By Rabia Ali
ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Wednesday, including talks in Qatar for a longer humanitarian pause in Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, and an Israel official's remarks about dissolution of the government.
TOP STORIES
Talks underway in Qatar for longer humanitarian pause in Gaza: Report
Talks are underway in Qatar between the CIA, Mossad, Egyptian, and Qatari officials on a new agreement for a long-term humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) said Tuesday.
The pause would include the release of all Israeli hostages, including soldiers, and Israel’s release of Palestinian inmates, including some who were convicted of killing Israelis.
Hamas approved of the broad outlines of the new agreement but added that it demands a complete cease-fire, which Israel still rejects.
Israel releases 30 Palestinians in latest exchange with Hamas
Israel released 30 Palestinians on Tuesday in the latest exchange deal with the Hamas group.
A Red Cross bus left Israel’s Ofer military prison in the town of Beitonia near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank carrying 15 women and 15 children, Anadolu reported.
Earlier, Hamas published the names of Palestinian prisoners set to be released under the latest exchange between Israel and the Palestinian group.
Israel’s national security minister says stopping Gaza war means dissolving government
Israel’s hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir late Tuesday threatened to dissolve the government if the war in the Gaza Strip were to stop.
“Stopping the war = dissolution of the government,” Ben-Gvir said on X.
His remarks coincided with reports of efforts to extend the humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Qatar announced an agreement late Monday to extend the initial four-day pause for an additional two days, under which further prisoner exchanges will be carried out.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Recent comments from Israeli political and leadership about expanding the military offensive in Gaza at the end of the humanitarian pause are “deeply worrying,” the UN human rights office said on Tuesday.
In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Israel continues to “recklessly” violate international law, the law of war, and humanitarian law.
The Israeli army prevented a fuel truck from reaching northern Gaza, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said on Tuesday. Earlier, the society said that it was bringing a fuel truck to the Gaza Strip.
After 17 days of efforts, rescue teams in Himalayan India have begun pulling out 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel, officials said on Tuesday.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his counterparts Tuesday on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, which will address the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The US is in talks with Greece on purchasing artillery shells for Ukraine, including 50,000 105mm caliber, 20,000 155mm caliber and 5,000 larger 203mm caliber shells in an effort to replenish Ukrainian stocks, reported Greek media.
At least 44 Palestinian journalists are being held in Israeli prisons, and 29 of them have been arrested since Oct. 7, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) said on Tuesday.
Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades on Tuesday said that field clashes took place in northern Gaza between its fighters and the Israeli army over violations of the humanitarian pause by the army.
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi admitted Tuesday that the military failed to prevent the surprise attack launched by Hamas on Oct. 7, adding that over the past few days, there has been a dialogue about the army's handling of events.
Palestinian group Hamas has called on media outlets to boost their presence in the Gaza Strip to report on the extent of destruction caused by Israel in the enclave since the war began on Oct. 7.
SPORTS
Man Utd in Istanbul for Galatasaray clash, team without many players
Manchester United arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday for its UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
The visitors are without many important players including midfielders Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen, defender Lisandro Martinez, and forward Marcus Rashford.
In a statement, Manchester United announced their 22-man squad that is traveling to Türkiye for Wednesday's critical match.
Borussia Dortmund into Champions League last 16
Borussia Dortmund sealed a UEFA Champions League last 16 spot with a 3-1 win at AC Milan on Tuesday.
The German club has now qualified from Group F, also known as the “Group of Death” for its strong competitors.
Leaders Dortmund were the first Group F club to progress to the knockout stage.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
WTO says global trade to recover in H2 amid high uncertainty
Global merchandise trade volume will gradually recover in the second half of 2023 with the backing of automobile sales and production, and electronic components, amid high uncertainty, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said.
The WTO’s Goods Trade Barometer, a real-time trend gauge for trade, exceeded the baseline value of 100, hitting 100.7 in September, up from 99.1 in August.
Oil up ahead of postponed OPEC+ meeting on supply future
Oil prices rose on Tuesday amid supply uncertainty magnified by reports of disputes among OPEC+ members over their production quotas for the coming year.
International benchmark crude Brent traded at $80.50 per barrel at 11.40 a.m. local time (0840GMT), up 0.79% from the closing price of $79.87 a barrel in the previous trading session on Monday.