TRANSCRIPT
- Attacks on the base of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon condemned
- The Nobel Peace Prize award to a group representing atomic bomb survivors in Japan
- In cricket, Australia defeats Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup
An attack on the bases of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has been condemned by world leaders, with renewed calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
The UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon says its headquarters was hit by explosions for the second time in 48 hours - with four peacekeepers injured across both days.
Israel's army said earlier that it had struck the location after troops identified an immediate threat against them nearby and opened fire.
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Italy and Spain condemned the attacks as a serious violation of Israel's obligations under a UN Security Council Resolution.
It says the attacks are unjustifiable and should immediately come to an end.
The leaders also repeated calls for a ceasefire.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson, Farhan Haq, says neither the Israeli army nor Hezbollah should be operating near - or firing at - the headquarters of the UN Peacekeeping mission.
"UNIFIL's Naqoura headquarters were affected by explosions for a second time in the past 48 hours. Two peacekeepers were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower. One injured peacekeeper was taken to a hospital in Tyre, while the second is being treated in Naqoura. We remind you that these peacekeepers are serving in South Lebanon at the request of the Security Council under Resolution 1701. This is a serious development. And UNIFIL reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel and property must be guaranteed and that the inviolability of UN premises must be respected at all times."
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Australians in Lebanon are being warned their window to leave the country is closing as another Qantas repatriation flight heads for Sydney.
Up to 220 Australians and permanent residents are due to arrive home late on Saturday night after leaving Cyprus late on Friday.
Earlier repatriation flights have been full or close to, but the federal government is dismayed at the dwindling uptake of seats on flights leaving Lebanon for Cyprus.
Officials have warned no further flights out of Lebanon are scheduled after Sunday.
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Trade Minister Don Farrell will meet WA lobster fishermen as part of a victory tour as the federal government celebrates China's removal of almost all of $20 billion worth of trade bans.
In a major win for Labor ahead of the 2025 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met in Laos this week and reached a deal to allow Australian rock lobster exports back into China by the end of the year.
China imposed sanctions on $20 billion worth of Australian products during heightened tensions in 2020, after the previous Morrison government called for an inquiry into the COVID pandemic.
Barley, beef, wine and lobster were all affected by the duties, with the latter two industries crippled by the loss of the Chinese market.
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The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, says the prize is a recognition of the group's activism against nuclear weapons, which is particularly salient in a time of heightened nuclear tensions.
"The extraordinary efforts of Nihon Hidankyo and other representatives of the Hibakusha have contributed greatly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo. It is therefore alarming that today this taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure. The nuclear powers are modernising and upgrading their arsenals. New countries appear to be preparing to acquire nuclear weapons and threats are being made to use nuclear weapons as part of ongoing warfare."
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In cricket, Australia have all but cemented their place in the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals, winning by nine wickets against Pakistan in Dubai.
But it has come at a cost, with major injury concerns emerging over captain Alyssa Healy and Tayla Vlaeminck.
It is Australia’s third win of the tournament, the result solidifying the team's hold on the top spot in Group A.
Vice-captain Tahlia McGrath has told Prime Video she is pleased with the team's performance.
"We just thought these conditions were best to chase on. A little bit different to what we have played on at Sharjah (Cricket Stadium). Our bowlers have been unreal all tournament. (Megan) Schutt sets the tone for us - and spinners Bellsy (Annabel Sutherland) follows suit. A really good performance. And then Mitch was outstanding with the bat tonight."
