Israel launched deadly airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, March 18, killing more than 400 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and breaking a ceasefire that had been in place since January.
The strikes were ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Hamas rejected Israeli demands to modify the ceasefire terms.
The White House voiced support for Israel’s actions, while Netanyahu stated that the airstrikes were “only the beginning” and a necessary step for securing the release of hostages.
The strikes targeted Hamas military infrastructure and leadership, with Israel warning of a possible expansion into ground operations.
In response, Hamas accused Israel of condemning the remaining hostages to death, with at least four senior Hamas officials reportedly killed in the bombardment.
Despite this, no Hamas retaliation was reported several hours later, suggesting efforts to restore the truce.
Photo: AP.
The violence, which escalated during Ramadan, has raised concerns about the fate of Israeli hostages and further destruction in Gaza, which has already endured significant humanitarian suffering.
The conflict, ongoing since October 2023, has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
Humanitarian groups have warned that Gaza’s resources are running low after Israel cut off essential supplies two weeks ago.
Regional leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, the US has placed blame on Hamas for rejecting efforts to extend the ceasefire.
The conflict shows no sign of easing, with Israel and Hamas at an impasse over the terms for a second phase of the ceasefire, including the release of the remaining hostages and Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza.
In a 90-minute phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump agreed to limit Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy assets but stopped short of agreeing to the US request for a broader 30-day ceasefire.
The White House confirmed that the two leaders discussed an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire” and began talks on a “maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire, and permanent peace.”
The talks, set to begin “immediately” in the Middle East, will focus on finding a lasting resolution to the conflict, though the White House did not specify who would lead the negotiations.
The Kremlin, however, outlined several conditions for a ceasefire, including suspending foreign military and intelligence support for Ukraine and halting new mobilisations.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Vladimir Putin:
Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the…
Putin’s demands present a difficult decision for Trump, who had previously called for a 30-day ceasefire to allow for further negotiations.
Trump’s stance has raised concerns in Ukraine and Europe that the US may prioritise a deal with Russia over Ukrainian interests.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke to Trump before the call, stressing that Ukraine must be placed in the “strongest possible position” for a “just and lasting peace.”
The White House described the call as a step toward improving US-Russia relations, with the potential for significant economic and geopolitical benefits once peace is achieved.
La Trobe University Greek Society (LUGS) hosted their first paniyiri on Sunday, March 16 where they welcomed La Trobe students and the general public to the university grounds.
Although the paniyiri was originally planned for the university’s amphitheatre, Melbourne’s rainy weather led the committee to move the event indoors. Despite the change, the new indoor space was still filled with kefi.
The evening featured live music from the ever-growing band Dio Patrides, as well as performances by the Florina Aristotelis Dance Group, Cretan Brotherhood Dance Group and the GCM Dance Group. There were also stalls from small Greek businesses, and of course the paniyiri included the staple food we expect to see at all Greek events: the souvlaki.
Dio Patrides Band.
Martha Stamatopoulos, a 20-year-old attendee, shared her thoughts on the event: “It was a great initiative from the LUGS committee. It’s a shame that the rain affected it, and we couldn’t do it outside. But it was still great to see all the dancers and stalls and the great first initiative we haven’t seen before.”
The paniyiri was organised by LUGS co-presidents Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting and Eleni Lykopandis. The presidents spent the evening interacting with attendees, and creating a night of dance, music and laughter.
Co-Presidents Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting and Eleni Lykopandis.
Angelica spoke fondly of their paniyiri and their attempt to start a new tradition, saying, “we wanted to try something fresh.”
Eleni added, “It’s the ‘first [paniyiri] of hopefully very many.”
The event brought together people of all ages, and Eleni said, “we’re really glad that LUGS could hold this event for people of all ages, despite the fact that we are a university club… I think it really shows the leadership that the whole committee put behind it.”
Hosting an event in a university space which also unites Melbourne’s Greek community has the potential to reshape how university clubs engage with the wider public for future events.
The support from local stall holders was also apparent. Thematikos’ co-owner Con Pan was in attendance, sharing his new line of perfumes inspired by Greek mythology.
Con said, “For us I think it’s really important to give back to community… It’s a hard task running any sort of event, so I think if you’re there to help and support others doing that, I think that’s a good thing.”
Con Pan from Thematikos.
The dance performances brought dances from all regions of Greece to the La Trobe campus. Epiphany Kiriakidis from Florina Aristotelis Dance Group reflected, “we always see our community events on the streets or in other places… [so] it’s really great to see the community get together on the La Trobe campus.”
Paniyiria were common for Greek university clubs in decades past and LUGS has successfully re-started the tradition and have connected Melbourne’s Greek community with Greek culture in a new setting. This breath of fresh air will be sure to inspire other Greek Australian youth to follow suit.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Christina Savopoulos
The first-ever Greek Youth Comedy Gala, held under the Greek Festival of Sydney, took centre stage at the Canterbury Leagues Club in Belmore, Sydney on Saturday, March 15, delivering an unforgettable evening of cheeky, witty, and daring humour.
With a lineup of emerging comedic talent, the night proved that stand-up comedy is much more than just telling jokes – it’s a powerful form of storytelling, a reflection on society, and an expression of real-life experiences.
The audience was treated to sharp observational humour, bold punchlines, and moments that challenged, entertained, and even shocked – a true testament to the art of comedy.
The first Greek Youth Comedy Gala in Sydney was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
A showcase of Greek Australian talent
Hosted by Anthony Locascio, fresh off his successful Pappou tour, the night saw some of Australia’s most promising young Greek comedians take the stage.
Anthony Locascio was the host. Charissa Bossinakis. Stella Kappos.
The stellar lineup included headliner Elouise Eftos, Charissa Bossinakis, Stella Kappos, Chris Demos, Korinna Gouros, and Mariah Nicholas, all of whom delivered unique, hilarious, and thought-provoking sets
The event highlighted the vibrancy of Greek Australian culture, as these young comedians used their heritage, upbringing, and lived experiences to craft humorous and relatable narratives.
Headliner Elouise Eftos.
A celebration of comedy and community
The Greek Festival of Sydney has long been a platform for cultural expression, and this inaugural comedy gala was no exception. Laughter filled the room as the audience embraced a night of entertainment that seamlessly blended heritage, modern experiences, and comedic storytelling.
Stand-up comedy is one of the most difficult art forms, requiring not only sharp humour but also the ability to provoke thought, challenge norms, and sometimes even offend. This event encapsulated all those elements, making it a triumph for Greek Australian talent.
Korinna Gouros.Mariah Nicholas.Chris Demos.
A bright future for Greek Australian comedy
The success of the Greek Youth Comedy Gala marks an exciting new chapter for young Greek Australian comedians. The event not only showcased fresh talent, but also reinforced the importance of comedy as a cultural and artistic expression.
With such an incredible response, it is clear that this will be the first of many Greek comedy galas to come.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Sunday, March 23 will witness the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque in Hampton in recognition of the role of the northern Aegean island of Imbros in the Gallipoli campaign.
The plaque is one of a number of new specially created bronze plaques that will be inserted in the footpaths of the streets of a former veterans housing estate created after First World War. Imbros will be honoured along with a number of others, mostly commemorating battles of the Western Front.
The Castlefield Estate was created on 67 acres of land by the government to house veterans and their families in the 1920s.
Information board to be installed at the Castlefield Estate. Photo supplied by Robert Curtain.
The project was initiated by locals, led by the former Bayside Mayor Felicity Frederico OAM and media consultant Robert Curtain. Auspiced by the Sandringham & District Historical Society and supported by Bayside Council and corporate sponsors, the project received funding from the Victorian Government’s Victoria Remembers grant program. The Society has created a very informative webpage detailing each of the streets, their battlefield connections and details on the first residents, with brief military biographies of the veterans.
Melbourne’s Imvrian community – many of whom settled in the bayside area – have been invited to participate in the event with a stall and exhibition explaining the role of Imbros in the Gallipoli campaign. This photographic exhibition has already been shown in Melbourne and Sydney. Historian and author Jim Claven will be in attendance. His book on that role – From Imbros Over The Sea – will be available for purchase.
Part of the great Allied camp on Imbros during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915-16. Source: AWM.
Mr Claven said that it was especially significant that Imbros should have been chosen all those years ago as one of the battles to be recognised.
“Imbros was one of the key advanced bases of the whole Gallipoli campaign, with the campaign headquarters, medical facilities, rest camps and supply bases located there. It was home to major military aircraft bases and its harbour was a key roadstead connecting the battle front with Allied bases across the sea,” Mr Claven said.
He added that his research had shown that Imbros and its people – overwhelmingly Hellenic in character at the time – met the ANZACs and other Allied soldiers; welcoming them and helping them visit their island. Like nearby Lemnos and Tenedos, Imbros provided one of the first major contacts between Australians and Greeks.
“How appropriate that this recognition should be bestowed in a suburb that has also provided a new home to Hellenes from Imbros in Melbourne,” he added.
Imbros Street, Castlefield Estate, Hampton. Photo: George Xinos, 2025.
George Xinos of the Imvrians’ Society of Melbourne thanked all involved in this important project and the Society welcomed its recognition of this important role it played in Australian history.
The unveiling ceremony will be overseen by Her Excellency the Hon Professor Margaret Gardner AC Governor of Victoria, in the presence of many dignitaries.
The event will take place at Castlefield Reserve and commence at 11am and conclude at 3pm. No bookings are necessary. All are welcome.
The Cyprus Community of South Australia’s Ladies Auxiliary hosted a grand celebration for International Women’s Day (IWD), bringing together over 220 guests at the Cultural Centre of the Cypriot Community in Welland on Sunday, March 16.
In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, attendees gathered for an afternoon tea dedicated to honouring and uplifting women.
The keynote speaker, Adriana Christopoulou, a Multicultural Advocate in SA, delivered a thought-provoking speech, sharing her personal journey of growing up in a traditional Greek family, overcoming challenges, and achieving her goals.
Adriana Christopoulou, a Multicultural Advocate in SA.
The event was further enriched with live Greek music, performed by Asimina Karanikolas and Paraskevi Kontoleon, two talented young women from the community. Their heartfelt songs paid tribute to women and deeply moved the audience.
Among the distinguished guests was Ms Quin Tram, President of the Vietnamese Community and Councillor for the Woodville Ward at the City of Charles Sturt, who attended alongside other esteemed community members to show their support for the occasion.
Vice President of the Cypriot Community of SA, Minas Loukas.President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Thekla Petrou.
The President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, Thekla Petrou, expressed her gratitude to all attendees, highlighting how their presence encourages the continuation of such community events. She also extended special thanks to the Board of Directors and the dedicated team of women who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Concluding the celebration, she wished all women many happy returns on this significant day.
The event was a resounding success, strengthening community bonds and celebrating the achievements and resilience of women in South Australia.
On Saturday, March 15, at the Samian House in Kingsgrove, Sydney, an important meeting took place between the Samian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW and the Kytherian Association of Australia.
The meeting aimed at strengthening relationships and cooperation between the Samians and Kytherians, focusing on wine production and the enhancement of friendship and love between the two communities.
In a speech, the President of the Kytherian Association, Barbara Zantiotis, said, “this meeting is not only an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore our shared path in the field of wine production, but also a celebration of the friendship and brotherhood that unite our places.”
“I am particularly happy that we are here today, at the Samian House, to discuss and create the foundations for a stronger collaboration. Samos and Kythera share many common values and traditions, and this meeting reminds us how important it is to move forward together, united with our history and culture,” Ms Zantiotis added.
Emanuel Valageorgiou (left) and Barbara Zantiotis (right).
The President of the Samian Brotherhood, Emanuel Valageorgiou, also spoke about ties between the Kytherians and Samians.
“It is a great honour for me to be here today, along with friends from Kythera, to strengthen the bonds that unite us and to jointly explore the possibilities for the development of wine production in both our regions,” Mr Valageorgiou said.
“Samos and Kythera, although different places, share a common history, tradition, and passion for the products of our land, especially wine, which is inextricably linked with our identity and culture.”
Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki, also honoured the event with her presence.
“The purpose of this collaboration is to promote Greek culture and unite for a common product,” Ms Prokopaki said.
“The event took place with the goal of strengthening cultural relations. There was a strong sense of appreciation from the participants and a desire for this collaboration to continue in the future, with the addition of more associations.”
The event was accompanied by delicious and traditional Greek dishes prepared by Gloria Tzannes and the other ladies of the Kytherian Association.
The Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association Inc. held a Greek National Day celebration on Sunday, March 16 at the Holy Monastery of “Axion Esti” in Northcote, Victoria.
A memorial service was conducted inside the church by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora. Due to heavy rainfall, the wreath-laying ceremony took place inside the church, beneath the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary.
The event was honoured by a large attendance, with a number of officials laying wreaths including Bishop Evmenios; Emily Dimitriadis, Deputy Mayor of Darebin City Council – South East Ward; Katerine Theodosis, Councillor of Merri-bek City Council – West Breen Ward; and Nikolaos Makridis, President of the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association.
Numerous representatives from Greek community organisations, as well as Senior Sergeant Stylianos (Steve) Spyrou and Sergeant Con Matsamakis, also attended to pay tribute to the heroes of 1821.
Following the wreath-laying ceremony, a minute’s silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes.
Later, guests and members of the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association gathered for a reception, where the Association’s President, Mr Makridis, spoke about key moments that shaped the Greek War of Independence.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has extended its deepest condolences to the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) following the passing of Secretary Michael Tsilimos.
Full statement in English:
On behalf of the Greek Community of Melbourne, we extend our deepest condolences to the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW on the passing of your esteemed Secretary, Mr. Michael Tsilimos. His sudden loss has deeply saddened us, and our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
Michael was a valued member of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, whose dedication, hard work, and commitment to the Greek Australian community left an indelible mark. His contributions as Secretary will always be remembered with great respect and admiration. His tireless efforts in service of his community were an inspiration to us all, and his passing is a significant loss to both Sydney and the broader Greek community in Australia.
A steadfast champion of immigrant rights and workers’ welfare, Michael fiercely defended the rights of migrants in the workplace and worked tirelessly to address the everyday challenges faced by the Greek Australian community. His unwavering commitment and advocacy made a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Please know that we stand with the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales in mourning and share in your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family, friends, and all members of your community. May his memory be eternal, and may you find comfort in the legacy of love and service he leaves behind.
Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr will now face a huge all-Australian clash against young, knockout artist Jake Wyllie in his Sydney homecoming this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN.
The 24-year-old Queensland native steps in at under a week’s notice for the main event after Kambosos Jr’s original opponent Daud Yordan was today ruled out on medical grounds following a visit to a hospital in his homeland of Indonesia.
Wyllie, promoted by No Limits Boxing, has an impressive resumé of 16 wins in 17 fights with 15 victories by way of knockout. And he is ready to spoil Kambosos Jr’s homecoming party at the Qudos Bank Arena – brought to fans around the globe under the sponsorship of Riyadh Season.
“This is what dreams are made of. I’d already arranged tickets to come watch on Saturday and now I’m fighting in the main event,” said the Australian Super-Lightweight Champion, Wyllie (16-1-0, 15 KOs).
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m ready to take it with both hands. George has boxed at the highest level in the sport but I’m young, ambitious, and ready to put it all on the line in Sydney on Saturday. Expect fireworks! Jake ‘The Machine’ Wyllie is coming,” he said.
The mission remains the same for Kambosos Jr, however, with the former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion relishing his first test in the 140lb division as he sets his sights on a potential World Title date with IBF king, Richardson Hitchins.
“I am ready to showcase all the hard work I have been putting in over the last 3 months, no matter who the opponent is,” Kambosos Jr (21-3-0, 10 KOs) said.
“Boxing is unpredictable and it is very unfortunate to have Daud Yordan medically pull out, five days before the event, but the Ferocious show goes on because there is no show without me.
“Victory is the only thing on my mind, no matter what, and it sets up my 140-pound World Title shot next. I want to give a good local Aussie kid a shot. Jake Wyllie, 16-1, 15 KOs, stands out. He is the current Australian 140 National Champion, the only one that hasn’t been disrespectful for a payday, and I like how he has gone about his business in the boxing world.
“So, I’m giving Jake the ‘Rocky’ shot! The opportunity, but that’s where it ends. This is not a Rocky movie, don’t get it twisted, there is no happy ending. A Ferocious statement is what you’ll see on Saturday night. Victory by any means.”
Last remaining tickets are on sale now for Saturday’s blockbuster event at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, which showcases two huge women’s World Title fights – brought to you by Matchroom Boxing in partnership with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, and in association with Tasman Fighters and Goldstar.
WBC World Featherweight queen Skye Nicolson (12-0, 1 KO) continues her quest to become ‘Future Undisputed’ – but must take care of undefeated, mandatory American rival, Overtime Boxing’s Tiara Brown (18-0, 11 KOs).
Another long-standing rivalry will be settled in Sydney as Cherneka Johnson (16-2-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBA World Bantamweight title in a rematch against Great Britain’s Nina Hughes (6-1-0, 2 KOs), after their first fight was marred in controversy last May.
And rising Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Jr (6-0, 6 KOs) will be out ensure that the Aussies rule when the Olympian bids for his seventh successive stoppage when he faces James ‘The Beast’ Singh (12-5-0, 11 KOs).
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “The biggest card in Australia so far this year has just got even bigger.
“First and foremost, we wish Daud Yordan a speedy recovery. Now young Jake Wyllie comes in at short notice with a life changing opportunity to shock the world and wreck George Kambosos Jr’s plans.
“He is a dangerous puncher with a rising reputation as a stoppage sensation, so expect fireworks this Saturday at the Qudos Bank Arena. Sydney we’re coming – and I cannot wait.”
