Latest from Middle East

Opinion: Energy the goldmine NZ First will exploit in 2026 election campaign

Criticising the energy companies has proven effective for NZ First thus far.

Israel orders evacuation of southern Lebanese towns amid escalating conflict

Israeli campaign has forced about 1.2 million people from their homes in Lebanon.

Luxon meets Indian PM Modi - and has surprise pull-aside with new leader

The Prime Minister's diplomatic dance card was full in Laos.

Kiwi mother describes harrowing escape from war-torn Lebanon

The Dunedin resident received help from the NZ embassy in Cairo.

Nowhere to go: How Gaza became a mass death trap

New York Times: “It seems unbelievable that these people…are unable to leave.”

Biden urges Israel to minimise civilian harm amid Lebanon conflict

Israel has vowed to keep bombing Hezbollah targets.

Hezbollah's next leader likely killed in Israeli airstrikes, Netanyahu claims

Israeli airstrikes have killed two successors to Hezbollah's slain leader.

'Bodies were lined up outside': Photographers in Israel and Gaza on the images they can’t forget

New York Times: Seven photojournalists describe moments that have defined a year of war.

Saudi tycoon plans comeback with world’s tallest tower

Financial Times: Long-stalled project among a flurry of glitzy real estate deals

At least 21 killed by Israeli airstrike on Gaza mosque

Israel said the site was being used by Hamas to plan attacks.

'Very violent': Huge explosions reported in Beirut

Five Israeli strikes reportedly hit south Beirut and its outskirts.

Israel may launch ‘significant’ attack as anniversary of October 7 massacre nears

Military 'preparing' major onslaught in response to Iranian missile barrage.

Middle East at war: 12 key moments

FT: Recent events are pushing the region towards the most dangerous crisis in decades.

Oil surges after Joe Biden’s comments on Israeli retaliation

Financial Times: US officials expect a response measured enough to avoid escalation.

'This is home': Kiwis in Israel determined to stay despite MFAT warnings, threat of regional war

Iran shot nearly 200 projectiles at Israel early on Wednesday NZ time.

A wider war in the Middle East, from Hamas to Hezbollah and now Iran

New York Times: The long-feared “wider war” in the Middle East is here.