Midday News Bulletin 12 October 2025

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.

Pro-Palestinian protests take place across the country, Human trafficking rates skyrocket in Australia, Portugal beats Ireland in stoppage time in their World Cup qualifier.

Final preparations made for the exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons; rare earth minerals on the agenda when Anthony Albanese meets with Donald Trump; and in cricket, Australia to face India in a sold-out O-D-I World Cup blockbuster.

The United Nations says it is preparing to deliver large amounts of vital aid in Gaza; an investigation underway after a deadly plane crash in New South Wales; and in Tennis, two cousins, Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot, to play against each other in the finals of the Shanghai Masters.