By Zehra Nur Duz
Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Saturday, including US vetoing UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate cease-fire in Gaza, UN chief's warning that the humanitarian aid network in Gaza is at 'high risk' of total collapse, and Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he will run for a fifth term in office next year.
TOP STORIES
- US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding Gaza cease-fire
The US vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that demanded an immediate cease-fire to halt the ongoing bloodshed in the Gaza Strip as the death toll continues to mount.
The text, which was co-sponsored by at least 97 UN member states, received the support of 13 Security Council members, while the UK abstained.
- UN chief warns humanitarian aid network in Gaza at 'high risk' of total collapse
The humanitarian support system in the besieged Gaza Strip faces "total collapse" amid an unprecedented number of slain UN workers, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.
There would be "devastating consequences" should the aid network fail, and if that were to happen, it "would result in a complete breakdown of public order and increased pressure for mass displacement into Egypt," Guterres said.
- Putin says he will run for Russian president next year
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he will run in the 2024 presidential election set to be held in March.
Putin said he will run for a fifth term in office during a conversation with participants following an award ceremony held in the Kremlin on the occasion of the Heroes of the Fatherland Day.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- The US is now left alone on the Gaza issue after it blocked the passage of a UN Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Türkiye’s foreign minister said.
- Palestine's UN envoy Riyad al-Mansour slammed the UN Security Council’s failure to adopt a draft resolution seeking a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.
- The UNRWA chief called on the General Assembly to take "immediate action" to secure a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip as the UN agency's ability to assist and protect people in the Palestinian enclave is "reducing fast."
- The head of EU foreign policy compared widespread destruction caused by Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip to the devastation of German cities during World War II, saying it could be even "higher."
- Dozens of people, including children, were killed and injured in an Israeli bombing that targeted a house in the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said.
- The number of Palestinians killed by Israel's onslaught in the Gaza Strip has risen to 17,487, with over 46,480 injured, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave announced.
- Israel is targeting not only women and children in Gaza but also journalists trying to work under difficult conditions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
- The World Health Organization warned that Gaza has reached a point where civilization is "about to break down."
- Türkiye’s president slammed France for providing armored vehicles to Armenia, calling it a “provocative” move.
SPORTS
- International Olympic Committee allows athletes from Russia, Belarus to take part in Paris 2024 games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 games as neutrals, without flags, emblems or anthems.
"The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee has decided that Individual Neutral Athletes who have qualified through the existing qualification systems of the International Federations on the field of play will be declared eligible to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in accordance with the conditions outlined below. Individual Neutral Athletes are athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport," the IOC said in a statement.
- LA Lakers, Indiana Pacers reach NBA In-Season Tournament final, vying for league's newest title
The Los Angeles Lakers will play against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA's In-Season Tournament final on Saturday.
Both franchises will be vying for the NBA Cup at Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena as the tournament makes its debut in the 2023-24 NBA season.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- Year-ahead inflation expectations in US plummet to lowest since March 2021
Year-ahead inflation expectations in the US plummeted to 3.1% in December, from 4.5% in November, recording its lowest reading since March 2021, a survey by the University of Michigan said.
Long-run inflation expectations, meanwhile, decreased to 2.8% this month, from 3.2% last month, matching the second-lowest reading seen since July 2021.
- US adds 199,000 jobs in November, higher than estimates
The US economy added 199,000 jobs in November, higher than market estimates, the Labor Department announced.
The market expectation for nonfarm payrolls was to show a gain of 180,000 in November.