World News

In short:

A joint statement from a group of countries, including the United States, France, and Australia, called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border to provide space for diplomacy.

Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati publicly threw his support behind the plan, which he said "would put an end to this dirty war".

What's next?

Senior US security officials expect Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to formally accept the plan when he speaks at the UN General Assembly on Friday.

EDIT:

This article has since been updated...

New headline: 'Netanyahu rejects international call for immediate 21-day ceasefire across Israel-Lebanon border'

New summary:

In short:

A group of countries, including the United States, France, and Australia, have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border to provide space for diplomacy.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati has publicly thrown his support behind the plan, which he said "would put an end to this dirty war".

What's next?

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says reports of an imminent ceasefire are incorrect, saying he "did not even respond" to the ceasefire proposal and has instructed the IDF to keep fighting with full force.

In short:

The US and UK have called for restraint after Israeli warplanes carried out their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war.

The head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, promised "just punishment" for Israel after pagers and walkie-talkies exploded across Lebanon this week.

What's next?

Israel said it would keep up military action against Hezbollah to ensure " the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes", and that Hezbollah would "pay an increasing price" as time went on.

In short:

A day after exploding pagers caused mass casualties in Lebanon, walkie-talkies used by members of the Hezbollah militant group detonated.

The Lebanese health ministry said 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

What's next?

Israel has not commented on the blasts, but Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said it was entering a "new phase" of war focused on the country's northern border with Lebanon.

In short:

Lebanese health sources say at least nine people have been killed and about 2,800 others injured by a wave of pager explosions across the country.

The devices are used by the militant group Hezbollah for communication.

What's next?

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack and says it will get "its fair punishment".

Live updates: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-18/hezbollah-pagers-explode-thousands-injured-live/104363848

In short:

The IDF announced the conclusions of its investigation into the deaths of Corporal Nik Beizer, Sergeant Ron Sherman and Elia Toledano on Sunday.

It said investigations had determined that the three were likely killed in an IDF air strike in November that also killed a senior Hamas militant, Ahmed Ghandour.

What's next?

The conclusions could add pressure on the government to strike a deal to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

In short:

A US Secret Service agent opened fire at a man carrying a suspected weapon at one of Donald Trump's three golf clubs in Florida.

The FBI has opened an investigation and the former president's campaign and the US Secret Service confirmed he is safe.

What's next?

The man has been arrested and investigations are underway into what was called a "protective incident".

Six United Nations workers and several others were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school compound sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians in central Gaza.

The Gaza Government Press office reports the total to be 18, while officials from Awda and al-Aqsa Martyrs hospitals said at least 14 people were killed.

People were seen collecting body parts in plastic bags. Local media reported at least 22 people were also injured.

At least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed so far in the conflict, according to the UN.

Mr Deere said the IDF knows the GPS locations of every UNRWA facility, which are updated daily, and all movements are coordinated with them.

In short:

At least 40 people have died after a tent camp in Khan Younis was struck by Israeli fire, leaving craters as deep as 9 metres, according to the Gazan civil emergency service.

The camp is in the designated humanitarian "safe zone" for Palestinians to evacuate to during Israel's invasion of the territory.

What's next?

The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hamas command centre, with women and children among those injured.

In short:

A 26-year-old woman, a dual citizen of the US and Türkiye, was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a demonstration in the West Bank, witnesses say.

News of her death came as the IDF seemingly withdrew from the West Bank city of Jenin after its deadliest operation there since October 7.

What's next?

The US has requested more information from Israel, whose military says it is looking into the report of the woman's death.

Summary

• UK suspension follows over concern over Gaza conflict
• Decision will not impact Israeli security-Lammy
• Israel says move is disappointing

• In short: More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and dozens wounded in an Israeli air strike on a Gazan school, according to local media.
• The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has confirmed they attacked the school, but claimed it was harbouring Hamas militants.
• What's next? Ceasefire talks between Israel and its adversaries are expected to resume next week.

A damning public inquiry in New Zealand has revealed widespread abuse of approximately 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults in state and religious care over 70 years.

Key Points

• A New Zealand inquiry found approximately 200,000 vulnerable people were abused in state and religious care.
• Nearly one-third of individuals in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced some form of abuse.
• Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologised on behalf of the government and pledged to compensate survivors.

This article contains references to child abuse.

• In short: The UN's highest court has ruled Israel is in breach of international law by continuing to occupy Palestinian territories in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

• The court ordered Israel to evacuate all settlers immediately, stop all new settlement activity and pay reparations to the Palestinian people.

• What's next? Israel's prime minister immediately rejected the ruling, which requires third-party states such as the US to adhere to its principles.