Morning Briefing: March 15, 2024

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Friday with, including Israel killing 20 people awaiting aid in Gaza, the appointment of a new Palestinian prime minister, Houthi warning to Israel-linked vessels in the Indian Ocean, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s historic visit to Iraq after Ramadan.

TOP STORIES

• Israeli army opens fire on people awaiting aid in Gaza Strip

The Israeli army opened fire on people waiting for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing 20 and injuring at least 155.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza issued a statement saying the incident occurred at the Kuwait Roundabout, adding that it demonstrated “Israel's premeditated intent to carry out a new and horrific massacre.”

The process of evacuating the dead and injured is underway despite the challenging conditions in the region, it said, fearing the death toll will increase.

• Palestinian president assigns Mohammad Mustafa to form new government

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed Mohammad Mustafa as the new prime minister and asked him to form the government.

Mustafa will replace Mohammad Shtayyeh who resigned in February in the light of the developments related to the Israeli war on Gaza.

According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, Mustafa is currently the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF), a senior economic adviser to Abbas and a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee.

• Yemen’s Houthi to prevent Israel-linked ships from passing through Indian Ocean

The leader of the Yemen-based Houthis said his group will prevent Israel-linked ships from even passing through the Indian Ocean toward the Cape of Good Hope.

In a televised speech, Abdulmalik al-Houthi said they have so far targeted 73 ships and warships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

He added that 34 members of the group had been killed in the operations launched in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

• Türkiye, Iraq gear up for President Erdogan’s 'historic visit' to Baghdad

Türkiye and Iraq are gearing up for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Baghdad after Ramadan, signifying a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.

In a joint statement released by Türkiye and Iraq on Thursday, both sides confirmed that all efforts will be made for the success of President Erdogan's "historic” visit to Iraq after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The two sides also decided to establish joint committees to work in the fields of counter-terrorism, trade, agriculture, energy, water, health and transportation, aiming to bolster bilateral relations.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Kenyan President William Ruto announced plans to deploy a reconnaissance mission to Haiti to bolster support for the Caribbean nation following recent political turmoil.
  
  
• A 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolted Japan's Fukushima on Thursday, with no immediate reports of damage.
  
  
• Israel must make "significant course corrections" to achieve peace with the Palestinians, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
  
  
• At least 50 people died in Angola after being forced to drink an herbal potion to prove they were not sorcerers, a local official said.
  
  
• At least 25 workers were injured in a fire at a gas depot south of the Tunisian capital Tunis.
  
  
• At least 31,341 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since last October, according to the latest death toll announced by the Health Ministry in the enclave.
  
  
• The Al-Shabaab terrorist group stormed a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu following several bomb explosions and gunfire, resulting in casualties.
  
  
• The Palestinian group Hamas said it presented its comprehensive vision for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap deal with Israel to Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
  
  
• Despite Israeli restrictions, around 70,000 Palestinian worshippers performed Tarawih prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday.
  
  
  SPORTS
• Fenerbahce reach Conference League quarterfinals despite losing 2nd-leg game

Turkish team Fenerbahce reached the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals.

The Yellow Canaries passed the Round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate, despite losing the second-leg game 1-0 to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday.

Norwegian midfielder Mathias Rasmussen netted the only goal of the visitors in the 68th minute.

• Liverpool advance to Europa League quarterfinals with win over Sparta Prague

English Premier League side Liverpool advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals with a massive win over Sparta Prague.

The Reds beat the Czech team 6-1 to pass the Round of 16 with an aggregate score of 11-2.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US producer inflation in February rises 1.6% annually, 0.6% monthly

US producer inflation in February rose 1.6% annually and 0.6% on a monthly basis, as both figures came above market estimates.

The producer price index (PPI), which measures changes in the price of goods and services from a producer perspective, was expected to show an annual gain of 1.1%.

• IMF begins selection process for next managing director

The International Monetary Fund said its executive board has initiated the selection process for its next managing director.

The IMF said the board has "adopted an open, merit-based, and transparent process" for the selection process, adding that it aims to reach a decision by consensus by the end of April.