Morning Briefing: March 21, 2024

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Thursday with, including Israel’s heavy bombardment near Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, an independent body finding UNRWA upholding neutrality, and the resignation of Ireland’s prime minister.

TOP STORIES

• Dozens killed, injured in Israeli bombardment near Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital

Scores of Palestinians were killed and injured Wednesday in intense Israeli army shelling near the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in western Gaza City as they were breaking their fast on the 10th day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The artillery bombardment resulted in widespread fires in the areas, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians including women and children.

Hundreds were forced to flee to eastern Gaza City neighborhoods such as Tuffah, Zeitoun, Shejaiya and Sabra, an Anadolu correspondent reported.

• Independent review group finds UNRWA equipped to uphold principle of neutrality

An interim report revealed Wednesday that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has the necessary mechanisms to uphold the principle of neutrality following Israeli allegations.

Deputy spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino said at a news conference that the group investigated if UNRWA adheres to the principle of neutrality and what actions are taken when the principle is violated or when allegations are made against the agency.

She said "the independent review group will submit its interim report officially to the Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) later today."

• Leo Varadkar resigns as Irish prime minister, party chief

Leo Varadkar, the leader of Ireland's Fine Gael party, announced Wednesday that he is resigning from his post as prime minister ahead of the country's next general election, according to the Irish media.

"My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political," he said, according to the Irish Times.

He first assumed the role of premier, or taoiseach, in 2017, with his term extended until 2020 when he transitioned to the role of deputy prime minister, or Tanaiste, until December 2022.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Indonesia's election commission on Wednesday declared former Gen. Prabowo Subianto as the winner of last month's presidential election after completing the official counting.

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said early Thursday that a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is “very much possible’ and the “gaps are narrowing” as talks in Qatar continue.

• Türkiye's EU accession process is too important to be left to the limited "political agendas of some countries," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday.

• Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno reiterated on Wednesday the urgency of a swift and lasting cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

• The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 51 irregular migrants and captured 13 others off the coast of Izmir province.

• At least 17 Israeli soldiers have been killed in attacks by the Lebanese Hezbollah group since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza in early October, an Israeli media outlet said late Wednesday.

• Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi admitted Wednesday that an operation carried out by his forces in the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City aimed to “pressure” Hamas during ongoing negotiations in Qatar.

• Pakistani security forces killed eight attackers on Wednesday after they stormed a government complex in the strategic port city of Gawadar in southwestern Balochistan province.

• Vaughan Gething on Wednesday was elected as the first minister of Wales, becoming the first Black leader of a government in the UK and in any European country.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his army is preparing to enter Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, adding that "this will take a little time."

SPORTS

• Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton calls for cease-fire in Gaza

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton on Wednesday called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli attacks since last October have killed 31,000 Palestinians and left more than half of the population in catastrophic food insecurity.

"Sending my love and support to all the people in Palestine who are spending this holy time facing danger, loss and heartbreak," the seven-time world champion wrote on Instagram.

• Fenerbahce Beko sink Barcelona 88-74 to boost Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoff chances

Fenerbahce Beko beat Barcelona 88-74 in a Wednesday Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season game to increase their playoff chances.

Fourth-place Fenerbahce dominated the whole game in Istanbul. The victors' American-Turkish playmaker guard Scottie Wilbekin scored 18 points.

The hosts' four players Nigel Hayes-Davis, Tarik Biberovic, Marko Guduric and Nick Calathes scored at least 12 points against Barcelona.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US Fed skips rate hike, keeps interest rate unchanged between 5.25% - 5.5%

The US Federal Reserve skipped an interest rate hike Wednesday, as widely expected, and kept its federal funds rate unchanged between the 5.25% - 5.5% target range.

"In considering any adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks," it said in a statement.

• Biden unveils $8.5B deal with Intel under CHIPS Act

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced up to a $8.5 billion preliminary agreement with chipmaker Intel under the CHIPS and Science Act.

The agreement also includes funding of $11 billion in loans under the act to set aside $52.7 billion to increase the production of US-made semiconductors, address supply chain vulnerabilities by producing more goods in the US and bolster domestic scientific research.