Iran briefing with Matthew Doran: Iran sets 24-hour deadline on threat of strikes against US tech companies.

Extract from ABC News

By Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran in Jerusalem

• Topic:Unrest, Conflict and War

10 minutes ago

Attacks on US-owned data centres in the region could disrupt services around the world. (Google, Airbus)

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Hello. Here's your daily round-up of the latest headlines from the Middle East, as the war engulfing the region reaches the end of day 32.

Analysis: Fuel needn't run out for Australia's economy to be running on empty

Here's what you need to know today:

• Iran has launched a new threat against US companies based across the Middle East, warning it will attack them in retaliation for new strikes by the US in Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) listed 18 companies, including tech giants Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel and IBM.
• The US defense secretary said there had been a significant drop in the number of Iranian missiles and drones launched in the last 24 hours — the lowest number in the war so far. Pete Hegseth said the next few days will be "decisive", and that "if Iran is wise, they will cut a deal" to end the war.
• Donald Trump, once again, used his Truth Social platform to urge countries now worried about fuel shortages to buy it from the United States — or go to the Strait of Hormuz and "TAKE IT", as he once again sought help to open the key shipping lane. He singled out the UK and France for not helping with the war with Iran. Meanwhile, Pakistan and China outlined their blueprint for peace talks and the reopening of the Strait.
• European leaders have lined up to demand Israel respect Lebanon's sovereignty and avoid expanding its military operations in the south of the country. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has gone further, labelling Israel's invasion as illegal. Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, restated his country's intention to control the entirety of southern Lebanon, from the border with Israel to the Litani River some 30 kilometres north. He's also said all Lebanese homes near the border will be demolished.
• Under the cover of the war, the Israeli parliament has approved new laws making death by hanging the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in the country's military justice system of serious, deadly attacks. It has been met with outrage around the world, with the United Nations labelling it "deeply discriminatory". Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has welcomed the legislation's passing in the Knesset with wine. Along with other supporters, he'd been wearing a yellow lapel pin in the shape of a noose in the last few weeks of campaigning — an imitation of the yellow ribbons of the Gaza hostage movement.

Here's what all that means

Another day, another deadline — this time issued by the Iranian regime. The IRGC is warning of massive strikes against US businesses, including tech giants and manufacturers such as aircraft company Boeing, in retaliation for further attacks by the US against Iran.

We're now less than 24 hours away from that deadline — the IRGC said the attacks would begin from 8pm Tehran time on Wednesday, which is 3:30am AEDT on Thursday.

The Gulf is home to some of the world's biggest data centres — big tech firms were thinking the region was going to become a powerhouse for the sector. Data centres have already been targeted, and this warning suggests it is just the beginning of those attacks.

At this point in the war, day 32, it seems the word "escalation" has been overused. But this certainly would be another example of that, and could have major ramifications around the world if services are disrupted.

Once again, it shows there's a jarring difference in the rhetoric being thrown around here.

The US president and his key lieutenants insist Iran wants to strike a deal and that its military might has been so seriously degraded that it's on its knees.

Meanwhile, Iran is still maintaining a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and is once again threatening the Gulf.

The much-discussed "off-ramp" in this war seems further and further down the highway by the day.

And here's the impact on Australia

• Will we have enough fuel for Easter? This is traditionally the time drivers would be scanning for cheaper fuel ahead of filling up and heading out on a long weekend road trip. This morning's episode of ABC News Daily looks at whether that's such a great idea (🎧 15m43s).

Family of Zomi Frankcom still waiting for answers two years after death at hands of IDF.

Extract from ABC News

By Katie McAllister and Grace Stranger

• Topic:War Victims

11 hours ago

Zomi Frankom was killed by an IDF strike two years ago. (Facebook)

In short:

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 1, marks two years since Australian woman Zomi Frankcom was killed, along with other aid workers, in an IDF strike in Gaza.

Her family is still waiting for a personal apology and compensation from the Israeli government, as well as the results of an investigation by the Israeli Military Advocate General.

What's next?

Israel's ambassador to Australia said during a National Press Club address today that he would "check" on the progress of the investigation.

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For Zomi Frankcom's brother Mal, the second anniversary of her death will be particularly painful.

"Even though she was overseas a lot, we were still very close," he said.

It will be two years ago on Wednesday that Australian aid worker Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom was killed, alongside six of her colleagues, by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike in Gaza.

"There hasn't been any kind of justice served or any movement with the case," Mr Frankcom told Radio National Breakfast.

"It's going to be painful every year, but having that would provide some kind of comfort."

Mal Frankcom said he was very close with his sister, Zomi.  (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

For two years the Frankcom family has been waiting for answers from an investigation conducted by Israel's Military Advocate General.

"But the updates are that there are no updates," Mr Frankcom said.

The Military Advocate General is responsible for implementing the rule of law within the IDF.

Sally Sara spoke with Mal Frankcom on ABC Radio National Breakfast.

"It's been two years and still nothing's happened and I've also heard that other high profile cases there [in Israel] have since been closed, but this one remains open," Mr Frankcom said.

Faced with uncertainty, he and his family have tried to maintain faith in the system and "hope that justice finds its course".

But that hope is fading.

"Reading the news over the last two years since it's happened, that faith … it gets diminished month on month," Mr Frankcom said.

Hillel Newman spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday. (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

Ambassador says he will 'check' status of probe

In an address to the National Press Club on Tuesday, Israel's ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman denied that the investigation into Ms Frankcom's death had been abandoned.

"I'm the ambassador of Israel — I've never heard that it's been shelved, OK?" he said.

"As far as I know, it has not come to a conclusion. But I will check again.

"The issue of penalising the soldiers who were involved … is a long judicial process."

After Dr Newman's address a spokesperson for the IDF confirmed the investigation was ongoing.

The IDF dismissed two officers over the strike, which it acknowledged violated the the organisation's rules of engagement.

The IDF strike laid waste to this vehicle in the convoy. (Supplied: Abdelhakim Abu Riash)

An Australian review of the strike found there was a "significant breakdown in situational awareness" and that the deaths were a result of serious failures to follow IDF procedures.

"All requests for access to information from the IDF were supported, except for the audio of the 90-minute unedited footage of the World Central Kitchen convoy and subsequent strikes," said Mark Binskin, who conducted the review.

The Israeli ambassador emphasised the level of access that Mr Binskin had to IDF intelligence.

"The access that was given to Australia was unprecedented. [Mr Binskin] was given full access to the occurrence itself and to the military interrogation of what happened," he said.

"He drew up a conclusion that was categoric. He wrote his name onto the conclusion that the attack was not intentional."

Workers from Britain, Poland and Australia were among those killed in the strike. (AP Photo: Abdel Kareem Hana)

When asked why Mr Binskin did not have access to audio of the drone strike, the ambassador said granting access was up to the IDF, not him.

"I can check why … if they are not releasing it, what is their reason. It could have intelligence aspects. I don't want to guess why," Dr Newman said.

Mr Binskin's report recommended that Israel change the way it deals with groups delivering aid to Palestinian civilians and that the Israeli government apologise to Ms Frankcom's family and provide compensation.

"That still remains outstanding," Mr Frankcom said.

When directly asked if he would apologise to the Frankcom family, the Israeli ambassador to Australia was firm: "Sympathy [has] been expressed."

Independent MP Zali Steggall has written to the Israeli ambassador to request an update on the case. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)

Calls for Australian government, ambassador to do more

Independent MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall, has written to the Israeli ambassador to Australia calling for answers.

"I urge ambassador Hillel Newman to provide clear answers, including an update on Israel's military investigation, and to offer a formal apology and compensation to Zomi's family," she said.

"And I call on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take a far tougher stance against Israel and use every diplomatic lever to secure justice over the unlawful killing of an Australian citizen.

"The war in Gaza has been one of the deadliest ever for journalists and aid workers, and those responsible must be held to account."

Mr Albanesemet with Mr Frankcom this afternoon.

The prime minister said he raised the issue directly with Israeli President Isaac Herzogwhen he visited Australia in February.

Zomi Frankcom was working for the World Central Kitchen aid group when she was killed. (LinkedIn)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong told parliament today she expected transparency in the ongoing investigation.

"We continue to press for full accountability, including any appropriate criminal charges," she said.

In relation to access to the audio recording, Senator Wong said: "We have made representations — during and since the Binskin report — to Israel on this matter, on behalf of the family. We will continue to engage and consult Ms Frankcom's family on their request."

Mal Frankcom says the family is considering establishing an humanitarian award in his sister's name. (ABC News: Katie McAllister)

Mr Frankcom said he and his sister had a "very tight relationship".

"We had two and a half years in between us. We grew up in a very tight-knit family. Our mother passed away in 2001 and that kind of bought us closer," he said.

"She was a very happy, positive person."

To commemorate the two-year anniversary of her death, Mr Frankcom will attend a vigil in Sydney.

"I'll say a few words, we'll remember her and tell stories and remember her for the lovely person she was," he said.

Mal Frankcom said he and his sister became closer after their mother died. (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

The family is considering partnering with an organisation to start a humanitarian award in Ms Frankcom's name and would put any future compensation towards it.

Bankstown-Canterbury Council has already unveiled a plaque and planted a tree in her honour.

Donald Trump slams 'very unhelpful' France, UK as tensions with allies intensify over Iran war.

Extract from ABC News

By Brad Ryan in Washington DC

• Topic:War

2 hours ago

Donald Trump told allies that were concerned about fuel shortages to "go get your own oil". (Reuters: Kevin Lamarque, file)

In short:

US President Donald Trump has told America's allies the "US won't be there to help you anymore" as he again criticised European nations for their refusal to provide more military support for the Iran war.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the coming days will be "decisive" and Iran should "cut a deal" with the US.

But Iran's Revolutionary Guard has threatened to target US tech companies in the region, telling their employees to stay home to save their lives.

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Donald Trump has again attacked America's allies over their reluctance to get involved in the Iran war, warning them the "US won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us".

Iran war live updates: For the latest on the Middle East conflict, read our blog.

The US president singled out France and the UK in social media posts, which told "all of those countries that can't get jet fuel" to "build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait [of Hormuz], and just TAKE IT".

"The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!" he wrote.

In a second post, Mr Trump said France had been "very unhelpful" after it refused to allow planes carrying military supplies to Israel to fly over French territory. France said its decision was in line with its position since the start of the war, and it was "surprised by this tweet".

Mr Trump has been expressing intensifying frustration with NATO nations and other allies, including Australia, for refusing to provide more military support for the US-Israel operations in Iran.

France, Spain and Italy are among European nations that have refused to let US warplanes use their military bases, according to local reports. The UK has allowed the US to use British bases, but only for "specific and limited defensive operations".

Shortly after Mr Trump's posts, the UK said it would deploy more troops to help Gulf countries facing Iranian attacks.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who is visiting the gulf, said extra air defence teams and systems would be sent to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, and British jets would remain in Qatar.

British media reported the new deployment would boost the UK's troop numbers in the region to about 1,000. The British defence ministry did not confirm those numbers and emphasised the UK was not "getting drawn into the wider war".

Iran threatens US big tech

A month after the war began, Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — through which a fifth of the world's oil usually travels — is continuing to batter the global economy.

The US is less dependent on oil imports from the Middle East than other parts of the world, particularly Asia, where some countries are implementing emergency measures to reduce demand for fuel.

But on Tuesday, local time, the average price of petrol in the US tipped over $US4 a gallon ($5.82 a gallon) — a dreaded headline-making threshold that has not been crossed since August, 2022. It had been less than $US3 a gallon on the eve of the war.

Israeli death penalty law discriminatory and may constitute 'war crime', says UN.

 Extract from ABC News

• Topic:Human Rights

4 minutes ago

Under the new law, Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks classified as "terrorism" will face the death penalty as a default sentence. (AP: Jehad Alshrafi)

In short: 

Senior UN figures have sharply criticised the Israeli parliament for a "cruel and discriminatory" death penalty bill. 

UN rights chief Volker Turk warned that the law was "patently inconsistent with Israel's international law obligations" and, if applied in the occupied Palestinian territory, it could constitute a war crime. 

He urged the Knesset to repeal the legislation. 

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The United Nations has harshly criticised the Israeli parliament's approval of a "cruel and discriminatory" new death penalty bill, warning that applying it in occupied Palestinian territory "would constitute a war crime".

Under the new law, passed in parliament late on Monday, local time, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted by military courts of deadly attacks classified as "terrorism" will face the death penalty as a default sentence.

Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for UN chief António Guterres, said the world body stood "against the death penalty in all its aspects, wherever".

"The discriminatory nature of this particular law makes it particularly cruel and discriminatory, and we ask that the Israeli government rescind it and not implement it," Mr Dujarric told reporters in New York.

Iran war live updates: For the latest on the Middle East conflict, read our blog.

UN rights chief Volker Turk also called for the bill to be "promptly repealed", warning that it was "patently inconsistent with Israel's international law obligations".

Because Palestinians in the territory are automatically tried in Israeli military courts, the measure effectively creates a separate and harsher legal track.

In Israeli civilian courts, the law allows for either death or life imprisonment for those convicted of killing with intent to harm the state.

Israel has only applied the death penalty twice — in 1948, soon after the state's founding, against a military captain accused of high treason, and in 1962, when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was hanged.

Mr Turk stressed that "the death penalty is profoundly difficult to reconcile with human dignity", cautioning that "its application in a discriminatory manner would constitute an additional, particularly egregious violation of international law".

"Its application to residents of the occupied Palestinian territory would constitute a war crime."

Benjamin Netanyahu was in the chamber, which erupted in cheers when the vote passed. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)

The UN rights chief also expressed alarm at another bill currently before the Knesset aimed at establishing a special military court exclusively to prosecute crimes committed during and in the aftermath of Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack inside Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.

That court would not have jurisdiction over crimes committed by Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territory.