Israel says it's preparing to open Gaza Strip's Rafah crossing | Morning News Bulletin 17 October 2025

Reports an Australian defence official to be sent to Israel as part of a US-led mission; At least six killed as Russia and Ukraine launch overnight missile strikes; And in netball, The Diamonds gets closer to regain the Constellation Cup trophy.

China's Defence Ministry dismisses Australia's criticism over military conduct in South China Sea, UN says it's providing aid to displaced people in Sudan, Geelong coach Chris Scott denies the club is struggling with star midfielder Bailey Smith's off-field behaviour

The US sends its advisers to Israel as Gaza ceasefire threatened; Opposition leader Sussan Ley calls on Kevin Rudd to resign; And in sport, a joint bid to host the 2031 Women's World Cup.

A major global outage affects Amazon, disrupting hundreds of platforms; Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese meet at the White House and sign a deal on critical minerals; and in football, a first World Cup win for Morocco.

Israel reportedly kills 11 members of one family in airstrike on Gaza city; fallout after Barnaby Joyce quits the Nationals; Ange Postecoglou sacked as Nottingham Forest manager.

Contingency plans developed for sending Australian troops to help secure peace in Gaza; Australia signs a tax treaty with Ukraine; and in the AFL, Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan heads the Gold Coast Suns.

Israel delays the reopening of the Rafah crossing; Homicide detectives called in to probe a fatal fire in the central Queensland city of Gladstone; And in cricket, Marnus Labuschagne set to return to Australia's Test team.

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.