Latest from Middle East

'Is that it?' Israel and Hezbollah step back from strikes

After a short-lived attack, a descent into all-out war is less likely.

Top defence contractors set to rake in record cash after orders soar

Financial Times: Growing cash flows spark debate about how industry will spend billions.

Hezbollah's latest strike hits a 'humble chicken coop'

A revenge attack involving missiles and drones from Lebanon has come to nothing.

Israel, Hezbollah exchange heaviest strikes in months, raising fears of wider conflict

'Every day there are more dead', says resident who woke up to the sounds of explosions.

NZ Super Fund owns $150m in firms connected to illegal Israeli settlements

Labour says the Super Fund should sell positions in the firms.

Grief and anger in Israel as recovered hostages are laid to rest

Funerals for six hostages have been held in the kibbutzim they were abducted from.

Blinken says Israel accepts Gaza proposal, urges Hamas

There are few signs of conciliation on the ground and fears of wider war.

Gaza faces public health crisis with polio case found

Israel’s months-long war has destroyed key water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza.

Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon kill at least 25, officials say

Strikes come as US and allies race to conclude delicate ceasefire negotiations.

Israel strikes two Gaza schools housing displaced people, killing 16

Latest in a series of attacks on education centres Israel says are being used by Hamas.

Red Sea turmoil impacts Kiwi shipping, Maersk warns of supply chain delays

Tauranga and Auckland ports experience knock-on effects of Red Sea tension.

Strikes in Gaza, stabbing near Tel Aviv

Dozens of Palestinians were killed in the latest attacks.

'Leave now': Foreign Minister tells Kiwis to flee Lebanon and Iran; consider if staying in Israel necessary

Iran has promised 'severe' revenge after the leader of militant group Hamas was killed.

Israeli strikes kill 15 in Gaza City school sheletering displaced persons: Hamas

Israeli military says the school was being used as a command centre for Hamas.

Iran releases statement after Hamas leader's killing

Ismail Haniyeh was Hamas’ top political leader and played a key role in negotiations.

US fighter jets sent to Middle East over Iran-Israel war fears

US President Joe Biden says American warplanes will help protect Israel from attack.

Taranaki to Dubai: Kiwi reveals what life is like as an Emirates flight attendant

The young Kiwi shares the highs and lows of her massive move.

Kiwi exporters struggling with doubled shipping costs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said global rates have nearly doubled since April.