Gozde Bayar
29 April 2024•Update: 29 April 2024
ANKARA
Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday, including the killing of 66 more Palestinians in Gaza, the resumption of World Central Kitchen’s operations in the enclave and a phone call between the US president and Israeli premier on Rafah.
TOP STORIES
At least 66 more Palestinians were killed and 138 others injured over the last 24 hours as Israel continued its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said on Sunday.
"The Israeli occupation (forces) committed seven massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 66 martyrs and 138 injured during the past 24 hours," a ministry statement said.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) will resume its operations in the Gaza Strip after seven of its aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike earlier this month.
"The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. We are restarting our operation with the same energy, dignity, and focus on feeding as many people as possible," the charity's chief executive officer, Erin Gore, said Sunday in a statement.
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the southern Gaza city of Rafah in a phone call Sunday, the White House said.
“The President and the Prime Minister also discussed increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week.
"The President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organizations. The leaders discussed Rafah and the President reiterated his clear position," a White House statement said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- At least two Palestinian children have lost their lives due to a heat wave in the Gaza Strip, said the UN refugee agency UNRWA.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government “will not have the right to continue to exist” if it blocks a proposed hostage swap with Hamas, said war cabinet Minister Benny Gantz.
- At least 30 Israeli paratrooper reservists have refused to answer their call-up to participate in a planned ground attack in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media.
- A pro-Israeli supporter hurled angry comments at University of California student protesters, who continued demonstrations in support of Palestine.
- US Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein was detained at a pro-Palestinian rally at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, according to her spokesperson.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin a “political animal” who can “sense fear,” as he urged Kyiv’s partners to believe in his country’s “victory.”
- Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced her candidacy for the European Parliament’s elections in June, in a bid to boost support for her Brothers of Italy party.
- Demonstrations were held outside McDonald's branches in the Netherlands against Israel's offensive on Palestine.
- The American Film Institute (AFI) awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to actress Nicole Kidman.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his counterparts from Norway, Jordan and Yemen as well as the EU foreign policy chief in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.
- Thailand's Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara announced his resignation following a recent reshuffle in the Cabinet, state media reported.
- At least six people were killed in a roadside bomb explosion that targeted a vehicle carrying telecom workers in Somalia, officials said.
- Zambia marked the centenary birthday of the country’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda.
SPORTS
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were crowned Ligue 1 champions for the third year in a row with three games remaining on Sunday.
The Parisians sealed their record-extending 12th Ligue 1 title in club history after Olympique Lyon defeated Monaco 3-2 at Parc OL.
- Manchester City take 5th Premier League win in row
Manchester City took their fifth English Premier League win in a row when they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.
Playing at City Ground, Manchester City found the goals with Josko Gvardiol in the 32nd minute and Erling Haaland in the 71st minute on matchday 35.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- Islamic finance not replacement for traditional finance, says Saudi banker
Islamic finance is not a replacement for traditional finance, a top Saudi banker said.
"We are a finance (model) that is socially responsible. We care about the borrower as much as our shareholders and make sure people benefit from the process," said Mutlaq Al-Morished, a board member of Saudi Arabia based SME Bank.
- Elon Musk meets Chinese Premier Li amid hopes to boost electric vehicle sales
Tesla CEO Elon Musk met with China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang, who promised that his country would always be open to foreign firms and will provide a "better business environment,” state media reported.
“China’s very large-scale market will always be open to foreign-funded firms,” Li told Musk, who landed in Beijing earlier in the day amid hopes that he will bring his company's autonomous driving technology to China, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.
