In this bulletin, dozens of Palestinian civilians killed in an Israeli airstrike; only one in twenty Australian children eat enough fruit and vegetables; and 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
- Only one in twenty Australian children eat enough fruit and vegetables
- 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.
**
The Ukrainian Air Force says it has shot down 30 of 31 Russian drones targeting 11 regions across the country yesterday.
The air force says the Russian military launched Iranian-made Shahed drones toward the centre, north and south of Ukraine.
Witnesses say a series of explosions were heard over Kyiv as air defence units engaged Russian drones, with overnight air alerts lasting five hours.
Kyiv's head of military administration Serhiy Popko says this is the sixth attack on the Ukrainian capital this month alone.
He says there were no casualties and no major damage reported in Kyiv.
**
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."
**
Public health advocates are calling for action to curb obesity after new data finds fewer Australian children eating fruit and vegetables.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' National Health Survey shows the number of children eating the recommended amount of fruit has dropped nine per cent, from 73 per cent to 64 per cent in the five years to 2022.
Just one in 20 children ate the recommended daily serve of vegetables.
The proportion of children who did not eat vegetables every day tripled from 1.5 per cent in 2011-12 to 4.5 per cent in 2022.
In response, the Food for Health Alliance that comprises Cancer Council Victoria, Deakin University and VicHealth has called for a levy to be introduced on sugary drinks and for the Albanese government to fund and implement a National Obesity Strategy.
**
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 (2-35) and Mitchell Starc (2-68) also took multiple wickets.
