Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
In this bulletin;
- More charges laid over a series of antisemitic attacks in Sydney;
- The clean up process begins in the aftermath of ex-cyclone Alfred;
- And in Tennis, Alex De Minaur advances to the fourth round at Indian Wells.
Fourteen people have been charged over antisemitic incidents that took place in Sydney late last year and earlier this year.
New South Wales Police says 65 offences have been laid against the individuals, following 11 simultaneous search warrants yesterday.
Police allege an 18-year-old male and 20-year-old male provided vehicles that were used during an arson attack on a childcare centre in Maroubra on January 21.
Two men, aged 40 and 30, were charged with graffitiing a home and school at Maroubra, a shopping centre at Eastgardens and home at Eastlakes.
Some of the accused have been granted bail, while others have been remanded in custody until they appear in court either today or at a later date.
—
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says the multiple antisemitic attacks across Sydney "unleashed terror" in the Jewish community,
Police revealed yesterday that the antisemitic attacks were organised and exploited by individuals with links to organised crime both domestically and overseas.
Australian Federal Police says the incident involving the discovery in January of a caravan in Sydney's west with explosives and antisemitic material has been deemed a "fabricated terrorist plot".
The AFP says the Dural caravan and 14 other antisemitic attacks in Sydney's east are all connected to this network of organised criminals trying to either distract police or influence a prosecution.
Mr Minns says the police are to be commended for their investigative work.
"This is unprecedented in many respects. We're talking about a series of violent attacks in New South Wales designed to sow fear and terror in the community as well anxiety among large sections of the community. To get to the bottom of the conspiracy was an enormous police inquiry and investigation. Rather than me standing here and saying there has been a major breakdown. It has been the exact opposite. This has been good police work."
—
Authorities in New South Wales say the post-Cyclone Alfred response has officially moved into recovery mode.
There are no emergency warnings in place for evacuation.
River levels are receding and the State Emergency Services will remove evacuation notices, advising residents they can return with caution.
Deputy Commissioner of the state's SES, Damien Johnston, says residents should be aware of the hazards as they return home.
"Returning safely is critical. You need to be aware that floodwaters, both riverine and flash flooding can cause risks to your home, travelling to your home; and once you reach your home. The floodwaters can have contaminants. They can have snakes and vermin that can actually be transported within rivers. There can be debris, but also electrical hazard. So if your home or premise is impacted by floodwaters, it is important that you make sure that it is safe."
—
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the restoration of electricity in Gaza, saying Israel's decision to cut power is having devastating consequences for civilians.
He says humanitarian aid has not entered Gaza for nine consecutive days as a result of actions taken by Israel to force Hamas to accept its plan to extend phase one of the Gaza ceasefire, which has now expired and is on the brink of falling apart.
Israeli negotiators are due to arrive in Doha, as mediators from Egypt, Qatar [[cutter]] and the United States try to revive the Gaza ceasefire.
A spokesman for Mr Guterres, Stéphane Dujarric, says the lack of electricity will restrict access to drinking water.
"The Secretary-General is very concerned about Israel’s decision to limit the electricity supply going into Gaza. This latest decision will substantially reduce the availability of drinking water in the Gaza Strip. Starting today, the facility is set to run on backup generators, which will reduce water production capacity. Restoring this connection is vital for tens of thousands of families and children."
—
In Tennis, Alex de Minaur has cruised into the fourth round at Indian Wells.
In his 50th ATP Masters 1000 win, the Australian defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-0.
De Minaur, a nine-time ATP title winner, will next face 25th seed Franciso Cerundolo.
