Good afternoon. The US has responded to Benjamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of a two-state plan, with a White House spokesperson saying there would be “no reoccupation of Gaza”.
It comes as Israeli forces advanced further into southern Gaza’s main city, pounding areas near the territory’s biggest functioning hospital and sparking fears it could be forced to close due to Israeli bombardments and evacuation orders. Meanwhile, Mexico and Chile have asked the international criminal court to investigate possible crimes against civilians in Gaza. The Guardian has also published this editorial on the need to protect media lives and press freedom in Gaza.
In Yemen, the Houthis fired missiles at a US-owned tanker ship in the Gulf of Aden, while the US carried out a fifth strike targeting anti-ship missiles.
Top news
WA outback town of Kalgoorlie facing a week without power | The outages, caused by severe thunderstorms on Wednesday night, are also affecting the water supply, telephone services, internet connection, fuel stations and retail outlets, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. “We are doing everything we can to bring power back as quickly as possible,” the premier, Roger Cook, said.
Cyclone warning for Queensland | The Bureau of Meteorology says there is a 55% chance a storm brewing in the Coral Sea will develop into a tropical cyclone to be named Kirrily by late Sunday, rising to 75% on Monday. It could become a category three system or even stronger before hitting land. “There is a significant risk that this system may impact the Queensland coast from later Tuesday onwards next week. A severe impact is possible,” the BoM update said.
Queensland launches supermarkets inquiry | Queensland’s state government will launch an inquiry into alleged grocery price gouging – despite the jurisdiction having few powers to combat the issue, the premier, Steven Miles, said. Executives of major supermarkets Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have agreed to appear at hearings after meeting the premier on Thursday, he said.
New Zealand’s Māori king calls rare nationwide meeting | Māori leaders and others are expected to attend a rare meeting due to concerns about the new conservative government’s policies on Indigenous rights. This explainer looks into the meeting’s likely outcome.
Man jailed for 50 years for criticising Thai monarchy | A 30-year-old Thai man has received a record sentence under the kingdom’s strict lese-majesty laws for posts on his personal Facebook account.
Trump trial might be delayed | The criminal case against Donald Trump over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results was scheduled to be heard on 4 March. But the federal judge overseeing the trial has hinted that the date would not hold as a result of the case being frozen while the former US president appeals to have the charges dismissed.
Khawaja bloodied by bouncer as Australia crush West Indies in first Test | Australia claimed a 10-wicket victory before lunch on day three at Adelaide Oval. But not before opener Usman Khawaja suffered a sickening blow to the helmet that left him spitting blood. Read our match report.
World champion pole vaulter dies aged 29 | Shawn Barber, the Canadian pole vault record holder and 2015 world champion, has died from medical complications, his agent confirmed.
Italian court rules fascist salute not a crime | Performing the fascist salute is only a crime if it endangers public order or risks leading to a revival of the banned fascist party, Italy’s top court said in a ruling that has been hailed by neofascists.
In pictures
Religious pet ceremonies in Mexico
People in Mexico take their pets to church to be blessed on the feast of San Antonio Abad, the patron saint of domestic animals, although this pup doesn’t seem too thrilled! Click here to view the gallery.
What they said …
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“When you say working, are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes.” – Joe Biden when asked by a reporter about the US-led strikes on Yemen
Watch the video of the exchange.
In numbers
Internal Meta documents made public as part of a US lawsuit disclosed the estimate.
Before bed read
Madonna is being sued for starting her concert late in New York City, with two fans claiming they “had to get up early to go to work” the next morning.
The show was advertised to start at 8.30pm, but the 65-year-old musician did not take the stage until after 10.30pm, according to the lawsuit.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: JET. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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