Midday News Bulletin 21 June 2024

Penny Wong declares the need for a clear pathway to Palestinian statehood; Israel continues strikes across Lebanon as calls for a ceasefire mount and Melbourne Storm player Nelson Asofa-Solomona hit with four game ban ahead of the N-R-L grand final.

Israel continues its air bombardment of residential areas of Lebanon's capital, Hurricane Helene kills at least 40 in the United States, Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati ruptures his ACL in World Cup qualifier blow.

Israel has bombed a densely-populated residential area of Lebanon's capital Beirut, Actor Maggie Smith dies aged 89 in London, Melbourne Storm secures a spot in the 2024 NRL Grand Final.

Penny Wong says the U-N's current course of action in the Middle East is not working; One dead after a category four hurricane makes landfall in the US; Thousands descend on Melbourne for this year's A-F-L grand final parade.

Talks underway in London on a formal AUKUS bilateral treaty; Concern mounting on vaccination rates as cases of Mpox hit record levels in Australia; Riding legend Grace Brown wins a second gold medal at the cycling worlds in Switzerland.

The Israeli prime minister has rejected a ceasefire with Hezbollah and told his military to keep fighting at full power, Jim Chalmers begins talks in Beijing, the first visit by an Australian Treasurer in seven years, The Brisbane Broncos sack coach Kevin Walters.

Australia joins calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon; One person feared to be missing after a fire in Brisbane; The Australian Diamonds name a 15 person squad for next month's Constellation Cup in New Zealand.

More travel warnings for Australians in Lebanon; Qantas travellers on alert for strike action as football final season begins; An Australian football coach concerned over a rising number of fixtures on the international scene.

Israel says air strikes in Lebanon may pave the way for a ground invasion, A report by consumer group Choice finds Aldi has the cheapest groceries, Former France and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane announces his retirement.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns that Lebanon cannot be the next Gaza; U.S. President Joe Biden says there is still a possibility for a diplomatic solution between Israel and Hezbollah; Victoria police investigate a security breach that led to a ticketing disaster.