Middle East

Fresh Israeli strikes reportedly killing hundreds of Palestinians have sparked a call by Australia's foreign minister to cease fire and protect civilians.

The White House has backed Israel’s ‘extensive strikes’ on Hamas, killing more than 200 people after a ceasefire agreement that saw some hostages freed and fighting paused crumbled. 

Israel's military says it has only intervened to thwart threats by ‘terrorists’ approaching its troops or planting bombs since the ceasefire took effect.

The warning from the Yemeni rebels again throws into chaos a crucial maritime waterway between Asia and Europe, threatens revenue from Egypt’s Suez Canal and possibly will halt aid shipments to war zones.

Syrian authorities say they have halted military operations along the coastline after they ‘neutralised’ Assad remnants, ‘paving the way for life to return to normal’ in the troubled region.

Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa says the country is confronting attempts to drag it into a civil war as violent clashes continue.

Israel says it is suspending sending electricity to the Gaza Strip in a bid to have Hamas accept an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire and release more hostages.

Israel says a drone has struck a group of suspected militants planting an explosive device in northern Gaza, but gave no details on casualties.

Eyal Zamir, new chief of the Israel Defence Forces, says the mission in Gaza will continue, warning enemies: ‘We will not forgive, we will not forget.’

Israeli officials say they are ready for phase two of a Gaza Strip ceasefire as Arab leaders prepare to meet to discuss a plan for ending the war permanently.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened Hamas with unimaginable consequences if it does not return hostages held in Gaza.

Hamas accuses Israeli of trying to push things back to ‘square one’ by asking to extend the first phase of their ceasefire agreement.

Hamas won't agree to extend the first phase of the six-week Gaza ceasefire deal as Israel responds by cutting off the flow of all aid into the region.

Israel has agreed to a US proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza that would last throughout the holy periods of Ramadan and Passover.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has halted 15 months of fighting and paved the way for talks on ending the war.