Syria rebels ‘seize key city’ in threat to Assad’s rule
Syrian rebels claim to have seized control of the city of Daraa, with President Bashar al-Assad's forces reportedly surrendering four important centres.
unrest, conflicts and war
SKorea arrests ex-defence minister over martial law
South Korea's former defence minister has been arrested over his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked a political crisis.
Syrian president flees as rebels take over Damascus
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country as rebels appear to be on the cusp of toppling his 24-year regime as they storm the capital of Damascus.
US pledges nearly $US1 billion in weapons for Ukraine
The US has unveiled nearly $US1 billion in aid for new arms and equipment for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia's invasion.
Rebels in Syria declare Bashar al-Assad’s regime over
Syria's authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule has ended after he fled the country as insurgents entered the capital Damascus.
New era for post-Assad Syria as the world watches
Syria is waking to its first day of freedom from the authoritarian rule of Bashar al-Assad as Russia grants asylum to the ousted president and his family.
Trump calls for immediate Ukraine ceasefire
Both Ukraine and Russia have cited conditions that must be met if incoming US President Donald Trump's ceasefire is to be agreed.
Israel denies strike on Gaza hospital
Israel has denied firing about 100 tank shells and bombs at the town of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, despite doctors saying a hospital has been hit.
Anti-Semitism crackdown launched after synagogue fire
Police will gain extra powers to tackle anti-Semitism after a trio of arson attacks on Jewish targets raised fears from the community.
Travel ban imposed on South Korea’s embattled president
South Korea's defence ministry says President Yoon Suk-yeol is still commander in chief despite the justice ministry banning him from travelling overseas.
Rebels work to form Syrian govt after ousting Assad
The rebel alliance that overthrew Syria's government takes its first steps to form government as citizens, regional countries and world powers watch nervously.
Zelenskiy seeks diplomatic end to war with Russia
"A troop contingent from one country or another could be present in Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says.
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.
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.