Morning Briefing: April 8, 2024

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday, including the latest death toll in Gaza due to Israel’s onslaught, Nicaragua’s cutting of diplomatic ties with Ecuador and an Iranian military official’s warning after last week's attack on the Iranian Consulate in Syria.

TOP STORIES

• 38 more Palestinians killed in Gaza as Israeli onslaught continues: Health Ministry

At least 38 more Palestinians were killed and 71 others injured over the last 24 hours as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said on Sunday.

“The Israeli occupation (forces) committed four massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 38 martyrs and 71 injured during the past 24 hours,” a ministry statement said.

“Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added.

• Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Ecuador over raid on Mexican Embassy

Nicaragua has announced terminating all diplomatic relations with Ecuador after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican Embassy to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who has been residing there since December 2022.

In a statement, the Nicaraguan government affirmed its support for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his government following the embassy raid.

The statement reminded that Nicaragua withdrew its ambassador from Quito in 2020.

• No Israeli embassy safe anymore, warns top Iranian military official

A senior Iranian military official warned Sunday that none of Israel’s diplomatic missions are safe anymore after an attack on the Iranian Consulate in Syria.

Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi, the top military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said none of the Israeli embassies are safe now, which is why it has closed down 28 embassies.

The former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the April 1 missile attack on a building serving as the Iranian Embassy's consular affairs wing in Damascus, Syria "violated international laws" as the slain Iranian military officials were there "at the invitation" of Syria.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Police officer killed, another wounded by shooters in Russia's Moscow region

• Mexico suspends embassy operations in Ecuador following police raid

• Hundreds evacuated after flooding in Australia

• Israeli army says 4 more soldiers killed in battles in southern Gaza

• Israel completed preparations for potential war with Iran, says defense minister

• Israeli army withdraws from Gaza’s Khan Younis: Report

• Pope Francis calls on leaders to negotiate path to peace in Ukraine, Gaza

• At least 7 injured due to Russian airstrikes on Ukraine’s Kharkiv

• 2 killed, 4 injured in explosion at shooting range in Georgia’s capital

• Egypt, US discuss efforts to reach Gaza cease-fire

• Azerbaijan says Armenia fired on its military positions 16 times

• Kuwait’s emir accepts government’s resignation

• Yemen’s Houthis target 2 Israeli ships amid Red Sea tension

SPORTS

• Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins F1 Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Dutchman claimed the 53-lap race at the Suzuka Circuit with a time of one hour, 54 minutes and 23.566 seconds in the fourth round.

Sergio Perez from Mexico was 12.535 seconds behind his teammate to come second. Spain's Carlos Sainz finished third 20.866 seconds behind the leader.

• Turkish Super Cup final abandoned after Fenerbahce players leave field

The Turkish Super Cup final match was abandoned on Sunday after the players of Istanbul side Fenerbahce left the field.

Playing at the Sanliurfa 11 Nisan stadium, the Fenerbahce U19 team left the pitch in the Super Cup final against Galatasaray.

The Yellow Canaries conceded a goal in the first minute against Mario Icardi and walked off.