Good morning. Israel’s military has announced it is expanding its offensive in Gaza City as Benjamin Netanyahu ordered generals to accelerate “the defeat of Hamas”.
In Australia, a leading doctor and public critic of Israel has stepped down from chairing a medical insurance provider. We look at what Jason Clare has to do to fix childcare at tomorrow’s meeting with state ministers, a US judge rules the Epstein files must remain sealed, and how a French live-streamer has died live online.
Australia
Flood warning | People in New South Wales have been warned to “stay ready and stay safe” as another bout of intense rainfall hits the state, bringing possible floods.
Doctor’s call | High-profile emergency physician Dr Stephen Parnis has stepped down as chair of the board of a leading medical insurance provider in an apparent response to concerns about statements he has made on social media opposing the war in Gaza.
Childcare crunch | As the education minister, Jason Clare, prepares to meet his state counterparts today to discuss reforms to the childcare sector, Kate Lyons traces how – despite review after review making recommendations to the government – little has been done to create a proper national system of regulation.
Netanyahu ‘inflammatory’ | Australia’s peak Jewish group has lambasted Benjamin Netanyahu for his attack on Anthony Albanese as “inflammatory and provocative”, adding that it showed a “woeful lack of understanding of social and political conditions in Australia”. Emmanuel Macron has described as “abject” Netanyahu’s claims of an antisemitic surge in France.
Winter’s over | Tasmanian Labor has replaced Dean Winter as parliamentary leader, with Josh Willie elected unopposed to serve as the state’s new opposition leader after a failed bid to unseat the premier, Jeremy Rockliff.
World
Epstein ruling | A federal judge in New York who presided over the sex-trafficking case against the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has rejected the government’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts.
Israel offensive | Israel has announced it is expanding its military operation in Gaza City as Benjamin Netanyahu said the aim was to speed up the timetable “for seizing control of the last terrorist strongholds and the defeat of Hamas”. In the UK, a court heard that the terror charge brought against the Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh for flying the Hezbollah flag should be thrown out.
Moscow red line | Moscow has said it must be part of any international talks on Ukraine’s security as Russia continues to stall on Donald Trump’s push for a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We’re looking at what it all means for the prospects of peace in Ukraine.
Online death | French authorities are investigating the death of a man during a live video stream on the Kick platform, where he had regularly been shown enduring violence and humiliation.
Lai trial | A lawyer for Jimmy Lai has argued that it is not wrong to support freedom of expression as he began his final argument in the Hong Kong democracy activist and newspaper founder’s landmark national security trial.
Full Story
Can the government keep kids safe in childcare?
After revelations about alleged abuse at childcare centres, Kate Lyons talks to Reged Ahmad about whether the government can restore faith in the sector.
In-depth
Discussion at today’s sessions of the government economic roundtable will be dominated by the thorny issue of tax: how much we should be paying, and which form that tax should take. Our economics editor, Patrick Commins, casts his expert eye over the key questions, while economist Nicki Hutley argues that the focus should really have been about creating an economy that’s good for everyone.
Not the news
The subject of Luke Buckmaster’s critical lens this week is Kangaroo Island, a relationship-centric family drama by first-time feature director Timothy David, starring Rebecca Breeds and set on the eponymous South Australian idyll. The landscape is something of scene-stealer in a “tonally uneven” film, but just when it seems destined for “Hallmarkian slosh” it has moments that resonate.
Sport
Tennis | On the eve of her final tournament, double Wimbledon champion and Australian Open finalist Petra Kvitova explains why she has no regrets about her career.
Rugby union | The Wallaroos begin their World Cup campaign against Samoa in Manchester on Saturday night AEST and the young squad is hoping to spring a few surprises.
Football | Experts are concerned that local laws are not robust enough to tackle illegal international online gambling on football, especially with the Women’s Asian Cup taking place in Australia next year.
Media roundup
The Telegraph highlights a “billion-dollar” spending spree by two cousins that could transform Sydney’s Hills district. The Adelaide Crows’ case against Izak Rankine’s ban has gone into overtime with the hearing delayed 24 hours, the Age reports. Tempers are at boiling point on the Gold Coast over increased parking charges at Burleigh Heads, according to the Bulletin. The Mercury looks at how the Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff, outmanoeuvred Labor “at every turn”.
What’s happening today
Business | Full-year earnings from Whitehaven, Domain and Star Entertainment Group.
Brisbane | Pre-trial hearing begins for the Australian company charged with bribery over its conduct on Nauru a decade ago.
Environment | AGL reveals its climate action plan.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
