Midday News Bulletin 7 July 2024

In this bulletin, an evacuation flight for Australians fleeing Lebanon lands in Cyprus; Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs quitting politics; and in sport, the Penrith Panthers quietly confident of a fourth consecutive NRL premiership.

The transport minister reiterates Australians shouldn't delay leaving Lebanon; A historic visit by the most senior figure in the Greek Orthodox church; And in NRL, a grand final between the Panthers and Melbourne looms as a potential classic.

In this bulletin, Hezbollah flags to be banned at a Gaza rally in Sydney ahead of October 7; Google in New Zealand threatens to cut off news content from its search results; and in sport, Australia's women's T20 side preparing for their World Cup title defence.

In this bulletin, Qantas announces new mercy flights for Australians evacuating Lebanon; An employee at a Russian-controlled nuclear power plant in Ukraine killed in a car bombing; and in sport, calls for unity at the embattled Melbourne Demons AFL club.

Israel carries out deadly strikes in Lebanon and the occupied West Bank, The Prime Minister says expelling Iranian ambassador is not in Australia's interests, Veteran coaches Craig Bellamy and Ivan Cleary ready to battle for their fourth NRL premiership.

Pro Palestinian protesters urged by police and the New South Wales Premier not to protest this weekend, Opposition leader Peter Dutton says the Iranian ambassador should be expelled, Another win for Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham side.

In this bulletin, the WHO says at least 28 medics have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon in 24 hours; Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli vows to resign if he can't tackle youth crime; and in sports, Brisbane Lions Premiership forward Joe Daniher is set to retire.

Extra seats secured to evacuate Australians attempting to leave Lebanon; Israel tells people in southern Lebanon not to return to their homes until further notice; Raiders player set to face court over allegations of aggressive behaviour.

Israel declares the United Nation's Secretary-General persona non grata; Fatima Payman set to form her own political party within weeks; A day of upsets in the European Champions League.

In this bulletin, eight Israeli soldiers killed fighting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon; a European body warns of 'chilling' human rights effects of Assange conviction; and in NRL, the best players and biggest moments of the 2024 season honoured at the Dally M Awards ceremony.