War

Samuel Leason posted from on board the Sirius saying the boat had been intercepted and he's being taken to Israel. Audio

Previous ceasefires during the war came to an end with Israel reviving its offensive and fighting resuming. Could this time be different?

Samuel Leason and two Palestinian-New Zealanders have met with a consular partner in Tel Aviv, where they are being held by Israeli authorities.

Hamas has insisted on "no disarmament, keeping Gaza under Palestinian control and tying hostage release to negotiations". Audio

New Zealand actor Will Alexander is among the flotilla trying to bring aid to the residents of Gaza.

"They put us on our knees, facing down. And if we moved, they hit us. They were laughing at us, insulting us and hitting us," an Italian regional councillor says.

Activists were "forced to kneel with their hands zip-tied for at least five hours, after some participants chanted 'Free Palestine'," an Israeli legal centre says.

Israel says it's preparing to implement the first phase of Trump's Gaza proposal, even as strikes continue.

Hamas said it agreed to releasing hostages and handing over administration of the enclave.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the United Nations New Zealand was not yet ready to recognise a Palestinian state.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said they expect any New Zealanders to be treated in a manner consistent with international law. Audio

Military personnel intercepted an international flotilla trying to deliver medicine and food to Gaza and boarded its boats. Audio