By Rabia Ali
ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Thursday with, including Israeli attacks on Gaza with UN demands for an end to escalation, more protests in Pakistan after opposition leader Imran Khan's arrest, and an expected meeting on Türkiye-Syria relations.
TOP STORIES
Israel pounds Gaza, UN demands halt
A drone attack by Israel targeting a residential apartment killed at least three people and injured several in the occupied Gaza strip early Thursday.
UN chief Antonio Guterres demanded an immediate end to the "unacceptable" civilian loss of life, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
The latest assault is a continuation of attacks that were led by Israel on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of 21 people. In retaliation, Palestinian factions fired a barrage of rockets.
US officials discussed the situation with Israeli advisors, and reiterated their ‘ironclad support’ for Israel’s security.
Violent protests continue in Pakistan as dozens arrested
Protests and arrests continued for a second day in Pakistan as the court indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan who was arrested on Tuesday over corruption charges.
Enraged protesters set buildings and vehicles on fire across various cities, as schools remained shut. Police arrested leaders from Khan’s political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf as well as hundreds of protesters.
At least four people have been killed and several others injured during clashes. Russia as well as the UN have called for an end to violence.
Khan will be kept in police custody for eight days after a court order.
Revival of ties: Committee set up for Türkiye-Syria relations
The foreign ministers of Türkiye, Russia, Iran, and Syria agreed to form a committee to normalize relations between Türkiye and Syria, the Turkish foreign minister said, adding the committee is expected to meet as soon as possible.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the ministers agreed to continue high-level contacts and technical meetings during their talks in Moscow.
Participants exchanged views on efforts to normalize relations between Türkiye and Syria and discussed counter-terrorism, the political processes, and humanitarian matters, including the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrians, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
Türkiye, Russia, Ukraine, and the UN began two-day talks on the Black Sea grain deal in Istanbul later on Wednesday, Cavusoglu told the media.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- Police in Germany launched an investigation into an attempted arson attack by a 34-year-old man that targeted a mosque in Dresden on Tuesday night. The attacker spilled flammable liquid inside the Fatih Mosque and tried to set the building on fire. No one was injured.
- A planned event in the US Capitol related to the anniversary of the formation of Israel including Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib has been canceled by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Tlaib, who has Palestinian roots, was scheduled as a guest at the event commemorating the "Nakba," or "catastrophe," referring to the establishment of Israel in 1948.
- More than 670 victims of sexual violence have been treated in less than two weeks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a health care charity organization said, stressing the urgency of the situation.
- Head of the Wagner private military company, questioned France’s criteria for classifying his organization as a "terrorist group,” claiming that it acts in the interests of official governments and protects people from terrorists.
- Former President Donald Trump warned the US will face a “day of infamy" when Title 42 expires Thursday. "Tomorrow (Thursday) is going to be a day of infamy. You're going to have tens of thousands of people pouring into our country.
- Austria announced that it has banned the use of the social media platform TikTok on official phones due to security concerns. The decision was taken in line with the recommendations of an expert committee formed by the government.
- Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rebuffed new criticisms Wednesday by French politicians about her government’s handling of migrants, saying they attack Italy for internal political reasons.
SPORTS:
- Quick-fire Inter stun Milan for Champions League edge
Two early goals from Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave Inter Milan a 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League semifinal first leg.
It could have been worse for Milan, but Hakan Calhanoglu was denied by the post and an Inter penalty was overturned after a VAR review.
- Nuggets beat Suns, take 3-2 lead in NBA Western Conference semifinals
The Denver Nuggets claimed a 118-102 win against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals Tuesday to take a 3-2 series lead.
The Nuggets led the first quarter 35-24 but the Suns fought in the second period, scoring 25 points at Denver's Ball Arena to narrow the gap.
Denver had a 52-49 lead before the break, and controlled the final two quarters, scoring 66 points.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
- US expresses concern over reported raids of American companies in China
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern Wednesday about the treatment of American companies and other foreign enterprises in China amid reports of raids on US firms, saying they are not being treated the same way as Chinese businesses around the world. "With regard to the treatment of some of our companies and other companies in China, I’ve seen those reports (of raids), and we obviously have concerns.”
- European Parliament calls for tax on financial transactions
The European Parliament (EP) on Wednesday demanded taxation on companies, financial transactions, and crypto assets in order to repay the EU's common debts and to finance various programs.
At the EP General Assembly session held in Strasbourg, the status of the union's budget and increasing revenue sources were discussed.
MEPs approved a report on bringing new resources to the budget with 356-199 votes.