Morning Briefing: Jan. 8, 2024

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday, including calls for urgent transfer of thousands of critically injured from Gaza, Bangladeshi ruling party's victory in general elections, and a meeting between US secretary of state and the Qatari emir.

TOP STORIES

• Gaza calls for urgent transfer of 6,000 critically injured

The government in Gaza announced Sunday that 6,000 critically injured people in the enclave need to be transferred abroad for treatment amid a humanitarian disaster due to Israel’s blockade and ongoing attacks.

In a statement, it said that 30 hospitals in the area are out of service as more than 58,000 people have been injured due to the attacks.

Only 10 to 20 wounded are reportedly allowed to be transported per day, which has added to the hardships suffered by injured Palestinians, whose numbers are rising daily.

• Bangladeshi ruling party wins election, says preliminary results

Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party won the required parliamentary seats in the general elections on Sunday, according to preliminary results, a long-known outcome amid an election boycott by the opposition parties.

The Awami League won at least 189 parliamentary seats, the ruling party’s allies Jatiya Party bagged 11 seats, and independent candidates won 60, according to the unofficial results announced by the Bangladesh Election Commission.

However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked her supporters not to celebrate the victory.

The voter turnout was 40% in the election, according to chief election commissioner.

• Qatar’s emir meets Blinken, calls for immediate cease-fire in Gaza

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani called Sunday for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the blockaded territory.

His remarks came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who arrived in Doha as part of a regional tour.

The Qatari emir underscored the need to work for a permanent cease-fire, protect civilians, allow sufficient aid into Gaza and de-escalate tensions “to guarantee stability and security in the region,” QNA said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Two more Palestinian journalists including the son of Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief, were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, bringing the death toll since Oct. 7 to 109, the government media office said.

• Nearly 7,000 Rohingya refugees have become homeless as a fire blazed through a camp in Cox’s Bazar early Sunday, home to about 1.2 million refugees, according to officials.

• Former Israeli Supreme Court President Aharon Barak will be part of a 15-judge panel at the International Court of Justice that will hear South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

• Israel’s military chief Herzi Halevi said that the war in Gaza will likely continue throughout the year.

• The Pakistan Navy said Sunday that it has deployed warships in the Arabian Sea following “recent maritime security incidents” in the region.

• Thousands of protesters gathered in the heart of Berlin on Sunday to denounce Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, the demonstrators crowding a street with a striking vehicle convoy that traversed the city.

• A cyberattack targeted Sunday the screens of departures and arrivals at a Beirut airport in Lebanon, state media reported, hacked screens at Rafik Hariri airport displayed anti-Hezbollah content.

• The cost of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has reached 217 billion shekels ($59.3 billion), whose objectives have not yet been achieved, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said Sunday.

SPORTS

• Liverpool eliminate Arsenal to reach English FA Cup 4th round

Liverpool eliminated Arsenal 2-0 in an English FA Cup match in London to qualify for the fourth round in the domestic tournament.

In the 80th minute, Gunners defender Jakub Kiwior scored an own goal with his head after a curled free-kick.

Later, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz scored on a counterattack to double the gap and cement the away win.

• Besiktas hire former Portugal head coach as new boss

Besiktas on Sunday appointed former Portugal boss Fernando Santos as the new head coach of the Istanbul football club.

Portuguese national Santos, 69, led Portugal to UEFA EURO 2016 title, the country's first major trophy.

During his more-than-eight-year spell, Santos also guided Portugal to the 2019 UEFA Nations League championship.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Libya declares force majeure at Sharara oilfield amid protests

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared force majeure on Sunday at the Sharara oilfield in southern Libya amid protests.

Force majeure is a legal measure that exempts contractual parties from any obligations arising due to an event beyond their control.

El-Sharara oilfield produces more than 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day, forming roughly one-third of the oil-rich country's production.

• Jordan, Rwanda sign agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation

Jordan and Rwanda have signed agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, the Royal Hashemite Court said Sunday.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in the capital Kigali as part of his visit to Rwanda, said a statement issued by the court.

The leaders agreed to expand cooperation between their countries in the fields of politics, health, economy, defense and counter-terrorism.​​​​​​​