Alex Ritson

Pressure on the UK government grows as hunger strikers from the banned group Palestine Action continue their protest.

In Bethlehem, Palestinians celebrate Christmas for the first time since the beginning of the war in Gaza.

Also in this podcast, the Italian theatre company transforming the lives of people with mental disabilities.

Ten days after the Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack in New South Wales, the Australian state has passed new laws on gun ownership and protests.

Among the measures are limiting the number of guns anyone can own to four, though for farmers it's ten.

Officials are claiming that the new laws are the toughest of their kind in Australia.

The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said the state government would bring in more reforms.

We're not going to be done until we've done everything possible to keep the people of this state safe.

And there's a recognition from this government that hate speech leads to hateful actions.

That's what happens in even civilised communities like ours.

And we're prepared to take action and steps to keep the community safe.

Police powers to curb public protests will also be strengthened.

A pro-Palestine group and other activist groups have said that they will mount a legal challenge.

Fifteen people were killed in the shooting in Sydney, where Jewish people had gathered.

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said he had requested that a special honours list be drawn up for the heroes of 14 December.

The attack did show us the worst of humanity, hatred, anti-Semitism, violence.

It also showed us the best of humanity, extraordinary acts of bravery and courage, acts of kindness for fellow Australians.

These special honours lists have been used previously to recognise individuals for other significant events like the Bali bombings and MH17.

And these awards would be announced in 2026.

Police believe the gunmen who carried out the attack were inspired by the Islamic State group.