TRANSCRIPT
- Concerns Donald Trump's Gaza takeover proposal could derail the Gaza ceasefire deal
- Google scraps diversity recruitment goals
- Tough conditions forecast for Australian cricketers in Galle
Mediators involved in the second phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas say they are concerned Donald Trump's Gaza plan may derail the talks.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has reportedly instructed the military to formulate a plan for Palestinians to leave Gaza, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the proposal "remarkable".
But Egypt says Israeli support for the US President weakens and destroys the negotiations, and incites a return to fighting
Advocates like Adam Coogle from Human Rights Watch have expressed similar concerns, saying that the plan would also likely breach international law.
"If that forced displacement was done as part of a systematic and widespread attack against the civilian population as a matter of state policy, it would actually be a crime against humanity. So if the US or Israel were to do this, it would be a dramatic escalation in the forced displacement that Palestinians have already experienced."
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Greens leader Adam Bandt has urged the Labor government to condemn US President Donald Trump's proposal to take over Gaza.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously declined to comment on Mr Trump's declaration, instead reiterating Australia's support for a two-state solution.
But Mr Bandt says the Labor government's response is not adequate.
"Other countries and the United Nations have called it out for the clear illegal act that would be, and Australia needs to do the same. Now, if when other countries make similar aggressive statements, Australia is often among the first to call them out, and call for international law to apply. We should do the same here as well."
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Two men are due to appear before court in Sydney after being charged over the alleged display of a flag with a Nazi symbol - less than 150 metres from the Sydney Jewish Museum.
New South Wales Police says the men - one aged 51, the other 44 - have been charged with the knowingly display by public act of a Nazi symbol without excuse.
They are due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court later today.
Meanwhile, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says he is committed to strengthening hate speech laws once parliament resumes on Tuesday.
"The circumstances that we are confronting in our community are so extreme that it requires changes to the law. In fact, I don't believe the laws as they're currently constituted adequately confront this danger. This hate speech danger in our community. We also looked at field evidence. What was happening on the ground. A completely unacceptable rise in racism in our community that underpins the foundation of everything that has been built up."
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A senior Larrakia Traditional Owner has launched a legal challenge against a Northern Territory government agency over a housing development on a protected site.
Senior Larrakia Traditional Owner Tibby Quall says that the Heritage Council approved the request from Defence Housing Australia for the development on the Lee Point peninsula north of Darwin that involved the disturbance and removal of artefacts.
Mr Quall's legal challenge argues the Heritage Council failed to make relevant consultation under the Heritage Act.
A spokesperson from Defence Housing Australia has told NITV that 10 identified artefacts were removed from the site with oversight from Traditional Owners.
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Google has confirmed it is scrapping its diversity hiring programs.
Alphabet's chief people officer Fiona Cicconi has sent an email to staff that says aspirational goals will not be pursued in the future, even though a 30 percent target had been set in 2020 to hire more employees from underrepresented groups by 2025.
The company also says it is reviewing its diversity and equity initiatives to comply with policy changes announced by US President Donald Trump.
The move represents a major reversal for Google, which had for years been among the most vocal companies pushing for more inclusive policies in the wake of protests against the police killings of George Floyd and others in 2020.
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In cricket, Australia has ended day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka in strong form.
Mitchell Starc finished the day with figures of 3-37 in 16 overs after taking two wickets with two deliveries late on day one.
The challenge for Steve Smith and his fellow top-order batters is expected to come with the extreme conditions forecast for the days ahead.
21-year-old Cooper Connolly made his Test debut in Galle.
Former Australia batter Simon Katich says the moment should be recognised and celebrated.
"As you guys all know - and we all know, those that have played Test cricket - it's all about belief and character. And I think you've certainly got that. You're only 21 years of age. There's going to be more challenges along the way. But my advice is keep backing yourself, relax, and enjoy the occasion."
