Good morning. Our exclusive top story this morning is Israel’s almost decade-long secret “war” against the international criminal court which is seeking to hold Israel and Hamas to account for alleged war crimes. We have the full story on the surveillance, hacks and smears used to obstruct court staff.
Plus an Australian comedian drops his plan to beam Gina Rinehart’s portrait over Times Square, Robert De Niro lashes out at Donald Trump as the former president’s trial nears its end and Alex De Minaur cruises into the second round at Roland Garros with a masterful display of tennis.
Australia
Portrait pulled | The Australian comedian Dan Ilic has dropped his plan to broadcast Vincent Namatjira’s contentious portrait of Gina Rinehart to thousands of tourists and New Yorkers in Times Square, despite raising $30,000 for the stunt.
Wind of change | Some farmers on Queensland’s Southern Downs will be earning up to $40,000 a year for each wind turbine they host on their land as part of the souther hemisphere’s biggest windfarm scheme, causing divisions in the farming community.
Building backlog | Developers have yet to begin work on almost 40,000 new homes across Australia – 25% of them in Sydney – despite being granted building approvals, with stubbornly high interest rates and construction costs blamed.
Prosecution gap | Only 8% of contemporary child sexual assault incidents reported to NSW police end in a conviction, according to a new report.
Hard cell | A prison-themed bar called “Alcotraz” is due to open soon in Melbourne with drinkers and staff dressing up as inmates. But it has run into controversy, with prisoner advocate groups calling is “grotesque”.
World
Conspiracy theory | Donald Trump’s defence team in the former president’s criminal hush-money and election interference trial overnight said conspiracies to win elections happen all the time as both sides offered closing arguments. While Trump was inside the New York courtroom, Robert De Niro fronted a Biden campaign press briefing outside, in which the legendary actor said Trump could “destroy the world” if he was re-elected.
Exclusive | Israeli intelligence captured the phone calls and electronic messages of numerous ICC officials, including Karim Khan, giving the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, advance knowledge of the prosecutor’s intentions to pursue his government over alleged war crimes. A Guardian investigation reveals the full story, including a covert operation against Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda. In Gaza, Israeli tanks have reached the centre of Rafah as the IDF offensive gathers force.
Vatican apology | Pope Francis, widely quoted as having used a highly derogatory word to describe the LGBTQ+ community, did not intend to use homophobic language and apologised to anyone offended, the Vatican has said.
Georgia law | Parliament has voted to override a presidential veto on Georgia’s “foreign influence” law despite mass protests and international condemnation of legislation derided by opponents as a “Russian law” in the image of Vladimir Putin.
Burglars beware | The mansion in Illinois used to make the smash-hit film Home Alone is up for sale – presumably free of booby traps.
Full Story
How New Caledonia caught fire
With unrest continuing in New Caledonia over plans to enfranchise long-term French residents, Reged Ahmad speaks to a campaigner, Jimmy Naouna, about the fight for Kanak independence and what it will take to restore peace to the streets.
In-depth
Nazi apologists, massacre perpetrators, grave robbers, racists and eugenicists were hugely influential across the entire history of the University of Melbourne, according to an unflinching account commissioned by the institution itself. Dhoombak Goobgoowana: A History of Indigenous Australia and the University of Melbourne, is the result of three and a half years of research and reveals dark, uncomfortable truths about long-lauded figures. Lorena Allam talks to the book’s co-editors James Waghorne, Ross Jones and Marcia Langton.
Not the news
The legendary Australian label Spunk records is closing after 25 years in the music business, with its founder, Aaron Curnow, saying it is “literally impossible for a record label to exist” as streaming dominates the industry. But Curnow, who helped bring acts like Belle and Sebastian and Arcade Fire to these shores, tells Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen why he’s grateful about being able to have a farewell show “lap of honour” at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Vivid festival.
The world of sport
French Open | Alex de Minaur has helped dispel the gloom in the Australian tennis ranks with a virtuoso, drought-busting victory on a rainy day at the French Open.
Men’s T20 World Cup | Find out all you need to know about the teams and their chances with our guide to the tournament taking place in the West Indies and USA.
Paris Olympics | The Australian high jump star Nicola Olyslagers prepares to go for glory in Paris in August.
Media roundup
A former Chinese spy has told a defence forum that the country has 1,200 espionage operatives in Australia, the Adelaide Advertiser reports. Queensland is about to be drenched as two weather systems combine into a 4,000km-long front, the Courier-Mail warns. Tasmania has cleaned up at the wine industry “Oscars”, the Mercury says, with several state producers winning top accolades.
What’s happening today
Senate estimates | Hearings will be held on environment and communications, finance and public administration, legal and constitutional affairs, and rural and regional affairs and transport.
Economy | The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release inflation figures for April.
NSW | Chris Minns will give his state of the state address.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
