Anthony Albanese says Kevin Rudd is an "outstanding Australian representative" and says the success the critical minerals deal with the United States comes down to Mr Rudd's hard work.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has successfully met with President Donald Trump in Washington DC, a meet somewhat marred by Trump's comments over Ambassador Kevin Rudd.

Israel says the ceasefire has resumed after a weekend of strikes in Gaza, as both sides blame each other for breaches.

It's a date - Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to meet again in Hungary to discuss the end to the war in Ukraine.

Fighting could resume if Hamas can't hand over the right bodies of Israeli hostages.

Hamas returns the bodies of four hostages, as fragile ceasefire holds.

Emotional reunions on both sides as hostages and prisoners are returned to their families, after a deadly two-year war in Gaza.

The countdown is on to the expected release of hostages, signalling an end to the war and success for the fragile US-brokered ceasefire.

Another step closer to peace - Israel's government approves phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Could peace in the Middle East be at hand? Israel and Hamas sign off on the first phase of a Gaza peace plan.