Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has condemned a far-right Israeli minister who posted a video of himself abusing bound activists from an aid flotilla to Gaza. The footage shows National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag and taunting detainees, including shouting 'the people of Israel live' at a bound man.
Among the flotilla detainees were 11 Australian activists taken into custody by Israeli forces off Cyprus. Wong stated: 'The images we have seen are shocking and unacceptable. We condemn the actions of Israeli minister Ben-Gvir – who Australia has sanctioned – and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained.' She has asked Australia's ambassador to Israel to call for the release of the detained Australians and ensure no ill treatment.
In other news, Australia's unemployment rate has jumped to 4.5%, with analysts citing 'tentative signs the labour market is buckling'. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's X was fined $650,000 for failing to comply with an Australian child safety notice.
In a bizarre incident, a Tesla Cybertruck was driven into a Texas lake to test its 'wade mode', but became disabled and took on water. The driver was arrested for operating a vehicle in a closed park area and water safety violations. Police reminded drivers that entering shallow freshwater can create legal and safety concerns.
New Zealander Betty Wihongi spoke out after her daughter Everlee, a US green card holder, was detained by ICE following a family trip. Everlee, 37, was held in Los Angeles due to a historical conviction for marijuana possession, despite having travelled without issue previously.
