Middle East

Israel's strike on Hamas' leaders in Qatar is a stunning escalation of hostilities that has sparked outrage and been labelled an ‘unfortunate incident’ by the US.

Israel has told Gaza residents to flee ‘immediately’ as it warns of devastating new strikes unless Hamas releases the last 48 hostages.

‘A mighty hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City’, Israel's defence minister has declared in a ‘final warning’ for Hamas to free all hostages and surrender.

More Palestinians have been killed and forced from their homes as Israeli forces press an offensive in Gaza City despite international criticism.

AARON PATRICK: After visiting Israel, a Melbourne mother decided she needed to explain why Australia’s Jews aren’t directly confronting a wave of hostility from both ends of the political spectrum.

Former prime minister John Howard and his long-term foreign minister Alexander Downer have jointly condemned the Albanese Government’s decision to recognise Palestine before a peace process is settled.

THE WASHINGTON POST: An Israeli strike in Gaza City has killed the longtime spokesman of Hamas’s armed wing.

Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has once again joined a flotilla of boats loaded with food for Gaza, aiming to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver food to the shattered enclave.

Israel says its forces have killed Abu Obeida, the chief spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, in an air strike on Gaza, marking the latest high-profile loss for the group.

The US has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of the UN General Assembly.

The Israeli military is preparing to seize Gaza City, the territory's largest urban centre, despite international calls on Israel to desist.

A counter-terrorism task force is probing an alleged plan to seize a commercial plane in Australia and force it to the Middle East.

Iran’s ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi was believed to be flying out of Sydney late on Thursday after waving ‘bye, bye’ just hours before his mandatory expulsion from the country.

MARK RILEY: With thousands of Australians left in Iran, deep concern now swamps curiosity about Anthony Albanese’s expulsion decision.

US President Donald Trump is chairing a meeting to discuss post-war plans for Gaza despite stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.