Australia news live: ‘Deeply concerned’ Penny Wong says Lebanon should be included in ceasefire and calls for aid workers to be protected

Foreign affairs minister releases a joint statement with other countries, urging an end to hostilities in Lebanon. Follow updates live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Paterson ‘reluctant’ to listen to Iran over Lebanon’s inclusion in ceasefire deal James Paterson , the shadow minister for defence, said he is “reluctant” to listen to Iran on whether or not Lebanon was included in a ceasefire deal announced yesterday as Israel continues to bombard the country. On the one hand, the United States and Israel say that the ceasefire did not include Lebanon, and on the other hand, the Iran" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="8614" data-entity-type="organization">Islamic Republic of Iran is saying that it did include Lebanon. I am personally reluctant to endorse claims made by a country which has sponsored terrorist attacks on Australian soil. Australians are seeing what is happening in a number of countries in the Middle East and responding with compassion. We recognise this is a time when Australians are also doing it tough and we appreciate how they are recognising the depth of the humanitarian crisis and responding. Continue reading...