Israel

Several hundred Australians have contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) seeking assistance to depart Israel and Iran as hostilities intensify between the two countries. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that 300 Australians in Israel and 350 Australians in Iran have registered their interest in departing once safe routes reopen. Additional registrations are expected as the conflict continues.

On the third consecutive day of open conflict, Israel and Iran expanded their military operations against each other, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides. President Donald Trump has publicly called for an end to hostilities, warning Iran not to target U.S. assets in the region. As G7 leaders prepare to convene in Canada, Washington’s ability to restrain its closest ally appears increasingly limited, even as attempts at high-level mediation continue.

Israel’s recent air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches—mark a decisive shift in the balance of power across the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrated his willingness to act unilaterally, defying even President Donald Trump’s entreaties to hold off until after planned US-backed negotiations on a new nuclear deal with Tehran.

Israel’s government has formally approved the establishment of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that includes legalizing a number of previously unauthorized outposts. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent ultra-nationalist and vocal proponent of annexationist policies, announced the decision on Thursday. He stated that the new developments will be concentrated in the northern West Bank, though specific locations have not been publicly disclosed.

The Israeli military has revised its account of a deadly March incident in Rafah, Gaza, in which 15 Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers — including a UN staff member — were killed, after newly recovered phone footage undermined its initial explanation.

In a dramatic escalation of violence, Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip have reportedly killed over 400 people overnight, marking a devastating end to a two-month ceasefire. The renewed offensive, launched after a prolonged period of relative calm, has shattered the hopes of hostages’ families and plunged the region into renewed chaos. Israeli officials warned that if Hamas continues to “play games,” the military will intensify its air strikes until the terrorist group agrees to a new hostage release plan. Meanwhile, families on both sides of the conflict fear that those still held captive may soon face a grim fate.

Three empty buses exploded in Bat Yam, a city on the southern edge of Tel Aviv, in what Israeli police are calling a "suspected terror attack." The explosions, which occurred on Thursday night, resulted in no casualties, but authorities say two additional explosive devices failed to detonate.