Morning Briefing: March 17, 2024

By Gozde Bayar

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Sunday, including Israel killing at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza, preparations of the 2nd humanitarian ship, which will depart for Gaza and the demonstrations against Israel's onslaught in Gaza.

TOP STORIES

• 63 Palestinians killed in Gaza in last 24 hours, death toll climbs to 31,553

At least 63 Palestinians were killed and 112 injured in the last 24 hours as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, according to the territory's Health Ministry.

"The Israeli occupation committed seven massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 63 martyrs and 112 injured during the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

Many are still trapped under the rubble and on roads as rescuers are unable to reach them, it added.

• 2nd humanitarian aid ship from Greek Cypriot administration preparing to depart for Gaza

Another ship, which will carry humanitarian aid from the Greek Cypriot administration to Gaza, is planned to set sail after the loading process, a charity said on Saturday.

Hundreds of tons of food supplies, including pallets of dates, “which hold spiritual significance during Ramadan” were being loaded on a ship at Larnaca Port, US-based charity World Central Kitchen said on its X account.

According to Alithia newspaper's website, the amount of humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza via the second ship has been determined at 500 tons.

• Thousands gather in Berlin, Geneva to protest Israel's onslaught against Gaza

Demonstrations in support of Palestine were carried out Saturday in Germany and Switzerland to protest Israel's onslaught against the Gaza Strip.

A large number of people gathered in the area near Sonnenallee Train Station in Berlin’s Neukölln district.

Demonstrators marched to Hermann Square carrying Palestinian flags, banners and placards with messages that read: "Stop the genocide in Gaza", "Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine", "Ceasefire now" and "Freedom for Palestine."

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Indians will start going to the polls April 19 to elect lawmakers in the lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, authorities announced.
• The Taliban welcomed a one-year extension of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission (UNAMA) in Afghanistan.
• Russia claimed that it successfully hit Ukrainian military targets in southern Odesa and northeastern Sumy regions.
• The voter turnout in the 2024 Russian presidential election exceeded 55% on the second day of voting, according to the country’s Central Election Commission.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he is gravely concerned over reports of Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah.
  
• One-third of children under the age of 2 in northern Gaza are acutely malnourished, said the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
  
• An Israeli delegation, which will participate in cease-fire negotiations in Gaza, will visit Qatar as the kingdom is serving as an intermediary, sources said Saturday.
• Lebanese group Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli military sites along the southern border of Lebanon.
• American rapper and producer Lil Jon embraced Islam at a mosque in the US state of California.
• Niger's junta announced Saturday it canceled a 2012 defense cooperation agreement with the US.
  

SPORTS​​​​​​​

• Real Madrid beat Osasuna 4 - 2 on road in La Liga

Real Madrid secured a 4 - 2 win against Osasuna in week 29 of the Spanish La Liga.

Real Madrid broke the deadlock with Vinicius Junior in the fourth minute but Osasuna leveled the match with Ante Budimir in the seventh minute at the El Sadar stadium.

• Bayern Munich hammer Darmstadt 98 in Bundesliga

Bayern Munich toppled Darmstadt 98 by a score of 5-2 on matchday 26 of the Bundesliga.

Playing at Merck-Stadion am Bollenfalltor, Jamal Musiala scored twice in the 36th and 64th minutes, while Harry Kane scored in minute 45, Serge Gnabry produced a goal in the 74th minute and Mathys Tel netted in stoppage time.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Azerbaijan expects growing demand for its energy in Europe

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Saturday that the country is currently exporting energy to eight countries and that demand for the commodity in Europe will increase in the coming years.

Aliyev said at a news conference in the capital Baku following a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze that he sees Tbilisi as a reliable trade partner and gas transit route for Baku.

Azerbaijan has resources, financial investment opportunities, and extensive transit opportunities, the president noted.