Morning Briefing: Sept. 7, 2024

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start Saturday, including a Turkish American activist killed by the Israeli army; a group of Serbs blocking roads leading to Kosovo's borders and the US announcing Biden to sign additional $250 million security aid for Ukraine.

TOP STORIES

Turkish American activist shot dead by Israeli army in northern occupied West Bank

Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was killed by Israeli forces during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in the town of Beita in the Nablus district of the occupied West Bank.

Witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers opened live fire on Palestinians participating in a demonstration condemning illegal settlements on Mount Sbeih in Beita, south of Nablus.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa confirmed that the victim was an American citizen and a volunteer with the Fazaa campaign -- an initiative to support and protect Palestinian farmers from violations by illegal Israeli settlers and the army.

Group of Serbs block roads leading to Kosovo's borders demanding withdrawal of police in north

A group of Serbs gathered to block main roads leading to Kosovo border gates in southern Serbia until the UN and NATO's peacekeeping mission, KFOR, withdraws Kosovo police from northern Kosovo.

Carrying a 9-item list in their hands, the group demands Kosovo police in northern Kosovo withdraw from the region and KFOR take control and five municipal buildings belonging to Serbia, which have been closed in northern Kosovo, be reopened.

Kosovo's foreign minister announced the closure of border crossings due to Serbian protests. Donika Gervalla-Schwarz urged Türkiye, the US, Germany, France and NATO to intervene.

Biden to sign additional $250 million security aid for Ukraine

US President Joe Biden will sign off on an additional $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced.

Austin revealed that Biden's new aid package will enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities to address its evolving needs. "It will surge in more capabilities to meet Ukraine’s evolving requirements. And we’ll deliver them at the speed of war," Austin said.

He described the current period as "dynamic," highlighting that Ukrainian troops are advancing into Russia's Kursk region, while Russian forces are making progress south of the Donbas city of Pokrovsk.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The UN calls for a "full investigation" and accountability for the killing of a Turkish American activist by the Israeli army in the northern occupied West Bank.

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed to act "as necessary" when the US has more information regarding the killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the occupied West Bank.

• The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) announced that its teams vaccinated more than 160,000 children on the first day of the second phase of a polio vaccination campaign in southern Gaza.

• The Israeli army said it is preparing to take offensive actions inside Lebanese territories.

• Germany will provide 12 more self-propelled howitzers 2000 worth €150 million ($166.14 million), according to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

• German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged the Israeli government to refrain from a Gaza-like military offensive in the West Bank, warning that it would undermine Israel’s security.

• An Indian passenger plane made an emergency landing in an eastern Turkish city while en route to Germany for "security reasons."

• Azerbaijan and Armenia have already reached an agreement on nearly 80% of a peace treaty text, the Azerbaijani president said.

• The Hungarian premier said “it’s necessary” for the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to meet to end the war between the two countries.

• Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her 34-member Cabinet took an oath before King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

• Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said his party will never allow the restoration of autonomy to the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, which was abrogated by the ruling Hindu nationalist government in 2019.

• A fire at a school in central Kenya killed 17 students and left 14 others severely injured, authorities confirmed.

SPORTS

• Visitors Italy come from behind to beat France 3-1 in Nations League

The Italian visitors completed a 3-1 comeback to stun France in a UEFA Nations League match in Paris.

Luciano Spalletti’s men took an impressive win to start Group A2 with three points. Italy are now on top.

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• Fitch upgrades Türkiye's rating to BB- from B+ with stable outlook

Fitch Ratings said it upgraded Türkiye's long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to BB- from B+ with a stable outlook.

The rating agency said the upgrade reflects improved external buffers, reduced contingent foreign exchange liabilities, the expectation of lower inflation and lower current account deficits.

• US adds 142,000 jobs in August, less than estimates

The US economy added 142,000 jobs in August, less than estimates, according to figures released by the Labor Department.

The expectation for nonfarm payrolls was a gain of 164,000 jobs last month.

Job additions for July were also revised down 25,000, from 114,000 to 89,000.​​​​​​​