Why Israel is so determined to launch an offensive in Rafah?
Israel can’t achieve its goal of 'total victory' against Hamas without tackling Rafah.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest fromMiddle East
Rehouse Gaza civilians in the desert, says Trump's son-in-law
Jared Kushner advises Israel to move territory’s civilians out to the desert.
Heavy fighting rages around Gaza’s biggest hospital for second day
The military said it had killed 50 Hamas militants.
Israel urges UN court to reject South Africa’s requests in genocide case
South Africa has accused Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention with its attacks.
Rafah strategy: Netanyahu to send officials to US
The threatened Rafah invasion has caused division between Israel and its allies.
'We're not a banana republic': Netanyahu snaps back against growing US criticism
The Israeli PM is frustrated with the growing criticism from its best ally.
'We knew it was bad': Kiwi recounts forced evacuation from Gaza
Aml is one of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza.
Israel and Hamas ceasefire talks are expected to resume
The talks would mark the first time both leaders join the indirect negotiations.
Israeli held hostage by Hamas paraded through Gaza like a ‘trophy’
Itay Regev described people ‘laughing and cheering’ as he was driven around Gaza.
South Africa foreign minister says citizens fighting with Israeli forces will be arrested
Citizens who fight in the Israeli armed forces in Gaza will be arrested when they return.
Israel says it plans to direct Palestinians out of Rafah
Humanitarian groups have warned an offensive on the city would be a catastrophe.
Charity ship bringing food aid to starving Palestinians
An aid ship loaded with about 200 tons of food has set sail for Gaza.
Palestinians begin fast with little to celebrate
The Muslim holy month arrived with ceasefire talks stalling, and hunger worsening.
Oscars face protests and delays as stars forced to walk
The Academy Awards ceremony was delayed after guests failed to arrive in time.
Netanyahu 'hurting Israel': Biden's comments show growing distaste for war
Joe Biden has stepped up public pressure on the Israeli government.
How the US military is scrambling to build a floating dock for Gaza aid
Israel has sharply restricted land routes into Gaza, slowing the flow of aid to a trickle.
Fatal Houthi attack escalates risk for the Middle East
The missile strike on a ship in the Red Sea threatens to further sever the crucial route.
'Impossible to deliver': Pressure on Israel to open more aid routes grows
Efforts to get much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza are gaining momentum.
Houthi missile attack on ship kills two crew members
These are the first deaths resulting from the rebels' actions in the Red Sea.
Deadline looms as Gaza ceasefire talks stall
US, Qatar and Egypt have spent weeks trying to broker an agreement to release hostages.
ANZ's Commodities Index gained 3.5 per cent in February
The twin canal crises are impacting smaller Kiwi exporters especially.
Israel-Hamas war: Gaza boy who lost arm in Israeli air strikes finds new hope across the world
A severely wounded 4-year-old boy from Gaza has come to the US for medical care.
Opinion: Will NZ act to help ensure the safety of Gazan refugees?
OPINION: New Zealand has the opportunity to extend a lifeline to families trapped in Gaza.
UN envoy says ‘reasonable' to believe Hamas committed sexual violence
The UN team “found clear and convincing information”.
'Friction' as Netanyahu's rival visits the US in diplomatic mission
Benny Gantz's visit to the US has angered the Israeli PM.
After 10 years of trying, a Palestinian woman had twins. An Israeli strike killed them both
A woman has lost her five-month-old babies in the latest round of Israeli strikes on Gaza.
Hamas says ceasefire could come in next 24 hours
Hamas has demanded the Israeli military withdraw from Gaza and increase humanitarian aid.
Ship hit by Houthi rebels first vessel lost in conflict
A ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has sunk in the Red Sea.
Israel has agreed to Gaza ceasefire, US says. Now Hamas must decide
Israel has essentially endorsed a framework of a proposed Gaza ceasefire, says US.
'First of many': US military airdrop aid into Gaza
Three planes from US Air Forces Central have dropped 38,000 meals into Gaza.
Rocket fire reported off Yemen in Red Sea
A rocket has exploded off the side of a ship travelling through the Red Sea.
International world day of prayer gives Palestinian women chance to be heard
Rev Kim Wright is pleased this year's service has been designed by Palestinian women.
Israel and Hamas deny ceasefire deal as imminent
Leaders played down chances of breakthrough in talks for a ceasefire.