Morning Briefing: Dec. 4, 2023

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday, including the surge in death of Palestinians and Israel launching a ground operation in southern Gaza, the Pentagon claiming US vessels were attacked in the Red Sea, the expansion of Israeli offensive, and UNICEF’s remarks about bombing in Gaza.

TOP STORIES

• Israel launches ground operation in southern Gaza, death toll surpasses 15,000

The death toll from Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip surged to 15,523 since Oct. 7, Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra said.

The number of wounded has risen to 41,316.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed Sunday that it has launched a ground operation in the southern Gaza Strip.

“Armed forces in the area have already begun moving and attacking targets affiliated with the (Palestinian) Hamas movement,” said Israeli army radio.

• US warship, merchant vessels attacked in Red Sea, says Pentagon

A US warship and several merchant vessels have been attacked in the Red Sea, the Pentagon announced on Sunday.

“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available,” the Pentagon told the Associated Press.

This represents a “major escalation” in a series of maritime attacks in the Middle East associated with the ongoing conflict, it said.

The Pentagon did not specify the location from which the attack had originated.

• Israel expanding ground operation to every part of Gaza: Army

Israel is continuing to expand its ground operation against Hamas to all parts of Gaza, a spokesperson for the army said late Sunday.

“The Israeli army is advancing towards every Hamas settlement,” Daniel Hagari told reporters.

Hagari said intensive air support is being used to assist ground forces advancing in urban areas.

He said the army is also continuing ground and air attacks against forces of the Lebanese group Hezbollah in the north.

• Southern Gaza facing worst bombardment since Oct. 7: UNICEF

Southern Gaza is currently facing its “worst bombardment” since Israel’s onslaught on the besieged enclave began on Oct. 7, a UNICEF spokesman said on Sunday.

“This is the worst bombardment of the war right now in south Gaza. I am seeing massive child casualties,” James Elder said on X.

He added: “We have a final warning to save children; and our collective conscience.”

In a separate video message, Elder said he felt like he was “running out of ways” to describe the horrors children in the Gaza Strip face.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• At least four people were killed and nine others wounded in an Israeli strike late Sunday that targeted a hospital entrance in the northern Gaza Strip, local media reported.

• The Israeli army opened fire on two ambulances in the blockaded Gaza Strip late Sunday, wounding three people, as the incident occurred in northern Gaza, the Palestine Red Crescent said.

• Turkish citizens and their family members who were evacuated from the Gaza Strip due to Israel’s ongoing attacks arrived in Istanbul via Egypt early Monday. A Turkish Airlines plane carrying 142 Turkish citizens landed at Istanbul Airport from Cairo.

• Yemen’s Houthi group said that it targeted two Israeli ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea with a naval missile and a drone.

• Hamas has condemned UK decision to conduct surveillance flights over Israel and Gaza, and provide intelligence to Tel Aviv, saying this amounted to military involvement in the “genocidal” war on Gaza.

• The Israeli army said that its forces will fight in the southern Gaza Strip against Hamas militants “as they did in the north.”

• Majority of American women, 52%, and 67% of adults aged 18-34 disapprove of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, a survey of 1,013 respondents by US-based pollster Gallup suggested.

• Qatar said Sunday that it will continue its efforts with other countries to resume the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip with the goal of reaching a permanent cease-fire.

• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that the military alliance should be prepared for “bad news” from Ukraine as it continues to face Russia’s war of aggression.

• India has agreed to withdraw its soldiers from Maldives, the archipelagic nation’s President Mohamed Muizzu said on Sunday.

• India’s ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) won three out of four states in key regional elections, said election commission results on Sunday, the win is expected to boost the party ahead of general elections next year.

SPORTS

• Barcelona earn narrow win over Atletico Madrid in La Liga

Barcelona secured a narrow win over Atletico Madrid in week 15 of the Spanish La Liga on Sunday.

Joao Felix scored the winner from close range in the 28th minute, assisted by Raphinha at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Third-place Barcelona increased their points to 34, while Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand, are fourth with 31 points.

• Hasan Arat elected new president of Besiktas

Hasan Arat was elected the new president of Besiktas at an extraordinary general assembly meeting on Sunday.

The 64-year-old Trukish businessman won with 7,271 votes, receiving 2,714 more than second-placed Serdal Adali at the BJK Emlakjet Sports Complex in Istanbul.

Arat has become the 35th chairman of the Istanbul club.