Fragile Gaza ceasefire tested | Midday News Bulletin 16 October 2025

New powers announced to combat terrorism financing and crime related to crypto ATMs; Australia's unemployment rate rises to 4.5 per cent; and in sport, tributes for Ariarne Titmus after she announces her immediate retirement from competitive swimming.

Fragile ceasefire in Gaza tested; a court ruling finds the New South Wales government's anti-protest laws are unconstitutional; and in swimming, Ariarne Titmus retires from competitive swimming.

Pakistan and Afghanistan announce temporary ceasefire after fresh border clashes; First Nations deaths in custody reaching record levels in New South Wales; And in cricket, Pakistan go 1-0 up in the two-match Test series with South Africa.

Australian Gaza aid flotilla activists urge the federal government to impose an arms embargo on Israel.; the Northern Territory Chief Minister defends a ban on transgender women being placed in female jails; and in football, the Socceroos unbeaten streak under Tony Popovic comes to an end.

Hamas hands over four bodies of hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross; a grim milestone reached for Aboriginal deaths in custody in New South Wales; and Australia's women's cricket side prepares for their showdown with Bangladesh.

In this bulletin, scenes of jubilation as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners return home, the United Nations urges leaders to use the momentum of the exchange to create peace in Gaza. And in football, Spain plans to continue its winning streak as it strives for World Cup qualification.

In this bulletin, World leaders sign a historic Middle East peace deal in Egypt; all surviving hostages freed from Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians; and in football, A women's Indigenous football team prepares to make history.

In this bulletin, families prepare for the imminent release of the last Israeli hostages, major changes announced to superannuation tax plans. And in cricket, Alyssa Healy reflects on Australia's win against India at the Women's World Cup.

In this bulletin, US President departs for Middle East as hostage release imminent. Lidia Thorpe faces backlash over inflammatory comment at pro-Palestine rally. And in cricket, Pat Cummins doubtful for first Ashes Test, targets Gabba return after injury setback.

Aid trucks enter Gaza as hostages expected to be freed under ceasefire deal; Taliban says 58 Pakistani soldiers killed in border clashes amid rising tensions; Socceroos eye 11-game unbeaten streak ahead of clash with United States.