Morning Briefing: Feb. 27, 2024

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Tuesday, including the US president hoping for Gaza cease-fire by next week, the death of the US airman who self-immolated over Gaza genocide, Hungarian parliament approving Sweden's NATO bid, and the conclusion of oral arguments at the ICJ on Israel's actions in Palestinian territories.

TOP STORIES

• US president optimistic for Gaza cease-fire by March 4

US President Joe Biden said he hopes a cease-fire will be reached in the Gaza Strip by March 4.

"I hope by the end of the weekend … My national security adviser tells me that we’re close. We’re close. We’re not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we’ll have a cease-fire," Biden told reporters at an ice cream parlor during a campaign visit in New York City.

Israel has killed at least 29,782 Palestinians and caused mass destruction, and shortages of necessities since the Oct. 7 cross-border incursion by Palestinian group Hamas.

• US airman who self-immolated over Gaza genocide dies in hospital

A member of the US Air Force who set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington in protest of the conflict in the Gaza Strip has died in a local hospital, police confirmed.

Aaron Bushnell, 25, who was an active-duty member of the US Air Force, set himself on fire Sunday to protest the "genocide" in Gaza.

He was dispatched to an area hospital due to "critical life-threatening injuries," said the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.

• Hungarian parliament approves Sweden's NATO bid

Hungary’s parliament voted Monday to approve Sweden's NATO membership, essentially sealing the deal, as it was the only member of the alliance that had not yet given the green light.

The vote took place in the capital Budapest following a meeting last week between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson.

The vote passed with 188 members for and six against.

With Hungary’s approval, Sweden has obtained the consent of all 31 NATO member states, which is needed for any new members.

• World Court public hearings on Israel’s occupation of Palestine concludes

Public hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s occupation of Palestine concluded after a week of oral statements by dozens of countries.

Along with Palestine, 49 other states, including Türkiye, the US, UK, and three international organizations presented oral statements in The Hague.

"The Court will now begin its deliberation. The Court’s advisory opinion will be delivered at a public sitting, the date of which will be announced in due course," the top UN court said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The unfolding situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is "extraordinary" and "extremely dangerous," Türkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yildiz told the ICJ, demanding an immediate cease-fire.

• Türkiye is focused on the F-16 warplanes rather than F-35s, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

• Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh sent the resignation of his government to President Mahmoud Abbas.

• Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said an Israeli airstrike in central Lebanon “will not go unanswered.”

• Hamas held the Biden administration responsible for the death of a US airman who set himself on fire over the Gaza conflict.

• The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed concern over food security in the Gaza Strip.

• Hundreds of angry farmers returned to Brussels to escalate protests ahead of Tuesday's European agriculture ministers’ meeting.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that an all-out Israeli offensive in Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are sheltering, would put an end to the UN assistance programs.

• Saudi Arabia denied reports that its Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi met an Israeli official.

SPORTS

• Girona continue chase for La Liga top spot after win over Rayo Vallecano

Girona continued their push for the top spot in the Spanish La Liga after beating Rayo Vallecano 3-0.

Ukrainian winger Viktor Tsygankov netted the first goal, while Brazilian midfielder Savio tallied the second goal with a left footed shot in the box in the 91st minute. Then just four minutes later, he netted another one.

• Turkish football body bans Galatasaray star Mauro Icardi for a match

The Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) disciplinary body banned Galatasaray's Argentine star Mauro Icardi for a match for inappropriate behavior.

The TFF in a statement said Icardi, 31, was banned from an official match for "his insult towards the fans of the opposing team" during a Turkish Super Lig competition between MKE Ankaragucu and Galatasaray on Feb. 18. He was also given a fine of 19,500 Turkish liras ($625).

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US aims to become major producer of logic chips by 2030: Commerce secretary

The US aims to become a major manufacturer of leading-edge logic chips by the end of this decade, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.

"We anticipate that our investments in leading-edge logic chip manufacturing will put us on track to produce roughly 20% of the world’s leading-edge logic chips by 2030, up from the zero percent we produce today," Raimondo said during an event.

• Global economy on track for soft landing, but growth remains weak: IMF

The global economy appears on track for a soft landing, but activity and growth prospects remain weak, the International Monetary Fund said in a report.

"The cyclical position of G20 countries has proven stronger than previously anticipated as disinflation has so far proceeded without triggering a recession and emerging market economies have demonstrated improved resilience," said the G20 Surveillance Note.