Morning Briefing: April 9, 2024

By Emre Basaran

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Tuesday, including Türkiye's restriction of export of certain products to Israel, International Court of Justice’s hearing on Germany, and US strike on Houthis in Red Sea.

TOP STORIES

Türkiye has restricted the export of certain products to Israel until it implements a cease-fire and allows “sufficient and uninterrupted flow" of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, the Trade Ministry said on Tuesday.

“Israel continues to flagrantly violate international law and ignores the international community's numerous calls for cease-fire and uninterrupted humanitarian aid,” the ministry said in a statement.

“This decision will remain in effect until Israel, within the framework of its obligations arising from international law, declares an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and allows a sufficient and uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip,” the ministry said.

• World court begins hearings on Nicaragua’s claim Germany aiding Israel’s ‘genocide’

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearings on Nicaragua’s case against Germany, accusing it of facilitating “genocide” in Gaza by providing political and military support to Israel.

In his opening remarks, Nicaraguan Ambassador Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez said his country requests the court to order Germany to stop providing support for Israel in its war in Gaza.

“The case before us involves momentous events affecting the life and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of people, and even the destruction of an entire people,” he said.

• US destroys Houthi targets in Red Sea

The US destroyed Houthi targets in Yemen, the Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

"Between approximately 12:15 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. (Sanaa time) on April 8, United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed an air defense system with two missiles ready to launch, a ground control station in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and one unmanned aerial system launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen over the Red Sea," CENTCOM said on X.

It added that there were no injuries or damage reported by US, coalition or commercial ships.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Thousands attend the open iftar event at London’s Trafalgar Square. Mayor Sadiq Khan was among the participants at the gathering hosted by the Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity founded in 2013.
  
  
• Ecuador’s arrested former vice president taken to hospital. Jorge Glas fell ill "after refusing to eat food provided during the last 24 hours.
  
  
• Police clash with anti-NATO protestors in Italy’s Naples. Individuals carrying banners condemning NATO attempted to breach the security perimeter around the San Carlo Theatre, where a concert was scheduled to mark the alliance's 75th anniversary.
  
  
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discuss bilateral ties, and regional issues over the phone.
  
  
• The US says there is a need for dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing readiness to facilitate such discussions.
  
  
• Former US President Donald Trump says abortion rights should be left to states, and boasts of overturning Roe v. Wade.
  
  
• 'If Ukraine loses, we all lose,' warn top UK and French diplomats in a joint article for The Telegraph.
  
  
• TRNC president informs UN chief there is no common ground between Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides.

SPORTS

• English Premier League gives 2-point deduction to Everton

The English Premier League said Everton will receive a two-point deduction for a breach of financial rules.

"An independent Commission has given an immediate two-point deduction to Everton FC for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) for the period ending Season 2022-23," a statement said.

• Eyupspor promoted to Turkish Super Lig for 1st time

Istanbul club Eyupspor gained promotion to the Turkish Super Lig for the first time in their 105-year history.

Under the helm of Arda Turan, Eyupspor beat Altay 4-1 at the Eyup Stadium to increase their points to 67 after 29 games.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US to provide $6.6B funding for Taiwan's chipmaker

The US Commerce Department announced it will provide up to $6.6 billion in direct funding for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) under the CHIPS and Science Act.

The department said TSMC plans to build a third fab at its facility in the US state of Arizona to meet strong customer demand for advanced semiconductor process technology.

This funding will support TSMC's investment of more than $65 billion in three leading-edge fabs in Phoenix, Arizona to manufacture the world’s most advanced semiconductors.

• OECD annual inflation stable at 5.7% in February

Annual consumer inflation in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) area was stable at 5.7% in February thanks to a slowdown in food price hikes.

Food inflation continued to ease for the 15th consecutive month to 5.3% in February, which was lower than the headline inflation for the first time since November 2021, the Paris-based organization said in a statement.