War
North Korea fires missile, minister to visit Russia as tensions rise
North Korea has stepped up pressure on Seoul in recent weeks, declaring it the "principal enemy",
Israel presses on with Gaza offensive approaching 100 days of war
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Rafah sheltering two displaced families has killed 10 people.
UN aid chief calls anew for Gaza ceasefire, urges UN action to end war
The UN aid chief is "deeply alarmed" by Israeli ministers' statements about "plans to encourage the mass transfer" of Palestinian civilians.
Israel says South Africa distorting the truth in genocide case
South Africa had presented "a sweeping counter-factual description" of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Israeli lawyer Tal Becker told the ICJ.
Israeli soldiers on northern border dig in and wait as tensions mount
Israeli forces in the north have been engaged in a low-intensity crossborder standoff with Hezbollah fighters.
South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza
South Africa has accused Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice overight. Lawyers for the South African government presented their case at the United Nation's… Audio
Swedish alarm after defence chiefs' war warning
A warning to Swedes from two top defence officials to prepare for war has prompted concern and accusations of alarmism.
Israel faces genocide charges at World Court
Meanwhile, the first residents are returning to northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have begun withdrawing.
Despair in Gaza as fighting intensifies
Israeli strikes in Gaza have intensified despite a pledge by Israel that it would shift to a more targeted campaign.
Antony Blinken meets with Mahmoud Abbas
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says all the leaders he has met with in the Middle East want to avoid a wider regional war.
But Arab leaders say resolution of the Israel/Gaza conflict must… Audio
NZ joins condemnation of weapon transfer between North Korea and Russia
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the supply of weapons is a significant escalation in Russia's war against Ukraine, and undermines peace and security.
New Zealand could face 'tough decisions' on Gaza - expert
New Zealand could soon face tough decisions about peacekeeping efforts in the Israel-Gaza region, including whether we want to be involved.
This comes as tensions are rising and US Secretary of State… Audio
Record number of civilians hurt by explosives in 2023
The war in Gaza is largely responsible, UK-based charity Action on Armed Violence says.
Israel kills senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon - sources
Israel killed a top Hezbollah commander in a strike in south Lebanon, inflicting a heavy blow after three months of hostilities.
Palestinians must be able to stay in Gaza - Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Palestinians must not be pressured into leaving Gaza, and must be allowed to return to their homes once conditions allow.
Japanese foreign minister forced into bomb shelter in Kyiv
Asian superpower pledges millions to NATO to help Ukraine avert Russian drone strikes.
Blinken visits Middle East as Israel-Gaza tensions rise
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says it's imperative Israel does more to prevent civilian casualties in Gaza, and will raise the issue when he meets with Israeli officials this… Audio
US opposed to 'forcible displacement' of Palestinians: Blinken
The US Secretary of State is in the Middle East, gathering Arab states' views on the future of Gaza before taking those positions to Israel.
Ukraine-Russia war: Putin citizenship decree violates children's rights, Ukraine says
Ukraine has condemned a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin making it possible to confer Russian citizenship on Ukrainian children moved to Russia.
Israel and Hezbollah trade fire across Lebanon border
Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group says it has fired rockets at Israel, and its arch-foe says it has struck a "terrorist cell" in retaliation.