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Middle East conflict

This Month

Palestinians carry the body of a person killed while heading to a Gaza aid hub in Khan Younis.

‘Death trap’: Dozens killed in Gaza trying to get food aid

Israel’s military denies firing on civilians after more than 30 deaths among thousands who flocked to humanitarian hubs.

A young Palestinian waits to collect donated food at a food distribution kitchen in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip.

US slams Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff blamed the militant group for the impasse, saying its reply “only takes us backward”.

May

Displaced Palestinians collect cooked food from a community food kitchen in Jabaliya, northern Gaza.

‘Egregious actions’. UK, EU ramp up pressure on Israel over Gaza

Britain, France and Canada had issued a rare public reprimand of Israel, demanding it cease the renewed military offensive. London is also suspending FTA talks.

Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis.

Israel to allow ‘basic’ food into Gaza as military expands operations

The decision will end an almost three-month blockade that has stopped aid and medicine entering the Palestinian territory.

Yael Alexander holds a poster of her son, Edan, who was taken hostage by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023.

Hamas says it has released American hostage as gesture to Trump

Edan Alexander had been held captive by Hamas for 19 months and his release is an overture towards Donald Trump as the US president heads to the Middle East.

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Why $104m US fighter jets keep tumbling into the sea

A navy fighter jet plummeted into the Red Sea this week after failing to land on an aircraft carrier, marking the fourth major mishap involving the vessel.

Pedro Pascal as Joel, who is struggling with parenting a teenager, in season two of The Last of Us.

‘The Last of Us’ flips the script and sets off in a new direction

The second season of the zombie hit has more focus on action sequences than the first, and feels closer to the game with its exploration of post-apocalyptic cities, looting and foraging for supplies.

March

Trump’s tango with Russia’s autocrat Vladimir Putin over the terms of a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine has sowed doubts.

For Trump, the strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must

The US president’s hastiness to secure peace overlooks the often laborious work usually required for a long-term, stable and durable solution to a conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel strikes Hezbollah targets after fire from within Lebanon

Israel vowed a forceful response to rocket fire from Lebanon on Saturday as a fragile four-month truce with Hezbollah showed new signs of strain.

An Israeli soldier Stans on a tank as it is taking position in front of the northern Gaza Strip.

Israeli troops begin limited ground incursion in Gaza

Israel’s army began “targeted ground activities” in the Palestinian territory, with the aim of creating a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.

 Palestinians carry the body of someone killed during Israeli airstrikes at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, Gaza.

Netanyahu says Israeli strikes across Gaza are ‘only the beginning’

The prime minister said the military would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims: destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militants.

Palestinians inspect damage following an Israeli airstrike in the Shejaiya residential district, east of Gaza City.

Will Israel return to a full-scale war in Gaza?

Deadly bombardment has strengthened Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition but drawn the ire of hostages and their families.

February

Donald Trump first publicly raised the idea that the US would take over Gaza in early February.

Without Egypt or Jordan onboard, Trump retreats from his Gaza plan

Donald Trump had said he favoured taking control of Gaza and displacing the Palestinians who lived there. But Egypt and Jordan rejected cooperating.

Two people embrace amid a sea of Israeli flags in hostages square in Tel Aviv.

Hamas says it has handed over body of Shiri Bibas

Israeli medical authorities said forensic teams were preparing to examine the body, which Hamas transferred via the Red Cross, and confirm its identity.

A coffin containing the body of Ariel Bibas is taken to Red Cross representatives in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip on Thursday.

‘Horrific’: Mother not among dead hostages handed over by Hamas

The Israeli military says a body released by Hamas did not belong to any of the hostages held in Gaza, accusing the militant group of violating the ceasefire.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a joint news conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Netanyahu signals he’s transferring Palestinians from Gaza

The Israeli prime minister discussed the plan in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Hamas “must be eradicated”.

An Israeli soldier driving a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border.

Netanyahu threatens to restart war if hostages not returned

“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will end,” the Israeli leader said, adding he’s ordered the military to prepare.

Relatives of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip protest in Tel Aviv.

Trump says ‘all’ Israeli hostages must be released by Saturday

The US president says “all hell is going to break out” if the remaining Israelis are not freed after Hamas threatened to delay the deal.

Guantanamo Bay’s Camp Delta.

US to fly illegal migrants to Guantanamo Bay

The first planeload of illegal immigrants will land in the notorious prison on Tuesday; Michaelia Cash emphasises Peter Dutton’s strength over his likeability; Elliott swoops on BP. Here’s how the day unfolded.

Trump has announced a stunning proposal of a US take-over of the war-torn Gaza Strip to redevelop the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

Albanese must stand up to Trump’s Gaza plan

Australia must be prepared to stick up for the international rule of law system that has contributed to our nation’s security, peace, and stability for decades.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/middle-east-conflict-6h14