Israel, Gaza ceasefire: Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu discuss truce deal, more time needed to finalise
Delegations from Israel and Hamas have been in Qatar since Sunday in a renewed push for an agreement, after US President Donald Trump said last week he had hope that a new US-backed proposal could lead to a deal.
Mr Trump met on Monday evening with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who floated plans - vehemently opposed by all major Palestinian groups - for some of Gaza's residents to be relocated abroad.
The Israeli leader also presented Mr Trump with a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
A Qatari spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, said on Tuesday that Qatari and Egyptian mediators were not yet discussing a final ceasefire deal, but still seeking agreement on a framework of principles that would lead to more detailed talks.
'Talks have not begun as of yet, but we are talking to both sides over that framework,' Mr Al Ansari said.
'Both parties are still in Doha. So that's always a good sign.'
Mr Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, who played a major role in crafting the latest ceasefire proposal, will travel to Doha this week to join discussions there, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday.
The proposal envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the war entirely.
There was no immediate fresh readout on the talks from Hamas or Palestinian sources on Tuesday. Palestinian sources had said on Monday that progress had been held up by Israel's limits on allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israeli minister Zeev Elkin, who sits in Netanyahu's security cabinet, said that there was 'a substantial chance' a ceasefire would be agreed.
'Hamas wants to change a few central matters, it's not simple, but there is progress,' he told Israel's public broadcaster Kan on Tuesday.
Senior Israeli officials briefing journalists in Washington said it may take more than a few days to finalise agreements in Doha. Another Israeli official said progress had been made.
In Gaza City, children walked through debris, where residents said an Israeli airstrike had hit overnight, with children among the casualties. The Israeli military did not immediately provide details on the target of the strike.
'We hope that a ceasefire will be reached and that the massacres against the Palestinian people will stop,' said Mohammed Joundiya, standing in the rubble left in the aftermath of the attack.
At Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, former hostage Keith Siegel, who was released in February in a previous ceasefire, described the anguish of those held incommunicado for hundreds of days in Hamas captivity.
'We have a window of opportunity to save lives,' he said, 'every minute is critical.'
Hamas has long demanded an end to the war before it would free remaining hostages; Israel has insisted it would not agree to end the fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas dismantled. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza.
Israel's subsequent campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced almost the entire population of more than two million people, sparked a humanitarian crisis in the enclave and left much of the territory in ruins.
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an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Universities, arts face cuts under anti-Semitism plan
Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts." Australian universities and cultural institutions could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on anti-Semitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Jillian Segal has produced a report saying that cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where Jewish Australians suffered discrimination. As a result, its recommendations call on the federal government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against anti-Semitism. Public grants for university centres and academics could also be terminated if recipients engage in "anti-Semitic or otherwise discriminatory or hateful speech or actions". "Universities will continue to be held accountable," Ms Segal told reporters in Sydney as she delivered her findings to the federal government. "When my report speaks of education ... it is not just about education on the history of the Middle East or education about anti-Semitism, it is education about how to have civil dialogue and we've lost that." About 60 per cent of Australian Jewish students who experienced anti-Semitism in 2024 felt unsupported by their institutions, according to a survey by the Australian Union of Jewish Students referred to in Ms Segal's report. Cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists also featured, as the report recommended governments ensure public funding isn't used to support or implicitly endorse anti-Semitism themes or narratives. It suggests terms in agreements to allow funding to be pulled from institutions or festivals that promote, facilitate or don't "effectively deal with" hate or anti-Semitism. There are some concerns that the plan could stifle legitimate criticism of Israel, whose violence in Gaza - in the wake of the October 7, 2024, killings of Israeli citizens by Hamas - has resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians. A slew of Australian arts bodies, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Library of Australia and Creative Australia, faced backlash after revoking opportunities from artists who had been outspoken critics of Israel. And the report recommended that higher education institutions and all levels of government adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-Semitism. When asked about scrutiny of Israel, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that people had a right to their perspectives but did not have a right to bring conflict to Australia. "Whatever your view on the Middle East, it is not advanced by attacking people here in Australia because of who they are, because of their faith, because of their identity - it's completely unacceptable," he told reporters in Sydney, standing alongside Ms Segal. "The kind of hatred and violence that we've seen on our streets recently is despicable, and it won't be tolerated." He welcomed her plan, but noted the government and society would need to collaborate to ensure anti-Semitism was "pushed to the margins". Ms Segal's report has been in the works since her July 2024 appointment, which itself was a response to a rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks. An East Melbourne synagogue was set alight on Friday night, seven months after a firebombing at the Adass Israel Synagogue of Melbourne about 20 minutes away. There have been multiple incidents of vandalism at Jewish schools and synagogues, as well as a firebombing at the former home of a prominent community leader in Sydney in late 2024. According to the report, there was a 300 per cent rise in threats, vandalism and physical violence against Jewish Australians between October 2023 and September 2024, driven by offline and online extremist ideologies. But anti-Semitism had already been steadily rising in Australia prior to October 7. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has urged the prime minister to act on Ms Segal's recommendations. "This report shows anti-Semitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement," she said. "It's a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'Huge focus' on universities as PM unveils plan to tackle anti-Semitism
Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment. Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment. Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment. Universities could be stripped of government funding if they fail to combat anti-Semitism from staff or students, as part of a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday. "There are Jewish students who have been attacked, vilified, abused, because of their identification ... by a perpetrator for being Jewish," Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. "That has no place in Australia." A 20-page report by Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, released on Thursday, recommends a "report card" system whereby universities could be ranked and scored on how well they combat anti-Semitism - with Commonwealth funding to be withdrawn if they do not meet standards. The plan aims to address Australia's rising anti-Semitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including on university campuses where pro-Palestinian protesters have clashed with Jewish students. Ms Segal said universities, which she has previously accused of being "in denial" about anti-Semitism, would be "a huge focus" as she worked with the government to tackle the issue and that they would be "expected to uphold consistent standards and demonstrate accountability". "We cannot hope to really abolish anti-Semitism, but we can push it to the margins of society. It must not be considered acceptable," she said. "Education is central. It shapes not only what young Australians know, but how they think and how they treat others." READ MORE: The report said universities "must ensure they adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that is effective in addressing anti-Semitism on campus practically, including being integrated into codes of conduct," the plan says. "They must also report transparently on complaints and disciplinary actions." It said universities "must embrace cultural change to end their tolerance for anti-Semitic conduct". Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has repeatedly defended the university's handling of anti-Semitism on campus, including after it investigated alleged anti-Semitic gestures during a student meeting and found "that did not, in fact, happen". She told a Senate estimates hearing last year that "academic freedom and freedom of speech are not absolute" and that protesters chanting "antifada" and "from the river to the sea" had been told to stop. Jewish students at the ANU have told this masthead they felt abandoned by the university. Mr Albanese also put arts bodies on notice that they could lose funding over anti-Semitic creative works and said social media platforms would be a focus. "I think there is an impact of social media where algorithms work to reinforce people's views," Mr Albanese said when asked if Australians were becoming more intolerant of each other's views. "That's the way that algorithms work; they push people towards extremes ... Australia wants a country that's in the centre." The report also recommended that border force officials be trained to spot and deport anti-Semites. The Prime Minister said the plan would be successful "when Australia is the sort of country ... where students can go to school without any fear, where cultural diversity and expression is flourishing." He said criticism of both Israel and the Palestinian authority were valid but that "respectful dialogue" was needed when discussing the Middle East. The government's response was to be stepped out over several years, with key implementation details - including legislation - yet to be announced. The report said if systemic problems remained in Australian universities by semester one of 2026, the government should appoint a commission of inquiry into campus anti-Semitism, "including the sources of funding for organised clusters of anti-Semitism". An ANU spokesperson said the university had been "working to update and improve our policies and procedures to ensure that we balance attention to community wellbeing and safety with academic freedom [and] to make our campus an inclusive community environment". "We believe that education is fundamental to creating inclusive and respectful attitudes and behaviours," the spokesperson said. "We are now actively reviewing the Segal Report and welcome the opportunity to address the recommendations." The ANU was rolling out compulsory professional development modules with resources on anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination and engaging with Jewish student representatives. Victoria established an anti-Semitism task force after an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue over the weekend, the latest violent attack targeting Jewish Australians across the nation. Similar violent attacks have taken place in Sydney. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who visited the East Melbourne Synagogue on Tuesday, said it was "very confronting to hear how Jewish Australians feel right now" and that the Coalition would continue to "demand a stronger accountability from the Prime Minister in the face of this anti-Semitism". Ms Ley called on the government to implement a 15-point plan to defeat anti-Semitism in Australia released by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry after the Sky News Antisemitism Summit in February. The University of Canberra has been approached for comment.
West Australian
2 hours ago
- West Australian
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Donald Trump's trade offensive aims to settle score with countries, no matter their size
US President Donald Trump added Wednesday evening US time to his growing list of countries that would face steep tariffs in the coming weeks if they fail to reach trade agreements with the United States, as he threatens to drag nations large and small into his trade war. On his social media account, the President posted form letters informing countries, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Moldova, Brunei, Libya, Iraq and Algeria, that they should prepare for double-digit tariff rates. Except for the name of the country and the tariff rate, the letters were identical to those he posted Monday, which targeted 14 nations. Later Wednesday afternoon, Mr Trump issued another threat to impose a 50 per cent tariff on products from Brazil. His letter implied that the higher rate was partly in response to what Mr Trump described as a 'witch hunt' against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial for attempting a coup. Later that evening, Mr Trump escalated his tariff plans further, saying he would begin imposing a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper as of Aug. 1. The President said he was taking action because copper, which the United States imports from Chile, Canada and other countries, is crucial for national defence. The price of US copper futures has soared since Mr Trump mentioned he was planning a 50 per cent tariff during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday. Brazil and the other trading partners that Mr Trump targeted Wednesday join a growing list of countries that will face additional tariffs Aug 1, including Japan and South Korea. The President's renewed threats against both large and small trading partners suggests that he is hewing to a global tariff strategy he announced in early April that punishes countries broadly for a variety of trading practices and policies he has deemed unfair. In issuing his threat to Brazil, which was more sharply worded than the previous form letters, Mr Trump cited the country's 'insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans (as lately illustrated by the Brazilian Supreme Court, which has issued hundreds of SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to US Social Media platforms, threatening them with Millions of Dollars in Fines and Eviction from the Brazilian Social Media market).' As part of his attack, Mr Trump also directed his trade representative, Jamieson Greer, to begin investigating Brazil's digital trade policies, which could result in further tariffs. This week's threats essentially seek to replace steep tariffs the President announced in April, when he singled out roughly 60 countries that sell more goods to the United States than they buy from it. He said that those trade imbalances were evidence that foreign countries had long mistreated the United States, an assertion economists have criticised. The President had originally set July 8 as the last day for countries to sign trade deals with the United States to avoid those tariffs. At the urging of some of his advisers, on Monday he pushed the deadline back to Aug. 1. Many countries are racing to try to sign trade deals, including major trading partners like the European Union and India. In April, Peter Navarro, the President's top trade adviser, promised to sign 90 trade deals in 90 days. But it remains impractical for the United States to negotiate simultaneously with all of the countries the President has threatened with tariffs, something he acknowledged at the White House on Tuesday. 'We can't meet with 200 countries,' he said. Though some investors have doubted whether Mr Trump would follow through with his threats, the President insists that the August 1 deadline will not be delayed further. If that is the case, stiff tariffs will go into effect on imports from dozens of additional countries. The President has also been weighing further tariffs on a variety of critical industries, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber. The Administration appears to be finalising these actions, and some of those tariffs could come as early as the next few weeks. In a meeting Wednesday with a group of African leaders at the White House, Mr Trump said that tariffs would be 'a great thing for our country.' 'We've taken in hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs, hundreds of billions, and we haven't even started yet,' he said. He added that the United States 'really haven't had too many complaints because I'm keeping them at a very low number. Very conservative.' Mr Trump's letters repeatedly mentioned the bilateral trade deficits that the United States runs with other countries, calling them 'unsustainable' and 'a major threat' to the nation's economic security. Some economists believe that the overall US trade deficit with the world is problematic, because it means that fewer factories in the US employ Americans. But many economists have criticised the President's focus on the trade deficits with individual countries as a measure for US trading relationships. Economists argue that bilateral deficits with various countries occur for all kinds of reasons. The most important is simply that foreign countries may specialise in producing certain products that Americans prefer to buy — cars, gold, chocolate — which is not something a foreign government can or would want to control. It also seems unlikely that the United States could eliminate these trade deficits by encouraging foreign countries to buy American products. While such sales could help to partly balance trade and benefit US exporters, there's little reason to think other countries would buy the same amount of products that the United States, often the wealthier country, demands from the rest of the world. For example, the President has said that a trade deal between the United States and Vietnam would open Vietnamese markets and lead to sales of American vehicles. 'It is my opinion that the SUV or, as it is sometimes referred to, Large Engine Vehicle, which does so well in the United States, will be a wonderful addition to the various product lines within Vietnam,' Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. But analysts have pointed out that Vietnamese streets are much tinier than American ones, and the per capita annual income in Vietnam is only $4,000, about a tenth of the cost of a midsize SUV. This article originally appeared in The New York Times . © 2025 The New York Times Company
