Morning Briefing: Feb. 5, 2024

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA)- Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday, including the killing of dozens of Palestinians in central Gaza by Israeli forces, the US ‘self-defense strikes’ against Houthis in the Red Sea, and a warning by Türkiye’s foreign minister about potential escalation in the region.

TOP STORIES

• Israeli forces kill dozens in central Gaza

At least 30 Palestinians were killed in the Deir al-Balah region of central Gaza in the last 24 hours as Israel continued its onslaught on the besieged enclave, local officials said Sunday.

The Israeli army carried out air attacks on the homes of civilians in Deir al-Balah and bombed a mosque in the same area, said the media office of the government in Gaza.

Noting that the attack was part of “Israel's genocidal war” against civilians in Gaza, it said the international community and the US administration, which gave the green light to the massacres, were responsible for the act.

• US conducts 'self-defense strikes' against Houthi missiles in Yemen

The US said Sunday that it conducted "self-defense strikes" against missiles in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi group.

"On Feb. 4 at approximately 5:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against a Houthi land attack cruise missile,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.

The US forces struck four anti-ship cruise missiles, all of which were prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea, it added.

• Turkish foreign minister warns of potential escalation in region

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday warned of a potential regional escalation amid ongoing US airstrikes on Iran-backed groups.

In an interview with a national television channel, Fidan said: "When you play with fire, that fire can turn into a blaze at any moment, becoming uncontrollable. We are facing a risk here, and the issue of uncontrollability stands before us as a threat."

Expressing that Türkiye is in constant talks with the US and regional partners, Fidan said: "We need to avoid the spread (of confrontation) in the region…”

NEWS IN BRIEF.

• Namibia appointed Nangolo Mbumba, the country’s former vice president, as its fourth head of state on Sunday, hours after his predecessor, Hage Geingob, passed away at the age of 82.

• At least 99 people have been killed and 1,600 have been left homeless by forest fires in central Chile’s Valparaiso region, authorities said Sunday.

• Hamas has not informed mediators of its rejection of a proposal for a hostage swap deal and a cease-fire in Gaza, a well-informed Palestinian source said Sunday.

• A US military base in Syria's Deir ez-Zor province came under drone attack from Iranian-backed groups, local sources said Monday.

• Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed US President Joe Biden's chief advisor Amos Hochstein that Tel Aviv is ready to resolve issues with Hezbollah through diplomatic agreements

• Afghanistan's Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan has been handed over to the Taliban administration, local media reported Sunday.

• At least 68 members of Myanmar’s border police have taken refuge in Bangladesh amid intensifying clashes between the junta’s armed forces and a rebel group inside the Southeast Asian nation.

• Without safe water, many more people will die from deprivation and disease, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Sunday.

• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Sunday that there is currently no imminent military threat from Russia towards a NATO member, highlighting the alliance's strengthened defense capabilities.

• Tunisians on Sunday voted in the second round of local elections, marred by a boycott from opposition parties.

• Palestinian group Hamas claimed Sunday to have killed 15 Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip amid a deadly Israeli offensive on the enclave.

• The Iranian army has unveiled a new and upgraded version of the indigenous air-to-surface anti-armor missile system amid rising tensions in the region.

SPORTS

• Arsenal claim 3-1 win over Liverpool

Arsenal defeated Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday in week 23 of the English Premier League.

Bukayo Saka scored a 14-minute goal, Gabriel Martinelli netted in the 67th minute, and Leandro Trossard added a stoppage-time goal in the 90th minute for the Gunners in the Emirates stadium.

The Reds found a 45-minute own goal from Gabriel Magalhaes.

• 2026 World Cup final to be played at MetLife Stadium in US

The final of the 2026 World Cup will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey in the US on July 19, FIFA confirmed Sunday.

The 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium is home to the National Football League's New York Jets and Giants and also hosted the 2016 final of the Copa America football tournament, where Chile beat Argentina.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Facebook turns 20

In its 20-year history, Facebook, among the most widely used social networks globally, continues its journey under the "Meta" umbrella despite controversies over data security and competition violations.

Founded by Mark Zuckerberg and three friends in a Harvard University dorm room on Feb. 4, 2004, Facebook continues to be the most widely used social media platform worldwide, according to information compiled by Anadolu.