Morning Briefing: Oct. 22, 2023

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including entry of first relief convoy into Gaza Strip, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's remarks at Cairo Peace Summit warning against attempts to displace Palestinians, and Israeli army urging Palestinians in the northern Gaza to move the south.

TOP STORIES

• First relief convoy begins to enter Gaza Strip from Egyptian side of Rafah crossing

The first convoy of relief trucks has begun to enter the Gaza Strip from the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, the Red Crescent said.

This first relief convoy, which comprises a total of 20 trucks, is currently in the process of passing through the Rafah border gate, the Red Crescent told Anadolu.

• Abbas warns against attempts to displace Palestinian people

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday warned against attempts to displace the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, or anywhere else.

In his speech at the Cairo Peace Summit, Abbas said: "Israel indiscriminately targets thousands of civilians, hospitals, schools, and shelter centers in the Gaza Strip."

• Civilians who don't leave northern Gaza to be considered associate of 'terrorists': Israel

The Israeli army said that anyone choosing to stay in the northern Gaza Strip and not go to the south under a previous evacuation order will be considered a partner of "terrorist."

Israeli aircraft dropped "urgent warning" flyers into the besieged enclave, urging Palestinians in the northern Gaza to move south.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said Saturday that his forces will enter Gaza to carry out an "operational mission with the aim of eliminating Hamas members," according to a statement by the military, which was reviewed by an Anadolu’s correspondent.

• Hamas’ armed wing said Saturday it wanted to release two Israeli captives without any conditions but Israel "refused to receive them."

• Hezbollah said Saturday it dealt the Israeli army "confirmed" casualties in a cross-border attack on two military barracks.

• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the current situation and latest developments in Gaza over the phone on Saturday with Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, which governs the besieged enclave.
  

• Israel's refusal to allow fuel to enter the Gaza Strip is threatening the lives of 130 premature babies in the besieged enclave's hospitals, local authorities said on Saturday.

• A young British woman carrying a Palestinian flag was the victim of a physical and verbal assault Saturday in central London amid a reported spike in hate crimes.

• Israel should exercise its right to self-defense in accordance to international law, the president of the European Council reiterated on Saturday.

• The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday called for a “sustained” access for health aid in the Gaza Strip.

SPORTS

• England legend Sir Bobby Charlton dies aged 86

  Manchester United legend helped England win 1966 FIFA World Cup as he scored 49 goals in 106 matches for national team.

  "Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world," Manchester United said in a statement.

• Arsenal salvage draw against Chelsea on road in London Derby

  Gunners come from 2 goals down to snatch 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge

  Second-place Arsenal have 21 points and ninth-place Chelsea collected 12 points so far in the English top-division table.