Morning Briefing: May 29, 2024

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Wednesday with, including a surge in death toll in Israel’s deadly strike in Rafah, Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognizing Palestinian statehood, and UN Security Council proposal by Algeria to "stop killing" in Rafah.

TOP STORIES

• At least 200 killed in Israel's recent attack on Rafah camp: UN agency

The UN on Tuesday emphasized the grim picture following the Israeli airstrike on a camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, saying that at least 200 people were killed.

"According to some international medical sources that our teams spoke to at least 200 people were killed in that attack, among them women and children," Juliette Touma, an official of UNRWA told reporters.

Noting that more than a million people have left Rafah since May 6, Touma said the displacement is still ongoing.

• Ireland, Norway, Spain formally recognize Palestinian statehood

Ireland, Norway and Spain on Tuesday formally recognized Palestine as a state.

Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said on X: "Today's Government decision authorizes the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also announced the development, saying: “This is a historic decision that has a single goal — to contribute to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”

Norway’s recognition was announced by Foreign Minister Espen Eide in a statement, who said it "is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine."

• Algeria to propose UN Security Council resolution to 'stop killing' in Rafah

Algeria is circulating a draft UN Security Council resolution to "stop the killing" in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah as Israel intensifies its attacks in the densely populated area.

"Algeria will circulate this afternoon a draft resolution on Rafah. It will be a short text, a decisive text, to stop the killing in Rafah," Algeria’s Ambassador to the UN, Amar Bendjama, told reporters after a Security Council meeting.

It is not immediately clear when the voting on the draft resolution will take place.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The US urged Israel to investigate itself after it carried out a deadly airstrike on a displaced persons camp over the weekend that killed dozens of Palestinians.

• Mexico formally requested to intervene in the case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

• The Turkish National Security Council emphasized the critical importance of increasing the number of countries that recognize Palestine as a state, and stepping up efforts to hold those responsible for "massacres" accountable.

• French President Emmanuel Macron said he is “totally ready” to recognize the Palestinian statehood, but it must be at a “useful moment.”

• At least 20 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in an Israeli attack on a refugee tent encampment west of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, according to local authorities.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin said the only legitimate power in Ukraine right now is the parliament called Verkhovna Rada and its speaker.

• Amnesty International in the UK strongly condemned the recent airstrikes on Rafah, describing them as "horrific" and accusing Israeli forces of escalating attacks in the occupied Gaza Strip "in defiance of international law".

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF) filed its third complaint with the International Criminal Court on Israeli war crimes against journalists.

• The Israeli army announced sending another fighting brigade in Rafah, to join five brigades already in the southern Gaza city, as it expands its incursion.

• Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Downing Street in London to protest the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza, condemning the British government's alleged complicity in the tragedy.

SPORTS

• Sabalenka clinches victory against Andreeva in Roland-Garros opener

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus eased past Erika Andreeva of Russia in straight sets in her French Open first-round match Tuesday.

The world no. 2 defeated Andreeva, who is ranked no. 100, 6-1, 6-2 on the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris in a match that lasted one hour and eight minutes.

• Olympiacos to take on Fiorentina in UEFA Conference League final

Greek team Olympiacos will take on last season's runners-up, Italian Serie A club Fiorentina, in the UEFA Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.

The Greek side will fight for their maiden UEFA trophy, while the Italian club aim for their second UEFA title after the 1961 Cup Winners' Cup, at Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US sanctions individuals, entities related to cybercrime network

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on three individuals and three entities that are related to a cybercrime network.

Yunhe Wang, Jingping Liu and Yanni Zheng are designated for their activities associated with the malicious botnet tied to the residential proxy service known as 911 S5, it said in a statement.

Spicy Code Company Limited, Tulip Biz Pattaya Group Company Limited and Lily Suites Company Limited were also sanctioned for being owned or controlled by Wang.

• IMF revises up Brazil's medium-term economic growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it expects Brazil's economic growth to average 2.5% over the medium term, an upward revision from its 2% estimate made last year.

"Over the past two years, Brazil’s economy has shown remarkable resilience as inflation has declined to within the target interval," the IMF said in a statement after completing its Article IV Consultation with Brazilian authorities.