Morning Briefing: Sept. 1, 2024

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Sunday, including the UN rights office urging Israel to halt military operations in the northern occupied West Bank city of Jenin, Tel Aviv saying that its forces have killed 26 Palestinians during its ongoing West Bank offensive, and Russia, accusing Ukraine of a deadly attack, demanding international condemnation.

TOP STORIES

• UN rights office urges Israel to halt military operations in Jenin, northern West Bank

The UN Human Rights Office called for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in the Jenin refugee camp, condemning the use of "unlawful force."

In a statement, the rights office criticized the Israeli forces' use of military weapons and tactics in the densely populated area, home to about 11,000 Palestinians.

The ongoing Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp and "adjacent parts of the city has led apparently to unlawful killings, insecurity for Palestinian residents and enormous destruction of the camp," it said.

• Israeli army says its forces have killed 26 Palestinians during West Bank offensive

The Israeli army announced that its ongoing offensive in the northern occupied West Bank has resulted in the deaths of 26 Palestinians

In a statement, the army said its forces killed 26 Palestinians and arrested about 30 others since the start of its offensive in several cities of the territory.

The Israeli army continues its military offensive in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp for the fourth consecutive day, causing significant damage amid clashes that have lasted throughout the night, eyewitnesses told Anadolu.

• Russia accuses Ukraine of deadly attack, demands international condemnation

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that five civilians were killed and 46 others injured in what it described as a Ukrainian attack on the Belgorod region, using cluster munitions.

The ministry condemned the attack, labeling it a "barbaric strike" that resulted in significant civilian casualties, including seven minors. A child is reported to be in serious condition following surgery, while two adults are being prepared for transport to Moscow for further treatment. The attack, which it said was carried out by a Czech-made multiple rocket launcher, also caused damage to houses and other civilian infrastructure in the region.

In response to the incident, the Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case, with authorities vowing that those responsible will be "irrevocably punished in accordance with the law." The ministry characterized the attack as a "pre-planned and carefully prepared terrorist act of intimidation" by Kyiv.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Floods triggered by heavy rains killed 20 people and injured dozens in the southern Nigerien region of Maradi, authorities said.
  
  
• Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that the Netherlands is delivering 28 Viking tracked vehicles to Ukraine as part of its ongoing support against Russian "aggression."
  
  
• The Israeli army blocked water trucks from reaching Jenin Government Hospital, potentially disrupting kidney dialysis services for patients.
  
  
• Russia claimed that a group of its forces captured the settlement of Kirove in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
  
  
• The Israeli government has been accused of purchasing Google ads to discredit the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and discourage donations.
  
  
• Japan's Defense Ministry claimed that a Chinese Navy survey ship entered its territorial waters off its southwestern islands.
  
  
• A civilian Mi-8 helicopter with 22 people on board disappeared in the far eastern Kamchatka region, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency reported.
  
  
• The Israeli army stormed the city of Hebron on Saturday, shutting down the Ibrahimi Mosque and preventing worshippers from entering.
  
  
• The Israeli army announced that three officers, including a brigade commander, were injured in a car bomb attempt at Gush Etzion Junction in the southern occupied West Bank, coinciding with an attack in the nearby illegal settlement of Karmei Tzur.
  
  
• Typhoon Shanshan continued its destructive journey through Japan, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds that disrupted transportation and prompted warnings of further downpours.

SPORTS

• Barcelona thrash Real Valladolid 7-0 to keep perfect start to Spanish La Liga

Leaders Barcelona hammered Real Valladolid 7-0 to keep their perfect start to the 2024-25 Spanish La Liga campaign.

Brazilian winger Raphinha scored a hat-trick for Barcelona in a home match at the Olympic Stadium to play a key role in the huge win.

Barcelona's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski scored in the area four minutes after Raphinha's opener in the 20th minute.

• FIFA unveils 'No Racism' gesture to combat abuse during matches

FIFA has introduced a "crossed arms" gesture to help fight racism during football matches.

"Following its unanimous approval at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024, a global crossed arms gesture to signal racist abuse will become part of football protocol when implemented at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024," FIFA said in a statement on Friday.

The world football's governing body said that the "No Racism" gesture that will empower football individuals such as players, referees, and team officials will be "implemented as part of the existing three-step procedure" at the tournament that is set to begin on Saturday.