army by drafting more troops and allowing for the conscription of 18-year-olds.
Trump selects special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
Incoming US President Donald Trump has chosen one of the architects of an 'America First' policy, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
Russia hits Ukraine energy facilities in massive attack
A massive attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russia has cut power to more than one million people across the country.
Israel, Hezbollah accused of violating 60-day ceasefire
Hours after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, both sides are accusing the other of violating the pact.
Jets bomb northwest Syria areas held by Islamist rebels
Russia and Syria have joined forces to bomb the rebel-held northwest of Syria, and push back an insurgent offensive.
Ukraine commander vows to boost troops on eastern front
Ukrainian forces are continuing to repel Russian advances on the country's eastern front, army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi says.
Medics report 19 dead as Israeli tanks leave Gaza camp
Medics say they have recovered 19 bodies of Palestinians killed in northern areas of Nuseirat as Israeli tanks withdrew from some parts of the refugee camp.
Russia has right to defend against Ukraine: Kim Jong-un
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says 'the West made Kyiv authorities attack Russia's territory' and Russia should take action, according to state media.
Syria’s Aleppo a battleground again as rebels take hold
Islamist insurgents have stormed Syria's northwestern city of Aleppo, as the nation's military makes plans for a counteroffensive.
Israeli strikes kill 15 in Gaza, looting hampers aid
Two children have been killed in an Israeli strike on an encampment in Gaza, medics say, as looting halts aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom crossing.
Ukraine says war has damaged most civilian airports
The Ukrainian military says heavy fighting is occurring along the front lines in the eastern Donbas region as Russia continues to launch attacks.
Georgia protesters in third night of demonstrations
Police in Georgia have used heavy force to crack down on people protesting the government's decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union.
Top EU officials visit Ukraine in show of solidarity
Three major European Union officials are visiting Ukraine as the country's forces struggle to fend off a grinding Russian offensive.