Dozens of Palestinian civilians killed in an Israeli airstrike; The federal government pledges $264 million in aid for refugees; In Cricket, Australian bowlers rip through Pakistan's batsmen in the series opening in Perth.
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TRANSCRIPT
- Dozens of Palestinian civilians killed in an Israeli airstrike;
- The federal government pledges $264 million in aid for refugees;
- In Cricket, Australian bowlers rip through Pakistan's batsmen in the series opening in Perth.
At least fourteen Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza, as well as dozens more in a separate strike according to Palestinian media.
The deaths came shortly after the United States urged Israel to exercise greater precision in their targeting of Hamas.
United States National Security adviser Jake Sullivan visited Israel on Thursday, telling reporters that the war is transitioning into a new phase intended to reduce civilian deaths.
"Innocent people's lives should be sacred and protected. It's also a strategic question for Israel and I think my Israeli counterparts didn't just acknowledge that, they very much indicated that their goal is to try to distinguish between innocent Palestinians and Hamas as we go forward"
Palestinian media says a large number of civilians remain trapped under the rubble.
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Australia has joined thirteen other countries in signing a joint letter condemning Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.
More than three hundred and forty violent attacks have been committed against Palestinians by Israeli settlers since October 7.
Alongside the United Kingdom, Canada and other European countries, the letter condemns the record high violence and called for perpetrators to be held to account.
The statement also reiterates the position that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
In a statement posted on X, Foreign Minister Penny Wong says that immediate action is needed to ensure civilians are protected and perpetrators are held to account.
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Mental health experts are advising residents to check on their neighbours this holiday season due to an expected rise in loneliness, grief and stress.
New South Wales Health recommends making extra effort with people who may live alone, who are bereaved or who are separated from family.
Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright said the holiday season is not a joyful occasion for all.
He says small friendly gestures can go a long way for those experiencing loneliness or mental health issues.
"Acknowledging our neighbours, wishing them a happy Christmas, and asking them what the year has been like and what their plans are, can open the conversation towards a more meaningful discussion of what some of their challenges might be. But even if it doesn't, just sharing a sense of goodwill with somebody is one of the most important gifts that you can give. Showing a genuine interest caring about what is happening in someone's life, listening to what they say, and just sharing some time makes a huge difference."
If you or someone you know needs support, call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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The federal government has pledged $264 million in aid for refugees at the United Nations' Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the world is witnessing the largest displacement crisis unfolding in modern history.
Around $235 million will be allocated to supporting displaced Rohingya refugees in Myanmar and Bangladesh, $20 million will be sent to Afghanistan and $10 million will go towards supporting displaced people in Sudan and surrounding countries.
Those attending the two-day UN forum have pledged a total of $3.3 billion towards the global displacement crisis and are promising jobs for tens of thousands of refugees.
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In cricket,
Australian bowlers Travis Head and Nathan Lyon have ripped through Pakistan's batsmen, dismissing the team for 271 in the series-opening Benaud-Qadir Test in Perth.
Lyon bowled out Imam-ul-Haq and Aamir Jamal to move to 499 Test wickets, putting him on the verge of joining the late Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath as Australians to have cracked the magical 500 mark.
Lyon ended the innings with 3-66 from his 24 overs, while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also took multiple wickets.
