World leaders watch Notre-Dame reopen with a ‘merci’
Notre-Dame cathedral has it reopened after a devastating fire that brought the 860-year-old iconic Paris landmark close to collapse five years ago.
International News
Syrian president flees as rebels take over Damascus
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country as rebels appear to be on the cusp of toppling his 24-year regime as they storm the capital of Damascus.
Donald Trump returns to world stage for Paris ceremony
US President-elect Donald Trump's trip to France for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is being viewed as a symbolic return to the global stage.
SKorea arrests ex-defence minister over martial law
South Korea's former defence minister has been arrested over his role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked a political crisis.
Syria rebels ‘seize key city’ in threat to Assad’s rule
Syrian rebels claim to have seized control of the city of Daraa, with President Bashar al-Assad's forces reportedly surrendering four important centres.
WHO sends experts to DR Congo over mystery disease
The World Health Organisation is sending experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support local authorities in investigating an apparently new disease.
US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale
A federal appeals court panel has upheld a law requiring the sale or ban of TikTok in the United States by January 19.
Romanian top court annuls presidential election result
Romania's constitutional court has annulled the results of the first round of the country's presidential election.
Israeli forces stormed Gaza Strip hospital: director
The World Health Organisation says there was no warning issued before Israeli forces bombarded the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip's north.
S.Korea’s Yoon must be suspended: ruling party leader
South Korea's ruling party leader wants President Yoon Suk-yeol to be removed over his attempt to impose martial law, which has plunged the country into crisis.
Israel committed genocide against Palestinians: Amnesty
Amnesty spent months analysing incidents in the Gaza war and statements by Israeli officials, and says Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Vanuatu instability may revive Australia security pact
Vanuatu's former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau believes the Supreme Court will stop a snap election and force MPs back to parliament.
Thousands flee as Syrian rebels push on towards Homs
Syrian opposition forces are continuing their rapid advance, forcing thousands of people to flee the central city of Homs, a war monitor says.
DR Congo probes mysterious deadly flu-like disease
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo say 71 people, including many children, have died from a mysterious flu-like disease.
PM to resign as France’s political crisis deepens
Michel Barnier will quit as prime minister after a historic no-confidence vote, but the next government will face the same problems getting its budget passed.
Hamas vows to ‘neutralise’ hostages if rescue attempted
An apparent internal statement from Hamas includes an order to "neutralise" hostages if Israeli forces try to rescue them.
S.Korea’s Yoon faces impeachment vote and treason probe
South Korean police are investigating Yoon Suk-yeol and others over the president's martial law fiasco, as MPs prepare to vote to impeach the embattled leader.
Reinforcements bolster Syrian troops battling rebels
Syria's military says its counteroffensive has pushed back insurgents attempting to advance to the strategic central city of Hama.
Japanese court convicts Australian of drug smuggling
The family of Perth grandmother Donna Nelson have vowed to keep fighting to bring her home after she was jailed in Japan for smuggling methamphetamine.
Israel threatens to expand war if Hezbollah truce ends
Defence Minister Israel Katz says Israel will hold Lebanon responsible for failing to disarm militants who violate a ceasefire.
Hunter Biden case dismissed after president’s pardon
A gun case against US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden has been formally dismissed by a federal judge.
Zelenskiy wants reinforcement of eastern Ukraine front
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said much depends on Ukraine's Western allies providing vital weaponry in a timely manner.
Opposition move to oust S.Korea’s Yoon over martial law
South Korean opposition parties will vote on whether to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol over his short-lived martial law that sparked a major political crisis.
Police in Georgia move again to disperse protests
Protesters have been hit with tear gas and water cannons for another night in Georgia as police crack down on thousands of anti-government demonstrators.
White House defends Biden pardoning son Hunter
Joe Biden's decision to go back on his word and pardon his son Hunter has been both praised and criticised as the US president prepares to leave office.
NATO expected to dodge Ukraine’s call for quick invite
Ukraine is unlikely to get a coveted invitation to join NATO, with boss Mark Rutte saying the alliance is working on "building the bridge" to membership.
Israel strikes back at Lebanon after Hezbollah attack
Residents in Beirut heard drones flying overhead as Lebanon's official news agency reported Israel had renewed strikes in southern Lebanon.
France ‘at turning point’ ahead of no-confidence vote
A French minister is warning colleagues "not to plunge the country into uncertainty" as Michel Barnier's government faces a historic collapse over the budget.
Germany’s Scholz pledges Ukraine aid in surprise visit
A day after EU officials arrived in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine in its fight with Russia, German leader Olaf Sholz has visited promising more military aid.
Top UN court hears landmark Vanuatu-led climate case
Vanuatu's climate envoy Ralph Regenvanu has opened the historic case for a broader legal basis for action on climate change.
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter despite saying he wouldn’t
President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter, sparing him a possible prison sentence and reversing his promises not to use the power to benefit his family.