Morning Briefing: June 1, 2024

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Saturday, including US President Joe Biden's remarks on cease-fire proposal in Gaza, more than 70 bodies being recovered in Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip after Israeli army's 20-day assault, and Italy ruling out sending troops to Ukraine.

TOP STORIES

• Biden says Israel presented Hamas with 3-phase deal to end war on Gaza

US President Joe Biden said Friday that Israel has presented Hamas with a three-phase deal that would end all hostilities in the besieged Gaza Strip and release hostages that continue to be held in the coastal enclave.

"It's time to begin this new stage, the hostages to come home, for Israel to be secure, for the suffering to stop. It's time for this war to end, for the day after to begin," the president said in remarks delivered from the White House.

The president appealed to Hamas to accept the deal, and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stave off pressure from members of his governing coalition who are opposed to the plan.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reiterated his intention to continue the country's offensive in the Gaza Strip until all of Tel Aviv's war goals are achieved.

"The war will not end until all of its goals are achieved, including the return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities," said Netanyahu's office.

• Palestinian Civil Defense recovers over 70 dead bodies in Jabalia after Israeli withdrawal

The Palestinian Civil Defense on Friday said its teams recovered bodies of more than 70 people killed in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip during the Israeli army's 20-day assault on the refugee camp.

The Israeli army had earlier completely withdrawn from the camp area and its surroundings after the offensive, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

In a statement, Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal told Anadolu that most of the corpses found belong to women and children.

• Italy rules out sending troops to Ukraine, use of its weapons to strike inside Russia

The Italian foreign minister ruled out sending troops to Ukraine and the use of Italian weapons to hit targets inside Russia.

"It's impossible for Italy to send soldiers to Ukraine also to use our weapons in Russia," Antonio Tajani said before an informal NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in the Czech capital of Prague.

Stressing that Rome will continue to support Ukraine, the Italian minister, however, said that under Italy’s Constitution, it is impossible to allow the use of its weapons to hit inside Russia and deploy troops to Ukraine.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• More than 98% of bakeries in the Gaza Strip have ceased operations due to a severe gas shortage caused by the tight siege imposed by Israel on the enclave, the Gaza Government Media Office said on Friday.

• The EU's foreign policy chief expressed support on Friday for a roadmap to an "enduring ceasefire and the release of hostages" announced by US President Joe Biden.

• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday discussed the latest proposal raised in negotiations between Palestinian group Hamas and Israel in a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

• Democrat and Republican leaders of both chambers of the US Congress invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address lawmakers.

• UN World Food Program Country Director in Palestine, Matthew Hollingworth, emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire, saying that calls for action in Gaza are not being heeded.

• The EU decided to disburse €16 million ($17.3 million) to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying Washington is working to allow more aid into the Palestinian enclave.

• The Russian armed forces carried out 25 group strikes with high-precision weapons, including hypersonic Kinzhal Dagger missiles and drones, on various targets in Ukraine in the past week.

• Spain hit four low-cost airlines with a historic €150 million ($162 million) fine for abusive practices.

• Israel claimed that two drones crossed from Lebanon and crashed in the settlement of Zaura in the Syrian-occupied Golan Heights without causing injuries.

• The US admitted that it approved a Ukrainian request to use US-supplied weapons to conduct strikes on Russian territory.

• Zambian authorities arrested an opposition leader, two deputies and an activist on charges of espionage and inciting tribal war.

• The guilty verdict and accusations against former US President Donald Trump appear to be "attempts by the current authorities to eliminate political rivals by any means," said the Kremlin.

• China’s President Xi Jinping hosted Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for official talks in Beijing.

• Researchers have discovered a new species of dinosaur in Zimbabwe.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

• Americans' personal income growth, spending slow in April

Americans' personal income growth and personal spending slowed in April, according to official figures.

Personal income increased $65.3 billion, or 0.3%, at a monthly rate in April, according to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis.

While the figure was in line with estimates, it is a slowdown from the 0.5% monthly increase recorded in March.

• Spain fines low-cost airlines more than $160M for ‘abusive’ charges

Spain hit four low-cost airlines with a historic €150 million ($162 million) fine for abusive practices on Friday, according to the Spanish consumer organization OCU.

The fines are being applied to Ryanair, Easy Jet, Vueling and Volotea.

The airlines are accused of abusive practices for charging extra to reserve seats next to children or other dependent people; charging extra for cabin baggage; a failure to be transparent about the ticket’s final price; and not accepting cash at the airport and on board the airplane.

SPORTS

• Rublev fails in 3rd round, Sinner reaches 4th in 2024 French Open

Men's tennis world no. 6 Andrey Rublev failed in the third round of the 2024 French Open, while world no. 2 Jannik Sinner reached the fourth round.

Italian Matteo Arnaldi eliminated Rublev 7-6(8-6), 6-2, 6-4.

"It's incredible. I think I played the best tennis for sure of my life, I'd say, because to do it for three sets -- it's easy to do in two sets in a normal tournament, but in a slam playing three sets at this level, I think I wasn't even expecting," the Italian said after eliminating his Russian opponent.

• Irving, Doncic rally Dallas Mavericks to NBA Finals

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic rallied the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals by dropping 36 points each against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.

The Mavericks won their fourth game in the series 124 - 103 at Target Center in Minneapolis.

"I just had that utmost confidence when I was going to sleep last night and went to shoot around this morning," said Irving. "Just feeling like we were going to play one of our best games."