Israel Signals Gaza City Takeover Amid International Concern

Australian Foreign Minister Urges Restraint

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to seize control of Gaza City, a move Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office announced early Friday. This escalation comes amid the ongoing 22-month offensive initiated by Israel following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.

Australian Diplomatic Warning Issued

Australia’s Foreign Minister, **Penny Wong**, has voiced strong opposition to Israel’s potential military occupation of Gaza City. She warned that such an action would likely exacerbate the dire humanitarian crisis already gripping the territory.

Visa Controversy Fuels Government Scrutiny

Home Affairs Minister **Tony Burke** confirmed that the government is treating “seriously” allegations that a visa has been granted to an individual identified as a Hamas supporter. This person had reportedly praised the October 7 attacks on social media.

NSW MP Resigns Following Conviction

Gareth Ward, formerly a Liberal disability services minister in New South Wales, has resigned from the state parliament. In July, he was found guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assault and sexual intercourse without consent, relating to incidents in 2013 and 2015 involving two young men.

Call for Bold Tax Reform

Nationals senator **Bridget McKenzie** has urged Treasurer **Jim Chalmers** to adopt a more assertive approach to tax reform. Her plea follows the Prime Minister’s statement ruling out any tax adjustments before the next general election.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with reports indicating over 25,000 children under the age of five have suffered from acute malnutrition, a stark indicator of the devastating humanitarian impact (UNICEF, 2024).