October
Only Trump could strongarm his way to peace in the Middle East
Trump has upended conventional foreign policy wisdom and the expectations of his critics who painted him as a bete noire in international relations.
Why Hamas still holds Gaza hostage
Once the fighting in Gaza has concluded, it will be interesting to see how engaged with the Palestinian issue the government remains.
‘Kill everyone you encounter’: Hamas memo shows October 7 plan
A secret memo penned by Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the militant group in Gaza, urged fighters to target soldiers and civilian communities.
Palestinians stream home as Gaza ceasefire takes effect
Questions remain over who will govern Gaza as Israeli troops gradually pull back and whether Hamas will disarm, as called for in Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.
Israel and Hamas sign ceasefire and hostage deal
Officials confirmed that Israel and Hamas had signed an agreement to pause the conflict. Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free hostages.
Questions arise after AGNSW drops ‘chat’ with Biennale director
The Art Gallery of NSW said an event with the strident anti-Israel campaigner on the day after the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks was called off for logistical reasons.
Trump orders Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agrees to release hostages
The terror group Hamas says it will release all Israeli hostages but wants more time to discuss other parts of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
September
Palestine state will never exist, says son of Hamas founder
Mosab Hassan Yousef was once a Shin Bet spy embedded in the terror organisation his father founded.
Albanese’s New York trip is his trial by fire in diplomacy
The prime minister must be assertive enough to protect Australia’s interests while avoiding any action that could poke the bear.
August
Jewish community pleads with Albanese, Netanyahu to end hostility
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry says the deterioration in the relationship “is causing us nothing but pain and anguish”.
Netanyahu slams Albanese as ‘a weak politician who betrayed Israel’
The Australia-Israel relationship has plumbed new depths following the retaliatory expulsion of two diplomats from the West Bank.
Recognising Palestine won’t end conflict
Australia is joining an international push to recognise Palestinian statehood as a pathway to keeping the two-state solution alive. But facts on the ground show peace remains elusive.
The PM, Hamas and the sheikh’s ‘fake’ words
Anthony Albanese has warned the media and opposition to be careful about repeating a terror group’s propaganda as he too navigates the murky world of Hamas.
Praise from Hamas co-founder is bad. Palestinian Authority is also a flaw of recognition
To make statehood dependent on impossible commitments made by this corrupt, oppressive and moribund entity would discredit Australia’s position.
White House won’t criticise Australia’s Palestine call
Donald Trump’s spokeswoman did not repudiate the Canberra’s decision, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio said such moves were largely meaningless.
Palestinian recognition: What comes next?
Australia will not be rushing to open an embassy in Palestine, and many key details of the commitments made by President Mahmoud Abbas remain to be resolved.
Netanyahu’s government has brought Palestinian recognition upon Israel
The hard line taken by Benjamin Netanyahu has left Western governments with few alternatives and helped make the case for Palestinian recognition for Australia.
Albanese breaks with Trump to recognise Palestinian state
The government is confident the historic move will not add to tensions with Washington, and is needed to keep the peace process alive.
JB Hi-Fi boss quits; Palestine recognition looms; Deloitte, KPMG revenue hit
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Australia slaps down Israeli envoy over Gaza takeover plan
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has warned Israel’s ambassador that Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take over Gaza will worsen the humanitarian disaster.