War

Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel in its first direct attack on Israeli territory, a retaliatory strike that raised the threat of a wider regional conflict.

The NZ government have joined leaders worldwide in condemning the escalation of violence in the Middle East.

There were very few countries as prepared as Israel for an attack like this, with a stacked arsenal and experience with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, RNZ's Charlie Dreaver writes.

Built up over years or decades of Iranian support, the "Axis of Resistance" is opposed to Israel and US influence in the Middle East.

After more than six months of war with Israel in Gaza, the negotiations remain deadlocked, with Hamas sticking to its demands that any agreement must end the war.

A "kind local" has offered to cover the costs for the RSA, after it said it wouldn't be putting them on graves this year.

The attack damaged substations and power facilities in five regions, causing emergency power cuts for at least 200,000 people, Kyiv officials say.

"I think what he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach," the US president said in an interview.

Six months into its offensive against the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, Israel also voiced cautious optimism about the latest round of mediated negotiations.

Ukraine could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense long-range bombing campaign, he warned.

Protesters chanted "elections now", and "Elad, we're sorry", local media said.

Hamas said it would take part in a new round of ceasefire talks in Cairo.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip,

Ukraine has carried out a drone attack against targets in southern Russia.

The US issued its strongest public rebuke toward Israel, directing it to address the safety of Palestinian civilians.