TRANSCRIPT
- The UK suspends trade talks with Israel on a new free trade agreement
- Flash flooding on the New South Wales Hunter and Mid-North coast intensifies
- Tottenham Hotspur manager defends his position ahead of the Europa League final
The British government has suspended free trade talks with Israel and imposed new sanctions on West Bank settlers in response to Israel’s latest military offensive in Gaza.
The move follows mounting international pressure over a blockade that has pushed Gaza to the brink of famine.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy says trade discussions couldn’t continue while Israel pursued what he calls egregious policies in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
He announced sanctions against three individuals, two settler outposts, and two groups accused of inciting violence against Palestinians.
"Today we are therefore imposing sanctions on a further three individuals and four entities involved in the settlement movement here. I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence, the fear of its victims, the impunity of its perpetrators. Today, we are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those who are carrying out heinous abuses of human rights."
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the sanctions “unjustified and regrettable” and claimed trade talks had stalled regardless.
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Residents are left stranded in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of New South Wales.
This, as parts of Taree, Wingham and Glenthorn are mostly affected.
It is understood that NSW State Emergency Services personnel have been and continue to rescue residents from rooftops, while evacuation centres have been opened in the region.
Authorities have issued 13 emergency-level alerts, with the Manning river around Taree exceed that 1929 record flood which was at 6 metres - and still continue to rise.
**
Sydney Trains crews worked through the night in stormy conditions to remove a faulty train near Strathfield in the city’s inner west and repair damaged overhead wiring that brought major disruptions to the rail network yesterday.
In a statement, Sydney Trains confirmed that repairs had been completed and the 1,500-volt power supply restored.
However, residual delays are expected throughout the day, and passengers are being urged to check for service updates.
Sydney Trains has apologised for the disruption, acknowledging the frustration caused to commuters.
The chaos began when a power cable fell onto the roof of a train carriage, triggering widespread delays.
In response, the New South Wales government has announced a fare-free day on Monday, 26 May.
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Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced (over) $50 million in support over the next four years for the Pacific Island country, Tonga.
Ms Wong's comments while visiting the Pacific this week to strengthen bilateral partnerships and support regional development with in the region.
She discussed Pacific funding with Tongan Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke.
"Today, Australia is committing $50 million over four years to launch the next phase of a Tonga Australia support platform and a health sector support program. These are initiatives which will help deliver stronger public governance, better health services and greater gender equality and all driven by your priorities. Tonga's own priorities."
Ms Wong says Australia will also provide $5 million in budget support to help Tonga strengthen their health infrastructure and to assist with balancing their budget.
**
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is set to face a game that could potentially be his last with the club.
The club will play against Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao in northern Spain.
Tottenham's last European title was in 1984, when they beat Anderlecht by penalties to win the UEFA Cup.
Postecoglou was visibly frustrated at times during a press conference at the eve of the match, when questioned by a journalist on how the season would either be seen as a success or a historic failure.
"I wouldn't be the first person who changes jobs, mate. We all change jobs. I'm sure you've had more than one job. My future is assured. I've got a beautiful family, I've got a great life, I'll keep on winning trophies until I finish, wherever that is. So, don't worry about my future, mate. My future is not entwined with anything."
The club has suffered its worst-ever Premier League campaign with 21 defeats.
Winger and star player Son Heung-min had said at an earlier presser that he felt ready to go after recently returning to action from an injury.
The South Korean says he was hungry to end his decade-long trophy drought at the club.
