Key Points
- Anthony Albanese in New York ahead of United Nations meeting
- US politicians write open letter to Australia, allies over Palestinian statehood
- Mackenzie Little scores bronze at World Athletics Championships
TRANSCRIPT
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he hopes the UN General Assembly meeting in New York this week will lead to increased peace and security across the globe.
He's due to formally recognise a Palestinian state alongside 10 other countries at the UN - as Israel continues its deadly assault on Gaza City.
Canada and the United Kingdom are also expected to recognise Palestine, with the US remaining as the most significant hold-out.
Mr Albanese says he's looking forward to engaging with other world leaders.
"Australia plays an important role. We are a trusted partner, an ally, we are a country that play a positive role in our region, in the Pacific, as well as, of course, with our ASEAN neighbours, and, of course, our traditional allies such as our five eyes partners, including, of course, the United States and the United Kingdom. So this week will be an opportunity to interact with leaders around the world."
It remains to be seen whether Mr Albanese will secure a much-anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump.
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US politicians have warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his allies of "punitive measures," if they move ahead with plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
The letter, signed by 25 Republican members of the U-S House and the Senate, urges Australia, France, Canada and the United Kingdom to reverse course on their plans to acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
They say the reckless policy would empower Hamas, endanger Israel’s security, and eliminate a path to a negotiated peace.
The letter adds that granting statehood would lead to a greater number of antisemitic attacks around the world.
The letter was also sent to U-S President Donald Trump and secretary of state, Marco Rubio.
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President Donald Trump has threatened Afghanistan with unspecified punishment if the Taliban-controlled country doesn't return Bagram Airbase to US control.
Posting on Truth Social, Mr Trump said 'bad things are going to happen' if the facility is not handed over, four years after the US withdrew from Afghanistan.
Mr Trump revealed this week that he is seeking to reclaim the base, which he has often lamented losing, especially due to its proximity with China.
The news prompted this response from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian.
“China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The future of Afghanistan should be in the hands of the Afghan people. Creating tension and confrontation in the region is unpopular. We hope all parties will play a constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.”
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The families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip have staged another protest, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering their loved ones with Israel's attacks on Gaza City.
It comes as Hamas releases a montage featuring images of the hostages, also warning that Israel is putting their lives at risk and accusing Mr Netanyahu of refusing to negotiate a ceasefire.
Of the 47 hostages remaining in Gaza, about 20 are still thought to be alive.
Israeli mother Einav Zangauker says Mr Netanyahu is sentencing her child to death.
"Netanyahu is just as familiar as us of the indications of the danger of occupying Gaza. He knows the danger that lies on the heads of hostages and soldiers' heads and decided with deliberate intent to sentence his citizens death, Prime Minister is sentencing his citizens to death. For him, our children's blood is a political instrument."
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To sport, Australian Mackenzie Little has secured her second bronze medal on the international stage, with a thrilling result at the world athletic championships in Tokyo.
The full-time medical doctor got off to a flying start in Saturday's final, producing her best throw of 63.58 metres in the opening round.
Ecuador's Juleisy Angulo topped that with 65.12 metres, while Latvia's Anete Sietina managed 64.64 metres to win second place.
Mackenzie says she's got her sparkle back after what has been a tough season.
"I don't think I could have possibly hoped for more. It's in such a tumultuous season. I knew that I had better than what I'd been showing in the Diamond Leagues, but anything can happen, and it's such a mixed event. And yeah, I think there were so many people capable of throwing really far. And then yesterday, I had a good throw, and I thought, 'Oh, you know what? Actually, I remember'. Like, I got a bit of spark back from, you know, before the Olympics and the last few years and I felt that kind of little mongrel again. So yeah I don't know it's just felt great."
