Today
US sees ‘distinct possibility’ of Gaza hostage deal this week
“The pressure is building for Hamas to come to yes,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in an interview.
- Jenny Leonard and Courtney McBride
This Month
LA wildfires declared national disaster after water runs short
Los Angeles authorities say their municipal water systems were designed not for tackling wildfires; Jim Chalmers says Meta scrapping fact-checking is “damaging for our democracy”. Follow live updates.
- Updated
- Lucy Slade and Timothy Moore
Israeli troops recover body of Gaza hostage with signs son also killed
It was not immediately clear how Youssef Ziyadne had been killed, but an Israeli official said his death did not appear to have been recent.
- Reuters
Israel warns troops off social media after Brazil seeks soldier over Gaza
The incident is the latest example of the legal fallout from Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 45,800 people, according to Palestinian officials.
- James Shotter and Heba Saleh
US steps up strikes on Houthis as tensions with Israel flare
The strikes mark the latest salvo in a year-long US-led campaign aimed at halting attacks by the militant group.
- Missy Ryan
December 2024
Israeli curbs on Gaza water supplies are ‘acts of genocide’
Human Rights Watch alleges attacks on infrastructure and repair workers contribute to thousands of deaths
- James Shotter
Super fund boards need separation of powers
Readers’ letters on superannuation fund governance, universal childcare, Peter Dutton’s stance on a two-state solution for the Middle East, the federal budget deficit and housing reform.
Israel to close Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions
The decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland’s ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’.
- Wafaa Shurafa and Natalie Melzer
Taylor accuses Chalmers of stacking RBA board
Angus Taylor says he is concerned Jim Chalmers has made the wrong decision with his appointments; extreme summer heatwave to scorch four states. How the day unfolded.
- Updated
- Lucy Slade
Allan antisemitism response condemned as ‘too slow’
The Victorian premier is mulling new police powers, as two events in Sydney on Sunday underlined how the war in Gaza is stirring tension in Australia.
- Euan Black
- Opinion
- Middle East conflict
Right’s cancel culture distorts diplomacy
The government is under fierce attack for its UN voting patterns on Gaza, but it is voting in keeping with global norms.
- James Curran
‘Not the Australia we know’: Jews’ plea to PM during synagogue visit
Anthony Albanese was greeted by chaotic scenes when he finally visited Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, badly damaged in a terrorist arson attack on Friday.
- Andrew Tillett
Netanyahu set to take the stand in long-running corruption trial
The Israeli prime minister is accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of cigars and champagne from a billionaire Hollywood producer.
- Tia Goldenberg
Iran must wish it never heard of Yahya Sinwar
Iran’s “axis of resistance” is destroyed, and its horizons have narrowed to a choice between pragmatism and, quite literally, going nuclear.
- Adrian Blomfield and Akhtar Makoii
‘They’ve lost my vote’: anger, defiance after synagogue attack
Politicians, journalists, firefighters, and police officers descended upon Ripponlea in Melbourne’s south-east after the horrific burning of a synagogue.
- Gus McCubbing
Hunt for synagogue fire suspects who ‘spread accelerant with a broom’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says police believe the intention was to cause maximum damage in the Jewish place of worship.
- Lucy Slade and Gus McCubbing
Australia to break with Israel in looming UN votes
Australian diplomats are weighing supporting several resolutions in an attempt to help revive the stalled two-state solution peace deal.
- Andrew Tillett
- Analysis
- Trump's White House
How Trump can earn a place in history that he did not expect
There is enormous opportunity and appetite for a game-changing deal in the Middle East – and we know the president-elect loves a deal.
- Thomas L. Friedman
November 2024
Netanyahu says conditions have improved for possible Gaza hostage deal
The Israeli prime minister spoke positively, without providing any specific details, about efforts to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
- Reuters
Labor pushes 36 bills; RBA reforms loom; Don’t be a Black Friday fool
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.