Morning News Bulletin 6 July 2025
Israel says it is considering a response to a ceasefire proposal after Hamas says they are ready to engage in talks
Matildas lose one-nil to Panama in the first of two friendly matches. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, when a man allegedly doused the front of the building in flammable liquid and set it alight on Friday night. Leaders of the Jewish community have also come out in solidarity after the attack. The temple's president Danny Segal, his wife Jenny and their families, including children, were among those inside enjoying Shabbat dinner. Luckily, no one was injured in the attack. Daniel Aghion, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry says its not just an attack on Australian Jews but on the Australian way of life. "This synagogue has been in place for 150 years. It was first founded six years after the creation of the Victorian colony. We're talking about a community that is part of the fabric of Melbourne and Victoria. This is not just an attack upon Jews or the Jewish community, it's an attack upon our way of life. The answer we give to that is: we're proud, we're Australians and we're Jewish and we're not going anywhere." The attack took place the same night as an angry demonstration took place outside of an Israeli restaurant, prompting Jewish leaders to express safety concerns. The winners of the annual National NAIDOC Awards have been revealed, recognising the individual excellence and achievements of First Nations people. Ahead of the 50th annual NAIDOC Week celebrations, the winners were announced at a ceremony in Perth, chosen from some 200 nominees. West Australian general practitioner and dentist Daniel Hunt was honoured as NAIDOC person of the year for his work in the health sector. Former AFL player Michael Long was recognised with a lifetime achievement award for his lifelong service to his people and country in speaking for Indigenous rights and fighting against racism in sport. Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the winners, who were chosen from a field of 27 finalists. "Today's generation will keep our stories alive and will help all Australians to know that our people, our voices, our culture are worth celebrating. And that's what this year's NAIDOC Week theme is all about: the next generation, strength, vision, and legacy." Israel says it is considering a response to the US-brokered ceasefire deal, after Hamas responded positively and indicated a willingness to enter talks. The deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, a release of hostages from Gaza and negotiations on ending the 21-month-old conflict. In a sign of potential challenges still facing the sides, a Palestinian official says concerns remain over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals. Israeli media says the cabinet would discuss sending a delegation to Doha for talks as early as Sunday. Mr Trump says he's optimistic that there could be a deal. "I think they're going to be positive about it. We have to get it over with. There could be a Gaza deal next week. I'm very optimistic. But it changes from day to day. We've gotten a lot of hostages out, as you know, from Gaza, a lot. But unfortunately, we came in and we inherited that situation." United States President Donald Trump says he will start talking to China about a possible TikTok deal. Last month, President Trump extended a deadline to September 17 for China-based company Byte Dance to divest the US assets of social media giant TikTok or be banned from the country. A deal had been in the works to spin off TikTok's US operations into a new company majority-owned and operated by US investors, but it was put on hold after China indicated it would not approve it following the Trump administration's announcement of high tariffs on Chinese goods. Mr Trump says the United States is close to a deal on the sale of the app. "Yeah we pretty much have a deal. I think we're going to start Monday or Tuesday talking to China, perhaps President Xi or one of his representatives, but we pretty much have a deal. But we probably have to get it approved by China." In football, a freshly rebuilt Matildas squad have lost one-nil against Panama in the first of two friendly matches in Western Australia. While missing several star players to injuries and featuring four debutant Matildas, it remains a shock for new coach Joe Montemurro, who is now just three games into his tenure. The match saw both starting goalkeepers leave the pitch with suspected injuries, with Panama's Yenith Bailey stretchered off in the third minute of the match and Australia's Teagan Micah forced off in the 61st. And it was a goal from 19-year-old substitute Sherline King that gave the Central Americans the win.
The two sides will face each other again on Tuesday night in Perth.
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