Australia news LIVE: Wells issues social media warning one week before ban commences; Putin ready for war with Europe

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7.13am

Man charged in National Guard shooting pleads not guilty

The man accused of shooting two US National Guard troops near the White House last week has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and assault charges.

This photo provided by US Attorney’s Office shows Rahmanullah Lakanwal last week.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who was also shot, made his initial court appearance by video from a hospital bed overnight.

His lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf on the charges stemming from the November 26 shooting that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and wounded Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard for President Donald Trump’s law-enforcement surge in the nation’s capital, which has flooded the city with federal agents and troops since August.

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office in Washington charged him with murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Authorities were investigating a possible motive for what they described as an ambush-style attack.

7.01am

O’Neil likens social media ban to smoking laws

By Daniel Lo Surdo

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has likened the federal government’s impending social media ban to rules stopping minors from purchasing cigarettes, saying while it may not stop every child from accessing the banned applications, it will prevent “massive amounts of damage” for young people.

The social media ban for children under 16 will begin in one week. Communications Minister Anika Wells will deliver an address outlining its implementation later today.

“Of course we have young people around the country who will get creative and try to find ways around this,” O’Neil told Seven’s Sunrise.

“I would liken it to the ban we have on kids buying cigarettes - it doesn’t mean that not a single teen in or country has ever smoked, but that ban is stopping massive amounts of damage happening for young people, and that’s what the social media ban will do.”

6.44am

Hamas hands over one of two last hostage bodies: Red Cross

Cairo/Jerusalem: Palestinian militant group Hamas has handed over the remains of one of the last two deceased hostages still in Gaza, the International Committee of the Red Cross said, under terms of the October ceasefire deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement overnight that Israeli forces in Gaza had received what it described as “findings” that would be taken into Israel for forensic testing.

A makeshift tent stands amid widespread devastation in Gaza City in November.

The two remaining deceased hostages are Israeli police officer Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak, both kidnapped during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked two years of devastating war in Gaza.

The Geneva-based ICRC has acted as an intermediary between Gaza militant groups and Israel throughout the war triggered by Hamas’ attack, helping facilitate the release of living hostages and the handover of remains.

Violence has tailed off since the October 10 ceasefire, but Israel has continued to strike Gaza and conduct demolitions against what it says is Hamas infrastructure. Hamas and Israel have traded blame for violating the US-backed agreement.

At least 357 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire went into effect, Gaza health authorities say. Palestinian militants killed three Israeli soldiers during this time, Israeli authorities said.

Reuters

6.37am

Putin warns of war with Europe ahead of Ukraine talks

By David Crowe

Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised the stakes in peace talks on Ukraine by declaring he is ready for war with Europe if its leaders launch a conflict, airing the dramatic claim before meeting American negotiators in Moscow.

Putin appeared to harden his stance on a potential peace agreement by warning European leaders to back down in their demands on the terms of the deal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles during the talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, at the Kremlin in Moscow on Wednesday (AEDT).

“We are not planning to go to war with Europe, but if Europe wants to and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters in Moscow.

6.33am

What’s making news today

By Daniel Lo Surdo

Good morning and welcome to our national news live blog for Wednesday, December 3. My name is Daniel Lo Surdo, stepping in for Emily Kaine, and I’ll be helming our coverage for the first half of today. Here’s what is making headlines this morning.

Communications Minister Anika Wells has warned social media companies to prepare for a $50 million fine if they fail to remove children from their platforms within six months. It comes one week before the social media ban begins and alternative social media applications show a surge in downloads. The eSafety Commission is expected to send notices to the 10 banned tech companies next week to understand the number of underage accounts registered on December 9, and how many remained on December 11, the day after the ban’s commencement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared he is ready for war with Europe if its leaders launch a conflict, airing the claim before meeting American negotiators in Moscow. Putin began peace talks with two key aides to US President Donald Trump in Moscow, this morning, as he claimed progress against Ukraine and threatened more offensives amid attacks on Russian ships.
The Australian sharemarket is set for a flat start today, after adding 0.2 per cent yesterday. It comes as the value of bitcoin pulled back above $US90,000 after stumbling below $US85,000 on Monday, helping the stocks of several crypto-related companies bounce back from sharp slides. Australian trading will follow a steady day on Wall Street.