TRANSCRIPT
Three sons and four grandchildren of Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh have been killed in an Israeli air strike.
Reports say they were shot down as they were riding in a car that had just departed the Al-Shati Camp in Gaza City.
A video posted on social media shows the Hamas leader receiving the news of his children's deaths in a phone call.
"May God have mercy on them. May God have mercy on them. May God have mercy on them. Inshallah our God. No, let's carry on. May God have mercy on them."
It comes as negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between the two sides continue in Cairo, with the U-S, Egypt and Saudi Arabia acting as mediators.
Haniyeh says the attack on his family will not change the demands made by the military group for a deal to be achieved.
Hamas have demanded the complete withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces from Gaza and the return of the displaced Palestinian residents to the region's north.
Israel has repeatedly stated its intent to continue with its military operation in Gaza until they achieve the elimination of Hamas and the release of the remaining hostages held by the group.
In an interview with American Spanish-language news channel Noticias Univision, the U-S president has called for a ceasefire for Israel to open up "total access" for aid.
"I think what he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach. I think it's outrageous that those four-three vehicles were hit by drones, and taken out on a highway where it wasn't like it was along the shore, it wasn't like it was a convoy moving, etc. So, what I'm calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six-eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country."
Speaking to reporters, following his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the U-S President has said he is in close contact with Mr Netanyahu.
He says the U-S wants to see a greater effort from Israel to boost humanitarian efforts into Gaza.
"With regard to, my discussions with Bibi Netanyahu, Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as our relationship with Israel, I have been very blunt and straightforward with the Prime Minister as well as his war cabinet as well as the cabinet. And, the fact of the matter is that Bibi and I had a long discussion. He agreed to do several things that related to number one, getting more aid, both food and medicine, into Gaza and reducing significantly the attempts, the civilian casualties in any action taken in the region."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has followed up on statements made by Foreign Minister Penny Wong regarding the official recognition of the Palestinian state by Australia.
While he says no official decision has been made yet, Mr Albanese has supported Senator Wong's position that a two-state solution could be the only way to put an end to the conflict in Gaza.
He says recognising the independence of the Palestinian state is necessary to achieve this.
Speaking to Channel Seven, the Prime Minister has said Hamas must be ruled out of any potential discussion regarding the future of the region.
"It needs to be a two-state solution in the Middle East. That's something that's been Australia's longstanding policy, and it's something I've been very consistent on for a long period of time. But Hamas can't play no role in a future state, and we've made that very clear."
Meanwhile in Gaza, there are no celebrations for Eid al-Fitr this year, as most people are mourning for the loss of their loved ones.
Thousands have been displaced and others have been left injured from the ongoing conflict, with Gaza's health ministry reporting that over 33,000 have been killed since the start of the war.
Palestinian mother Amany Mansour is spending the first day if Eid al-Fitr visiting her sons grave and says there is no cheer in Gaza this year.
"Oh the pain that we feel. God is my suffice and the executor of my affairs. When I think about last Eid, it was the best one of my life because my son was beside me, in my arms, getting him ready. Everything he wanted I did for him. I wish he was here with me. He would go to the mosque in the morning and say to me 'prepare my present for when I return'. Gone. Everything good about my life is gone."
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan.
