Middle East

Israel ‘optimistic' on return of 100 Gaza hostages

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says negotiations are taking place for the return of about 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

Anti-Semitism taskforce for ‘evil’ synagogue firebombing

The ‘evil’ firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue is officially being treated as a terrorist attack, as a new special police task force is established to combat the exponential rise in anti-Semitism. 

Hezbollah humiliated, Assad fallen: Israel weakens Axis

The rapid fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, coming hard on devastating losses suffered by Hezbollah, has dealt a serious blow to Iran’s Axis of Resistance as Israel stands strong.

Who is Assad and why was his Government overthrown?

President Bashar al-Assad ruled his country with an iron fist for 24 years, as his father had done for 30 years before him. His fall was swift and unexpected, but the signs were always there.

Assad’s downfall to have huge repercussions around the globe

LATIKA M BOURKE: With Iran and Russia tending to their own conflicts, Assad’s tyrannical regime in Syria is suddenly over. While there is worldwide relief, what comes next remains an open question.

RECAP: Synagogue attack, Syria fallout and another bad poll

Israel denies firing 100 tank shells toward Gaza hospital

Israel has denied firing about 100 tank shells and bombs at the town of Beit Lahiya, despite doctors saying a hospital has been hit.

‘Remain vigilant’: Biden warns Syria, Assad flees to Russia

US President Joe Biden has spoken about the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s regime, calling it an historic opportunity with a ‘considerable risk and uncertainty’.

Spy agencies on alert over Syria’s chemical weapons

US spy agencies are closely monitoring chemical weapons storage sites, looking for indications that forces loyal to President Bashar Assad are preparing to use them against rebel groups fighting to depose him.

Syrian rebels threaten Damascus, Assad from north and south

President Bashar al-Assad’s control of Syria’s south has crumbled as rebels seize multiple cities and close in on Damascus, posing one of the most acute threats to his rule in 13 years of civil war.

Islamist rebels advance in Syria as Iran vows support

Hezbollah and Iran have vowed to support Syrian government forces as rebel fighters advance towards the key crossroads city of Homs.

‘Terrorism’: Labor responds to Netanyahu’s Australia attack

Labor has been forced to respond to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim Australia was inviting ‘more terrorism’ and ‘more anti-Semitic riots’ after a UN backflip.

Rebels enter Hama, pushing Syrian army from key city

Jihadist fighters have entered Hama, pushing Syrian government forces to withdraw and reposition outside the city that is critical to control of major towns.

‘Neutralisation orders’: Terrifying Hamas plan exposed

An internal statement from the terrorist organisation Hamas has revealed the group’s shocking ‘neutralisation orders’ and when it will be activated.

‘Sold out’: Dutton slams Australia’s inflammatory UN move

Australia has supported a UN resolution that backs an ‘irreversible pathway’ to a Palestinian state after another shift in position that will inflame tensions with Israel and is at odds with the US.