Morning Briefing: Oct. 29, 2023

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including Türkiye saying it will introduce Israel to the world as war criminal, Gaza ground operation being approved unanimously, Hamas leader ready to conduct prisoner swap with Israel, and massive pro-Palestine rally in London.

TOP STORIES

• Türkiye to introduce Israel to world as war criminal: Turkish President Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country is preparing to reveal to the world that Israel is a war criminal.

Speaking at "Great Palestine Meeting," a pro-Palestine rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said: "Israel, we will also declare you as a war criminal to the world, we are preparing for it, and we will introduce Israel to the world as a war criminal."

He stressed that the Western world mobilized its politicians, and media to legitimize the massacre of the innocent people in Gaza, adding: "Israel is committing war crimes."

• Netanyahu says Gaza ground operation approved unanimously

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision to expand ground operations in the Gaza Strip was approved unanimously by the members of the war Cabinet.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Benny Gantz, Netanyahu said: “We are only at the beginning of the journey. The battle in the Gaza Strip will be tough and protracted, and we are prepared for it.”

• Hamas leader 'ready to conduct' prisoner swap with Israel

Hamas is "ready to conduct an immediate prisoners exchange deal" with Israel, the movement's chief in Gaza Yahya al-Sinwar said in a brief statement, his first since the start of the latest conflict on Oct. 7.

He added that the deal must include "the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for all prisoners held by the Palestinian resistance."

• Another massive pro-Palestine rally in London slams Israeli bombing of Gaza

Tens of thousands of people once again held a massive pro-Palestine rally in the British capital amid intensifying attacks on Gaza.

Chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, people gathered near Embankment station and moved towards Parliament Square with Palestinian flags.

As the Israeli attacks on Gaza intensified, the protesters called for an immediate cease-fire, criticizing the British government for its support to Israel.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Red Cross said Gaza's "still functioning hospitals are on the verge of collapse" amid a lack of electricity and medical supplies.
• Australia and Indonesia urged securing “greater humanitarian access to Gaza."
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Israel to stop its ongoing attacks on Gaza and get out of its “state of madness."
• Former US Vice President Mike Pence announced he is dropping out of the 2024 US presidential race.
• Türkiye rejected slander and baseless allegations by some Israeli officials against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• King Charles III extended warm congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic.
• Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke over the phone to discuss the latest developments in Palestinian territories.
• Türkiye welcomed UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, which is under heavy Israeli bombardment for three weeks.
• Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said he will prevent billionaire Elon Musk from providing internet to Gaza with his satellite-based communication system Starlink.

SPORTS

• Real Madrid fight back to beat Barcelona

Jude Bellingham scored two goals, including a stoppage time winner, as Real Madrid came back against Barcelona to win 2-1 in Saturday's El Clasico.