Hamas suspends release of hostages

Hi. The Gaza ceasefire agreement is on the brink of collapse after Hamas suspended hostage transfers, claiming Israel had violated the deal. JD Vance, the US vice-president, has questioned the authority of America's courts to challenge executive orders. And a Bryan Adams concert in Perth, Australia, has been called off due to something big and nasty lurking in the sewers.

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Israel puts forces on 'highest alert' as Hamas suspends release of hostages

Ohad Ben Ami was one of three Israelis freed on Saturday in the most recent exchange. Credit: EPA

The armed wing of Hamas has said it is delaying the release of Israeli hostages until further notice due to alleged violations by Israel of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, said he had instructed his armed forces "to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza". The announcement came hours after Donald Trump, the US president, said that Palestinians would have no right of return under his plan to take control of Gaza and remove its population.

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The rebel leader behind DR Congo turmoil

Sultani Makenga says his life has been war. Credit: AFP

The Democratic Republic of Congo is in turmoil - fighters from the M23 rebel group have been surging through the country's east, leaving thousands dead in their wake. The origins of this complex conflict can be understood through the story of one man - Sultani Makenga, M23's reclusive and ruthless leader.

Who is Sultani Makenga?

To go back through Makenga's life is to look into decades of war, foreign intervention and the persistent lure of DR Congo's rich mineral resources. He was born in 1973 in the DR Congo, and joined a rebel group in Rwanda at 17 to fight the government. Some time after 2009 he joined M23 in the DR Congo and was soon elevated to the top position. He stated in 2013: "My life is war, my education is war, and my language is war... but I do respect peace."

What does he want?

Makenga, a Tutsi, has fought several wars against the rival Hutu tribe in Rwanda, and against the governments of DR Congo he says are suppressing his people. He has said his relentless fighting has been for his three children, "so that one day they will have a better future in this country. I have a heart, a family, and people I care about".

What has Makenga been accused of?

By 2012, Makenga and others in the M23 were facing serious war crimes allegations. The US has imposed sanctions for "the recruitment of child soldiers, and campaigns of violence against civilians", which he denies. The UN said he had committed, and was responsible for killing and maiming, sexual violence and abduction. Last year a judge sentenced Makenga to death in absentia for his role in the M23 uprising.

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And finally... in Australia

A huge sewer blockage caused by "fat, grease and rags" has forced the cancellation of a Bryan Adams concert in Perth. Authorities said the "fatberg" risked backing up the RAC Arena's toilets, and urged the public to avoid water in several "overflows" that had already appeared. Adams apologised to fans - many of whom had queued for hours - and promised a new concert date.