TRANSCRIPT
- An Israeli American hostage released by Hamas
- Tim Wilson rules himself out of today's Liberal leadership contest ...
- Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is confirmed as the next coach of Brazil.
An Israeli-American soldier held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip has been released by Hamas.
The deal could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza strip.
The Israeli military confirmed that 21-year-old Edan Alexander was turned over to the Red Cross and then to Israeli forces.
United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says he is relieved Edan Alexander has been released and hopes this marks a turning point in the conflict.
"The Secretary-General renews his urgent call for an immediate permanent ceasefire and an immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Hostages must be treated humanely and with dignity. He calls on all parties to immediately ensure the rapid, the unhindered and the safe humanitarian relief, including the delivery of critical services for all civilians in need. Aid in Gaza and anywhere around the world is not negotiable."
Hamas said it woul free Edan Alexander as a goodwill gesture to United States President Donald Trump, who is visiting the region this week.
The release, after four-way talks between Hamas, the US, Egypt and Qatar could open the way to freeing the remaining 58 hostages held in the Gaza Strip, 19 months after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The latest assessment of Gaza's hunger crisis suggests the entire population faces a critical risk of famine by the end of September, with half a million people facing starvation.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification describes a significant deterioration from April 1 to May 10 this year, while also projecting several months forward.
It projects 71,000 acute malnutrition cases in children aged six to 59 months by September, and 17,000 pregnant women needing treatment for acute malnutrition.
Israel has been blocking all humanitarian aid and commercial goods from entering the Gaza strip for more than 10 weeks.
Khan Younis charity worker Hani Abu al-Qassim describes the desperate situation at a community kitchen.
"After the border closure, now almost 70 days ago, nothing has entered. Not even a drop of water because of the occupation's policy of starving the people here. Hunger has become the norm. It has become the usual. Everyone is feeling it."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India has only paused its military action and will retaliate on its own terms if there is any future terror attack on the country.
They were his first public comments since Saturday’s understanding between India and Pakistan to stop all military actions in a U-S brokered ceasefire.
Indian and Pakistani authorities said there was no firing reported overnight along the heavily militarised region between their countries.
It was the first time in recent days they were not shooting at each other.
The hostilities between the nuclear-armed rivals after a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir had threatened regional peace.
Germany says European countries will start preparing new sanctions on Russia within hours unless the Russian government agrees to abide by a ceasefire proposed by Ukraine.
The proposal was backed by European countries, but attacks reportedly continued through Monday as it was due to begin.
It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for direct talks in Türkiye with Russia this week.
In London, Foreign Ministers from Germany, Spain, Poland and the United Kingdom are meeting to discuss the developments.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares says Europe will continue supporting Ukraine.
"The Europeans, we want peace. Ukraine and the government of President Zelensky want peace. Now it's up to Russian Vladimir Putin to give their answer. Do they want peace? President Zelenskyy, together with all of us, has put on the table a very clear proposal, a ceasefire unconditional for 30 days. That will be the first step towards what we want."
Liberal politician Tim Wilson has ruled himself out of the leadership contest ahead of a party room meeting later this morning.
The member for Goldstein says it is not his time to tilt for the leadership role and he will give his energy to whoever wins.
In a post to Facebook, Mr Wilson emphasised the need to campaign on economic issues and prioritise the needs of young people.
Former deputy leader Sussan Ley and treasury spokesperson Angus Taylor are contesting the leadership role.
And in football...
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the next coach of the Brazil national football team.
The Brazilian Football Confederation announced the Italian will take up the position from May 26th, the day after the La Liga season ends.
Ancelotti is one of the most successful managers in the history of European club football, winning the Champions League a record five times as a manager.
