Morning Briefing: Jan. 7, 2024

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Sunday, including US’ Secretary of State Antony Blinken's meetings with Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul, pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the UK, and Russian attacks on Ukraine's Donetsk region, resulting in over 10 people killed, including children.

TOP STORIES

• With Mideast in crisis, US’ Blinken meets Turkish president, foreign minister in Istanbul

Turkish President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Fidan met with US Secretary of State Blinken in Istanbul to discuss a number of issues, including the Gaza crisis, Sweden's NATO membership bid, and the proposed US sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye.

The closed-door meeting addressed regional concerns, and Blinken is reportedly set to continue his regional tour focusing on humanitarian aid, reducing violence, and promoting Middle East peace.

Ankara expects Washington to conclude the process for the sale of the F-16s, Fidan told Blinken in a one-on-one Istanbul meeting.

• Over 10 people, including children, killed in Russian attacks in Ukraine's Donetsk region

A Russian missile attack in Ukraine's Donetsk region resulted in the death of over 10 people, including children.

The assault targeted the city of Pokrovsk, causing the collapse of two houses and the destruction of an apartment in Rivne.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with rescuers concerned over additional people trapped in the rubble.

• Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in UK intensify calls for immediate Gaza cease-fire

As Israel's war on Gaza extends into its 93rd day, pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the UK stepped up their calls for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the blockaded strip.

Protesters demanded an immediate cease-fire, criticizing UK leaders for perceived inaction. Demonstrations in various cities, including London, targeted political figures like opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer. Speakers at the protests, they condemned Israel's actions, highlighting the destruction in Gaza and urging an end to UK support for what they call Israel’s "genocide."

A demonstration in solidarity with Palestine was also held in Berlin on Saturday. Nearly 1,500 protesters gathered at Mehringplatz Square and marched to Potsdamer Platz in the center of the German capital, conveying messages of support to Palestine as well as protesting Israel's attacks on Gaza.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday in the capital Tel Aviv, demanding the dissolution of parliament and the holding of early elections.

• The US shot down a drone launched from Yemen in the Red Sea amid rising tensions with Yemen’s rebel Houthis.

• In a phone conversation with his French counterpart, Iran's foreign minister called for "practical measures" by Paris to end the war in Gaza.

• Russia said an attempt by Ukraine to launch Neptune anti-ship missiles over the Black Sea has been thwarted.

• Turkish airstrikes destroyed 15 PKK terrorist targets in northern Iraq believed to be hideouts of ringleaders.

• India’s first space mission to study the sun has reached its destination.

• The South Korean military claimed that North Korea fired 60 artillery shells into waters off its western coast.

• An Alaska Airlines passenger aircraft in the US had to make an emergency landing when a chunk of the fuselage broke away mid-flight.

• 122 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, raising the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza to 22,722; 58,166 others were also injured, said the Gaza Health Ministry.

• An air attack was carried out on the US base in northwestern Syria with a kamikaze uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)

SPORTS

• Mario Zagallo, Brazil's 4-time FIFA World Cup champion, dies at 92

"The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) and Brazilian football mourn the death of one of its greatest legends, Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo. The CBF offers solidarity to his family and fans in this moment of grief," CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues said in a statement.

Rodrigues added that there will be seven days of mourning and a minute's silence will be observed ahead of all matches this weekend.

• Turkish sports clubs ask fans for support to send Alperen Sengun to NBA All-Star Game

Turkish sports clubs, including Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, asked fans for support to send Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

Sharing a link to vote.nba.com/en on X, Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak encouraged Turks to vote for Sengun.

"Now is the time for support! Every vote we cast today for Alperen holds the potential for a buzzer-beater effect, much like a skillful shot from behind the 3-point line," Askin wrote.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Türkiye, UK sign $1.3B financing deal for new railway line

Ankara and London signed a $1.3 billion financing deal for the construction of a new high-speed electric railway line in central Türkiye, between the city of Kayseri and the small town of Yerkoy.

During a meeting at the British Consulate in Istanbul on Friday, Kemi Badenoch, the UK trade minister, hailed the agreement as “a huge testament to our trading relationship,” speaking of the two countries.

Badenoch said this is the third time the UK has worked with Türkiye to secure the future of a sustainable large-scale transport project.