Israel and Lebanon sign a US-brokered deal to ease fighting; Venezuela’s quake disaster worsens as rescuers race to find survivors; Celebrations as the Socceroos reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Israel and Lebanon sign a US-brokered deal to ease fighting.
- Venezuela’s quake disaster worsens as rescuers race to find survivor.
- Celebrations as the Socceroos reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Israel and Lebanon have signed a framework agreement in Washington, after days of talks aimed at ending fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon under the deal, while maintaining a presence elsewhere.
Lebanon’s ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, says the agreement is a first step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted the talks, says it marks progress toward lasting peace and security.
“The people of Lebanon have suffered tremendously now for decades as a result of outside interference in their affairs. of countries trying to use the country as a launchpad for attacks. And this is not what the people of Lebanon want, that's not what they deserve. What they deserve to have is what they once had, of which there is recent history of, and that is a prosperous and peaceful country."
The conflict erupted after Hezbollah fired at Israel on March 2, days after the US and Israel attacked Iran.
It triggered Israeli air and ground strikes that have killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon and displaced more than a million.
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The UN’s International Maritime Organisation has paused operations to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel reported an attack.
US President Donald Trump has blamed Iran, accusing it of breaching the ceasefire with Washington.
A Singapore-flagged cargo ship near Oman was reportedly struck by what security sources say was likely a drone.
The incident has renewed fears the fragile agreement to end the conflict may not hold.
“They shot a drone yesterday at a big ship going in to the Hormuz Strait, they shot four of them we knocked down three of them, we didn't miss it, nobody say it coming and it hit a ship and it did some damage - they can't do that stuff."
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The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to at least 920.
More than 3,300 people have been injured or otherwise affected, and more than 50,000 people have been reported missing.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck on Thursday AEST, flattening parts of Caracas and surrounding areas.
Hundreds of international rescue workers have arrived to help with the massive search effort, as crews dig through collapsed buildings for signs of life.
Cristian Vera is among the Chilean team deployed to assist, which includes 45 specialised firefighters and two doctors.
"We’re equipped with the necessary human and rescue resources. In this case, since our main objective is to search for survivors trapped under collapsed structures. We’re bringing a medical team, logistics personnel, and structural engineers. It’s a comprehensive team that allows us to carry out this work in a highly professional manner."
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Traditional Owners and First Nations climate activists are among a group of Australians taking a landmark case to the United Nations over the climate crisis.
Each member of the group has been affected by separate extreme weather events and they claim the Australian government's continued support for fossil fuel exports and development is violating international law.
Professor Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa woman from the Kimberley region of Western Australia - and one of 10 claimants filing the case with the UN Human Rights Committee.
“Our community went under water. The graves of our ancestors were covered in 1.5 metres of water. We have lost everything in that flood. It has taken us three years to go back and start this recovery."
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Socceroos' coach Tony Popovic says he's extremely proud of his team following their nil-nil draw against Paraguay at the World Cup.
The Socceroos had 47 per cent possession to Paraguay's 41; and 12 attempts on goal, to Paraguay's seven.
The Socceroos - second in the group behind the USA - will now advance to the round of 32.
"Unbelievable, unbelievable, just so proud of everyone involved, the staff, the players, just a wonderful young group of men, now we go to Dallas and try to do something special. Thank you to everyone just amazing support today."
Journalist: "How is the heart rate, obviously you dominated most of that game but only two short on targets, but the one on the end there, how were the nerves?"
Popovic: "The one at the end, was the first time I really looked at the clock and thought, please, blow the whistle, but I think overall we deserved it. We were very good today, just wonderful performance."
Australia's next opponent will be the runner-up of Group G.
Iran, Belgium or Egypt could be in that spot based the outcome of upcoming games.
