Conflict
Top Stories for Wednesday 18 October 2023
Hipkins to stay on as Labour leader; Labour's Andrew Little to leave politics; Biden to visit Israel as Gaza blockade continues; Report shows rescuers couldn't to get resources pre Gabrielle. Audio
Israel v Hamas: The war without end
Why do experts have very little hope for a peaceful solution in the Middle East? Audio
Biden to visit Israel and receive 'comprehensive' brief on war plans
US President Joe Biden will make a high-stakes visit to Israel on Wednesday as the country prepares to escalate an offensive against Hamas militants.
Israel-Gaza conflict: NZ govt providing $5m for humanitarian aid
The New Zealand government is providing $5 million in funding following appeals to address urgent humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
What is the Rafah crossing and why is it Gaza's lifeline?
The border crossing with Eygpt is the only point of exit for Palestinians looking to flee Gaza.
Auckland Museum apologises after flying Israeli colours
A gesture for peace has backfired badly for the Auckland War Memorial Museum. They've apologised today after lighting the museum in Israeli colours last night, a move that sparked protests outside the… Audio
Auckland Museum light display offends Palestinian supporters
On Sunday night the Auckland Museum was lit up in blue and white in solidarity with Israel, sparking a protest of around 100 Palestinian supporters.
Police were called to diffuse a verbal… Audio
Netanyahu vows to 'demolish Hamas' as troops prepare to move into Gaza
Israel signals its intent to invade Gaza as intense shuttle diplomacy by the US aims to prevent regional escalation.
NZ man recounts 'scary' Jerusalem visit
Former Wānaka man and artist Topher Straus went from swimming in the Mediterranean to running for an air shelter within hours of arriving in Israel last weekend.
Lebanon army blames Israel for journalist's killing
Lebanon's army says Israel fired a missile that killed a Reuters journalist in southern Lebanon.
Israel prepares ground assault on Gaza as Palestinians flee
Israel was preparing on Saturday to launch a ground assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, after telling Palestinians living in the densely populated territory to flee south towards a closed…
Explainer: What impact can the Israel-Hamas war have on oil?
A war between Islamist group Hamas and Israel poses one of the most significant geopolitical risks to oil markets since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.
Frank Gardner on Israel's lack of preparedness
BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner on Israel's failure of intelligence, "and imagination", not to anticipate the Hamas attacks. Audio
Reporting from Israel: Lyse Doucet
The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet is reporting in Southern Isreal, close to the Gaza-Israeli border in Ashkelon, which is coming under fire from Hamas. Doucet says the Israel… Audio
Israeli military says troops make first ground raids into Gaza
Israel said its infantry and tanks had carried out raids inside the Gaza Strip on Friday, its first announcement of a shift from an air war to ground operations to root out Hamas fighters.
Robin Wright: Israel Gaza war explained
Civilians are fleeing northern Gaza in anticipation of an Israeli ground offensive, following retaliatory air strikes. Palestinian militant group Hamas launched surprise attacks an Israel on Saturday… Audio
Israel calls for civilians to leave Gaza City as 'significant operation' looms
Israel's military on Friday called for all civilians of Gaza City, more than 1 million people, to relocate south within 24 hours, as it amassed tanks ahead of an expected ground invasion.
Israel-Gaza crisis: NZ must condemn atrocities but keep pushing for a two-state solution
Analysis - It was perhaps inevitable that the shock Hamas attack on Israel would become a minor election sideshow in New Zealand. Less than a week from the polls, a crisis in the Middle East offered…
'Repay before boarding': NZ repatriation flight from Israel comes at a cost
Tongan church group attempting to flee Israel is "disappointed" the New Zealand govt is charging people for the repatriation flight which doesn't bring them back home.
Israel-Palestine conflict: NZ born man killed in action
The New Zealand Jewish Council has confirmed the death of a New Zealand born man in Israel.