Hamas-Israel conflict LIVE updates: Gaza ground invasion imminent as Biden warns Iran over possible involvement; Dutton accuses Labor of antisemitism following PM’s speech

The Israeli military has upgraded the number of people it now believes Hamas is holding hostage to 199.

Previously the number had been estimated to be around 150.

Hamas captured civilians, including babies and children, during their deadly raids on southern Israel on October 7.

Late Sunday, the EU’s 27 member countries called on Hamas to “immediately release all hostages without any precondition” but Hamas has refused to heed their pleas and those of other world leaders who have made the same demand.

Hamas has also claimed that Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed a number of the hostages.

On Sunday, Mark Regev, an Australian and advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told British television that while Israel wanted to bring all the hostages home, he could not guarantee doing so.

More than 1000 Palestinians are trapped under the rubble in Gaza, according to Eyad Al-Bozom, a spokesman for the Hamas Interior Ministry.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said that at least 2750 Palestinians have been killed and 9700 wounded as a result of the Israeli air strikes since October 7.

Palestinian citizens inspect damage to their homes caused by Israeli airstrikes on October 15, 2023 in Khan Younis, Gaza. Credit: Getty

Hello, Latika Bourke here taking you through developments tonight.

It’s approaching 10.30am in Israel as the world watches and waits for Israel’s ground, air and sea assault on Gaza in its bid to decapitate Hamas.

A short time ago, Israel’s National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Defence Force announced they would begin evacuating residents of 28 communities living within two kilometres of the Lebanese border.

This announcement comes amid fears that Hezbollah, which like Hamas is funded by Iran, could open up a second front of fighting.

Israel appeared to deny that a truce was underway in southern Gaza, just half an hour after Reuters reported that security sources in neighbouring Egypt said a deal was likely.

“There is currently no truce and humanitarian aid in Gaza in exchange for getting foreigners out,” a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

Reuters

NSW Police have released footage of a man throwing a flare during a pro-Palestinian protest at the Opera House last Monday night.

In the aftermath of the October 9 rally, police established a strike force to investigate reported unlawful activity including the use of flares and some people chanting antisemitic slurs.

NSW Police have released footage of a man throwing a flare at the Opera House as they call out to members of the public to assist in giving information. Credit: NSW Police

Investigators today released an image of a man they wish to speak with as part of their inquiries.

He is described as being of medium to heavy build, with short dark hair and a beard, and at the time he was wearing spectacles.

In the photo, the man is shown wearing a black hooded jacket, grey pants, black shoes and a black and white scarf.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Sydney City Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Egypt, Israel and the U.S. agreed to a ceasefire in southern Gaza beginning at 9am local time (5pm AEDT) with the re-opening of the Rafah border crossing, Reuters has reported.

Quoting two Egyptian security sources, Reuters said the ceasefire would last for several hours but they were not clear on the exact duration. They also said the three countries had agreed that Rafah would be open until Tuesday 1am (AEDT) as a one-day initial re-opening.

Rafah, which is on the border between Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Hamas-governed Gaza, is the only crossing into the territory not controlled by Israel.

Humanitarian officials have said its reopening is vital to getting much-needed supplies into the region.

Asked for confirmation, the Israeli military and the U.S. Embassy in Israel had no immediate comment.

Reuters

Here’s a quick breakdown of places the federal government has urged Australians to avoid travelling:

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The government recommends reconsidering your need to travel to Israel, and has said do NOT travel to Gaza or anywhere that borders the region.

The situation in Israel and occupied Palestinian territories could lead to increased tension. The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt – which is the only remaining exit/entry point – has been subject to air strikes during the current conflict. Australians are urged to reconsider their need to travel.

Lebanon

Due to Lebanon’s proximity to the current conflict, Australians are urged to reconsider their need to travel.

If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia). For more information on travel, click here. 

It’s a difficult time for many, so if you find yourself needing to talk about what’s going on in the world, here are some handy tips.

Before launching into a conversation with someone affected by a crisis, it’s important to assess your intentions. Psychologist and author Chris Cheers says this involves checking in on your current mindset, while being honest with yourself about whether you’re truly willing to listen.

Once the conversation has begun, the words you use matter. Cheers recommends speaking from your own perspective, which means using phrases such as “I believe”, “in my opinion” or “from my personal experience”.

Read more about how to talk about the conflict here.