Israeli Strike Kills Al Jazeera Journalist, 4 Colleagues in Gaza; Australia, New Zealand to Recognize Palestinian State in September
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It was a sad day today. Five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in Gaza. The international media group condemned what Israel did, calling it a targeted attack on press freedom.
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Australian PM Announces Palestine Recognition Despite Israeli Opposition
Australia will formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Monday, marking a historic shift in the nation's Middle East policy amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
"Today I can confirm that at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, Australia will recognise the state of Palestine," Albanese said during a press conference following a cabinet meeting. "Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own."
The announcement positions Australia alongside other Western nations pursuing coordinated diplomatic pressure for a two-state solution. Albanese said he discussed the decision over the past two weeks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Israeli Forces Kill Five Al Jazeera Journalists in Targeted Gaza Strike
Israeli forces killed five Al Jazeera journalists in a targeted airstrike on their media tent near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Sunday night, marking the deadliest single attack on the news network's staff since the war began.
The victims included prominent correspondent Anas Al-Sharif, 28, fellow correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Moamen Aliwa, and their assistant Mohammed Noufal. Israel's military claimed responsibility for the attack and accused Al-Sharif of leading a Hamas unit, allegations the network and press freedom groups rejected as unsubstantiated.
"Israel's pattern of labeling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom," said Sara Qudah, regional director for the Committee to Protect Journalists. "Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable."
Netanyahu Calls Countries Considering Palestinian State Recognition 'Deluded'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized countries including Australia for considering recognition of a Palestinian state, calling such moves "deluded" and warning they would bring war closer rather than achieving peace in Gaza.
Speaking at a press conference with foreign media, Netanyahu said countries supporting Palestinian statehood were falling for an "absurdity" and described the international push as "shameful."
"It defies imagination or understanding how intelligent people around the world, including seasoned diplomats, government leaders, and respected journalists, fall for this absurdity," Netanyahu said when asked about Canada and France's support for Palestinian statehood.
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