The Observer - Hospitals in frantic bid to fill gaps left by Doctors’ strike

Summary of the front page

The Observer has looked ahead to next week and the disruption likely to be caused by the junior doctors’ strike. “Hospital trusts are taking desperate measures to limit the predicted loss of life from this week’s NHS strikes,” it reports. The paper claims this includes “threatening consultants who refuse to do extra work, and tempting junior doctors to cross picket lines by increasing locum pay”. 

Also on the front page is a report about the disquiet in the Labour Party over a controversial attack advert which claimed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak “does not believe adults convicted of sexually assaulting children should go to prison”. It says shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper was not informed about the ad before its release. 

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Bondi Beach attack hero Ahmed al Ahmed charged with assault and stalking

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The Bondi Beach terror attack hero has been charged with assault and stalking months after he was declared ‘Australia’s hero’ for grabbing one of the gunmen shooting up a Jewish festival.

Ahmed al Ahmed crept up on one of the two shooters, unleashing terror on the Hanukkah event on Sydney’s famous beach in December.

Even more lives would have been lost if Mr al Ahmed had not tackled and disarmed one of the assailants, officials said at the time.

The 44-year-old is now accused of attacking his elderly father at his home in March.

An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) taken out against Ahmed by police on behalf of his father stated Ahmed cannot ‘assault’, ‘stalk’, ‘harass’, or ‘contact’ his dad.

He was told to stay 100 metres away from his home and workplace before his court date on July 29.

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It came after his two brothers allegedly demanded $100,000 each from Mr al Ahmed’s crowdfunder which raised more than $2.5 million (£1.24m) from people all over the globe.

Ahmed’s two brothers were later charged for allegedly threatening Ahmed over the phone. They have both pleaded not guilty.

The family declined to comment on Ahmed’s charges and AVO when contacted by 7News.

Hero of Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach attack hero Ahmed al Ahmed charged with assault and stalking
Al Ahmed grabs one of the gunmen and disarms him

Al Ahmed won global adulation after he was seen surprising and wrestling a rifle away from one of the shooters. The fruit seller, who had never fired a gun before, then aimed the weapon back at the gunman, forcing him to retreat.

A second bystander, Reuven Morrison, then stepped in and threw a brick at the gunman, while Mr al Ahmed, who had not fired the weapon, rested it against a nearby tree.

That gunman, Sajid Akram, was eventually shot dead by police.

Hero member of the public Ahmed Al Ahmed pictured in hospital bed after surgery following the Bondi Beach attack
Ahmed al Ahmed has been hailed the hero of Australia after his actions on Bondi Beach helped to save lives (Picture: Instagram)

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Ahmed al Ahmed, the bystander who charged at one of the gunmen and seized his rifle during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, at St George Hospital in Sydney, Australia, December 16, 2025. Prime Minister's Office/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. 15386319 15394733
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shakes the hand of Ahmed al Ahmed in hospital (Picture: via REUTERS)

Mr Ahmed was later shot several times by the other gunman, allegedly Sajid’s son Naveed Akram, and underwent at least three operations on his arm.

His father, Mohamad Fateh Al Ahmed, had praised his son’s bravery as he recovered in hospital.

He told reporters his son was a humble grocery shop owner who had migrated to Australia in 2006.

‘He had lunch and left the house and his friend asked him to get coffee… when they arrived they were confronted with gunmen shooting.

‘Their lives were in danger and he noticed one person not far from him hiding behind a tree with a weapon.

‘My son is a hero, he has served with the police, and he has an impulse to protect people.

‘When he saw those people on the ground covered in blood his morals made him act.’

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Germany faces historic low as trust wanes under Merz’s government

Germany’s political landscape faces a critical juncture as the government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, navigates a historic low. With diminishing credibility in international affairs and an urgent need for economic revitalisation, Germany’s ability to lead Europe hinges on regaining competitiveness, enhancing security, and fostering innovation.

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