Israel
US-Israeli war with Iran approaches fifth day
The US-Israeli war with Iran is approaching its fifth day and the death toll continues to climb with one human rights group reporting over a thousand civilian deaths in Iran. US Admiral Brad Cooper… Audio
Pacific govts alert nationals amid Middle East conflict
Pacific governments are advising their people in the Middle East to stay sheltered and make their presence known. Audio
Tongan national in UAE marked safe, airstrikes 'frightening'
Tongan national Kim Halavatau lives in Abu Dhabi and spoke to Pacific Waves host Susana Suisuiki about the US-Israel & Iran conflict affecting the Middle East region. Audio
Trump's Iran strikes mark his biggest foreign policy gamble
Analysis - Trump has provided little explanation for his large-scale attack on Iran, but US voters have little appetite for war, and it's hard to change a regime from the air, analysts say.
NSW police given extra powers ahead of Israeli presidential visit
Protesters planning to rally in central Sydney asked to choose a different place: "It's very important that people remain calm and act respectfully during this visit..."
Israel launches 'large-scale operation' to retrieve body of last hostage
Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen about Israel beginning what it calls a "large-scale operation" to retrieve the body of the last remaining hostage in Gaza. Audio
Israeli raid in southern Syrian village kills 13, Syrian state media says
Thirteen people have been killed in an Israeli "criminal attack" in a village, Syria says, while Israel says its troops came under fire during an operation to arrest militants.
Latest from the Middle East
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed confidence that the Gaza ceasefire will hold. Audio
Families, medics anxiously await opening of medical corridor from Gaza
Among those desperate for the opening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt are the families of 15,000 patients needing medical evacuation, but hundreds have already died waiting.
Not enough aid getting in Gaza despite pause in hostilities
Despite the pause in hostilities humanitarian agencies have said no where near enough aid is getting into the decimated Gaza strip. Israel is refusing to open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and… Audio
New Zealand activists detained by Israel welcomed home
The New Zealand activists detained by Israel for trying to break the blockade of Gaza have today returned home to an enthusiastic welcome. Rana Hamida, Samuel Leason, and Youssef Sammour were released… Audio
Two New Zealanders on board boat in new flotilla trying to reach Gaza
One of them, Ava Mulla, says she feels a mixture of fear and pride to know that they are doing the right thing. Audio
Rabuka persists with Israel embassy opening despite criticism
Fiji will formally open its first embassy in Israel next week.Despite backlash Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is expected to lead the official delegation to Jerusalem. Audio
Thousands of Palestinians evacuate ahead of Israeli takeover
Thousands of Palestinians have started evacuating their homes ahead of planned Israeli military take over of Gaza city. Israel's plan to seize the City was approved this month by the security cabinet… Audio
Israel in talks to resettle Gazan Palestinians in South Sudan, sources say
Arab and world leaders have rejected the idea of moving Gaza's population to any country.
Will New Zealand move with the tide over Gaza?
With starvation reaching crisis point in Gaza and an impetus to pressure Israel to pull back, New Zealand's reactions to the conflict remain muted.
Will NZ move with the tide over Gaza?
With starvation reaching a crisis point in Gaza and an impetus to pressure Israel to pull back, New Zealand's reactions to the conflict remain muted Audio
Update on the Middle East
This week New Zealand signed a fresh joint statement with 14 other countries expressing a willingness to recognise a Palestian State. Audio
Awkward opinions test backbone, a picture of health
Mediawatch looks at a sudden slew of stuff on screen about life at the coal face in health, hospitals and hospices. Is the up close and personal approach also political? Speaking of political… Audio
War zone extraction: High level negotiations, top secret contacts and friendly favours
Getting people out and home when they're trapped in a war zone is a dangerous and politically delicate task - here's how it's done.
