By Emre Basaran
ISTANBUL (AA) – Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including Israel’s ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip, day one of the 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Gambian capital, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan winning a historic third term as London mayor with a larger majority.
TOP STORIES
- 32 more Palestinians killed in Gaza as Israeli onslaught continues: Health Ministry
At least 32 more Palestinians were killed and 41 others injured over the last 24 hours, as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said on Saturday.
“The Israeli occupation (forces) committed three massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 32 martyrs and 41 injured during the past 24 hours,” a ministry statement said.
“Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added.
Flouting an International Court of Justice provisional ruling in January, Israel continues its onslaught on the Gaza Strip where at least 34,654 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 78,000 injured since Oct. 7, according to Palestinian health authorities.
- Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit starts with message of support for Palestine
The 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) started on Saturday in the Gambian capital Banjul with a message of support for Palestine.
In his opening speech, Gambian President Adama Barrow, who hosted the summit, gave a message of support for Palestine.
Underlining that a solution must be found for Israel's attacks in Palestine, Barrow said they have caused endless human destruction for more than 75 years.
During the summit, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Egypt on Saturday called for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israeli onslaught in the besieged enclave.
“The issue of Palestine remains a priority for the Islamic Ummah (Muslim community), reflecting the voice of the Islamic community in support of the brotherly people of Palestine to ensure that they access their rights,” Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said.
Speaking at the summit, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also said it is the duty of the entire global Muslim community to close ranks to defend Palestinians.
He underlined that Muslim countries must prove their unity and that they could achieve results through diplomatic and, when needed, coercive means.
- Sadiq Khan wins historic 3rd term as London mayor with larger majority
Sadiq Khan clinched victory for a third consecutive term as mayor of London, triumphing over his Conservative rival Susan Hall with a resounding majority.
With all 14 constituencies now having declared their results, Khan emerged victorious with a comfortable lead.
The incumbent mayor secured 44% of the vote, compared to Hall's 33%, resulting in a commanding majority of 276,428 votes.
Despite speculation suggesting a potential upset victory for Hall, Khan's solid performance across the capital's diverse constituencies solidified his position.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- Israeli police on Saturday forcibly removed and arrested the Greek consul's guard in occupied East Jerusalem while inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Israeli police on Saturday restricted access to the same church for Orthodox Christians who want to attend the Holy Fire ceremony.
- Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11 was protested in the Swedish capital Stockholm.
- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned on Saturday against the psychological toll facing children in Gaza as a result of the ongoing Israeli onslaught on the besieged enclave.
- Egyptian media reports on Saturday indicated “significant progress” in Gaza cease-fire negotiations between the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and Israel.
- A famed Palestinian British surgeon who served as a doctor soon after the outbreak of the current war on Hamas said that he was prevented from entering France due to a German ban on his entry to Europe.
- A group of people staged a demonstration outside University College London in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
- Russia's Interior Ministry on Saturday added Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the country's wanted list.
- India on Saturday dismissed recent remarks by US President Joe Biden, who called India and other Asian nations "xenophobic."
- Japanese and Brazilian leaders agreed to cooperate to protect the Amazon rainforest while strengthening efforts to combat climate change, local media said on Saturday.
- At least 14 people were killed when heavy floods and landslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi Island, with a population of about 20,000, state-run media said on Saturday.
SPORTS
- Real Madrid clinch their 36th Spanish LaLiga title
Real Madrid on Saturday secured their 36th Spanish LaLiga title after Barcelona were handed a 4-2 loss at Girona.
On Saturday, the Whites beat Cadiz 3-0 as Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, and Joselu scored for the home team at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and then Real Madrid waited for Barcelona's failure.
Barcelona took the lead twice in the first half but Girona were dominant in the second half securing victory against their powerful opponents. Girona's Portu scored twice against Xavi's Barcelona in the second half of the six-goal thriller.
- Arsenal beat Bournemouth to go 4 points clear at top of English Premier League
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-0 to go four points clear at the top of the English Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners' English star Bukayo Saka scored the opener via penalty in the 45th minute at their home Emirates Stadium in London.
Leandro Trossard, an Arsenal winger, scored a right-footed shot in the box to double the gap in the 70th minute.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- Türkiye jumps to 4th in Europe for international investment, tops investor picks: Investment office
Türkiye last year rose to fourth place in Europe in attracting the most international investment projects, according to the Turkish Presidency Investment Office.
"Türkiye has become a prominent destination for investors with its strategic location and strong investment environment. The $10.6 billion in international direct investment we attracted in 2023 is the most concrete sign of this success," said Burak Daglioglu, the office’s head.
- US oil rig count down 7 for week ending May 3
The oil rig count in the US fell by seven this week, according to the latest data from oilfield services company Baker Hughes released Friday.
The number of oil rigs, an indicator of short-term production in the country, was down to 499 for the week ending May 3.
The number of US oil rigs was 89 fewer than a year ago.