Morning Briefing: Jan. 5, 2024

By Seda Sevencan and Gozde Bayar

ISTANBUL / ANKARA (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Friday, including statements by the Gaza government's media office about massacres committed by Israel, UN rights chief condemnation of Israel, and time of general elections in the UK.

TOP STORIES

• Israel committed 6 massacres in areas claimed to be 'safe' in 3 days, killing 31 people

The Israeli army committed six massacres within three days by forcibly pushing people to areas that were claimed to be "safe" in Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip, and then bombing them, resulting in the death of 31 people, the Gaza government's media office said.

“The genocidal war against civilians, children, and women in the Gaza Strip will remain a stain on humanity and all the world who witnessed these crimes and remained inactive to put an end to this immoral genocide war,” the office said in a statement.

• UN rights chief 'very disturbed' by Israeli proposals to resettle Palestinians outside Gaza

The UN human rights chief said he is "very disturbed" by the Israeli government’s suggestion of mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

"Very disturbed by high-level Israeli officials' statements on plans to transfer civilians from #Gaza to third countries," Volker Turk said in a post shared by the human rights office on X.

Stressing that 85% of the Gaza population is already internally displaced, Turk said: "They have the right to return to their homes."

• General elections to take place in 2nd half of 2024, hints British premier

The UK general elections will take place in the second half of this year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

“My working assumption is we’ll have a general election in the second half of this year and in the meantime, I’ve got lots that I want to get on with,” he said during a visit to Nottinghamshire.

Sunak addressed speculations surrounding a potential May election, reiterating his commitment to economic stability and tax reduction while pushing back on the idea of an early election. Senior Labour figures had previously predicted a May election, but Sunak asserted his intention to wait until the second part of the year.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• A leader of the pro-Iran Hashd al-Shaabi military force was killed in a US strike in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, the group confirmed.

• Several Palestinians suffered suffocation during the Israeli army's raid in the West Bank during a commemoration ceremony for Deputy Chief of Hamas Saleh Arouri, who was assassinated earlier this week by Israel.

• The unsealed court documents in Jeffrey Epstein's case, involving allegations of sex trafficking of minors, and pedophilia, reveal names like former US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, UK Prince Andrew, and other celebrities.

• At least one person died as floods continued to sweep northern and eastern parts of France, local media reported.

• The UN’s relief chief warned against the deepening of human suffering in Sudan due to an ongoing war in the country.

• One of the two explosions that ripped through a crowded area in southeastern Iran's city of Kerman on Wednesday was a suicide blast, state media said.

• Israel is preparing to expel hundreds of Arabs and residents from East Jerusalem to Palestinian Authority areas, citing alleged ties to terrorism, according to Israeli army radio.

• Multiple people have been shot at a high school in the US state of Iowa, said a sheriff.

SPORTS

• Novak Djokovic with wrist injury suffers 1st loss in Australia for 6 years

Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic suffered his first defeat of the season and first in Australia for six years in straight sets against Alex de Minaur on Wednesday.

Struggling with a wrist injury, Djokovic lost to Alex de Minaur from Australia with the sets of 6-4 and 6-4 on Day 6 of the United Cup Tennis at RAC Arena in Perth.

• Fenerbahce Beko beat Maccabi 109-74 in EuroLeague

Fenerbahce Beko beat Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 109-74 on Thursday in round 19 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

US guard Tyler Dorsey rallied the Yellow Canaries to victory with 21 points, while Jonathan Motley added 17 at Kalnapilio Arena.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US private payrolls rise 164,000 in December, much more than estimates

US private payrolls rose by 164,000 in December, much more than market estimates, according to a report released Thursday by a research institute.

The market expectation for the figure was to show an increase of 115,000 jobs.

• Global economic growth estimated to slow to 2.4% in 2024: UN report

Global economic growth is projected to decline from an estimated 2.7% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024, according to a UN report released Thursday.

The World Economic Situation and Prospects report said growth is forecast to improve moderately to 2.7% in 2025 but will remain below the pre-pandemic trend growth rate of 3.0%.