Australian news and politics recap: NSW Health staff stood down over vile anti-Semitic video
Recap the all the latest politics and breaking news updates from around Australia and the world for Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Key Events
Trump says ‘we’re going to have it’ on control of Gaza
Donald Trump has spoken out about forcefully taking back the Gaza Strip and waring Hamas if they want to play ‘tough guy’.
The US President Trump spoke from the Oval Office on Tuesday (local time) and said “We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it” in relation to the infamous stretch of land.
“I can tell you about real estate. They’re going to be in love with it,” Mr Trump said of Gaza’s residents.
Mr Trymp then warned Hamas as a hostage return deadlie looms for Saturday.
“I don’t think they’re going to make the deadline, personally,” Trump said of Hamas.
“They want to play tough guy. We’ll see how tough they are.”
Government may acquire struggling Rex airline to ensure vital air routes
The Labor Government is prepared to acquire struggling regional airline Rex to ensure vital aviation services continue for remote Australian communities, the Prime Minister confirmed on Wednesday.
“We are working collaboratively with the administrators of REX to ensure that regional services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide,” Anthony Albanese said in Merimbula.
Rex’s future is currently in the hands of administrators appointed in July, when the airline suddenly stopped flying routes between metropolitan cities.
The Government has said it will work with shortlisted bidders to provide support to maximise the prospect of a successful sale in a “market-led outcome.”
According to a statement on Wednesday, If there is no sale, it may turn to a contingency plan, “including preparations necessary for potential Commonwealth acquisition.”
Families of hostages in Gaza speak out in support of Netanyahu
A press release from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters representing familes of missing hostages in Gaza has been released in support of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning to Hamas.
“Prime Minister, you made the decision to bring all our hostages home through an agreement. We must not go backwards. We cannot allow the hostages to waste away in captivity.”
“As we all witnessed this past Saturday - Time is running out for the hostages.
“The shocking events of recent days demonstrate the urgent need to accelerate the timeline, complete the full negotiations immediately, and bring back every last hostage with utmost urgency.”
Trump hosts Jordan’s King and digs in over Gaza relocation plan
Donald Trump has sat side-by-side with King Abdullah of Jordan in the White House and suggested the Palestinians in Gaza will be relocated ahead of the suggested rebuild.
Trump said on Tuesday (local time) that Jordan, as well as Egypt, could ultimately agree to house displaced Gazan residents.
Both countries rely on the US for economic and military aid.
“I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Jordan. I believe we’ll have a parcel of land in Egypt,” Mr Trump said.
“We may have someplace else but I think when we finish our talks, we’ll have a place where they’re going to live very happily and very safely.”
Trump, who has suggested he could consider withholding aid to Jordan, said he was not using support as a threat.
“We contribute a lot of money to Jordan, and to Egypt by the way - a lot to both. But I don’t have to threaten that. I think we’re above that,” the President added.
Sam Kerr speaks out after not guilty verdict
Sam Kerr has delivered a statement after being cleared of racially abusing a London police officer.
The Matildas captain was found not guilty and spoke of the challenges the incident has caused her family.
“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,” Ms Kerr said.
“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed.
“I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.
“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”
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Good morning and welcome to Wednesday’s news.
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