ISTANBUL 

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday with, including a report by the Iranian General Staff saying that no evidence of sabotage has been found in the president’s helicopter crash, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging Israel to "immediately investigate" the Rafah attack and Sweden pledging a $1.3 billion military aid package to Ukraine.

TOP STORIES

• No evidence of sabotage found in president’s helicopter crash: Iranian General Staff's report

No evidence of electronic warfare intervention or sabotage was found in the helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died, according to a report by the Iranian General Staff.

The maintenance and repair records of the helicopter were examined and no problems were found, according to the second preliminary investigation report.

According to examinations of the remains and parts of the helicopter, no evidence of sabotage or electronic warfare intervention was detected, the report said.

• Blinken urges Israel to ‘immediately investigate’ Rafah attack

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Israel should immediately investigate the Rafah incident that killed and injured around 300 people.

“The incident in Rafah was horrific. I don't think anyone who has seen the images cannot be deeply affected by them on a basic human level. We have been very clear with Israel on the imperative in this instance and in other instances to immediately investigate and determine exactly what happened and why it happened. If accountability is necessary, make sure there is accountability,” said Blinken at a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in the capital Chisinau.

• Sweden pledges $1.3B military aid package to Ukraine

Sweden will supply Ukraine with its 16th military aid package worth $1.3 billion which is the Nordic country's biggest package so far, the Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

The package aims to help strengthen Ukrainian’s air defenses and includes Saab’s Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASC) 890 aircraft.

The aircraft will be used in coordination with Kyiv’s implementation of US F-16 fighters that will be supplied by other European countries including Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Yemen’s Houthi group claimed Wednesday to have downed a US drone in Marib province.
• Norway's decision to recognize the Palestinian state has contributed to sustainable peace, tranquility and justice, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
• China said it firmly opposes US “interference” in Cuba’s internal affairs under the pretext of counterterrorism and its “political suppression and economic sanctions” against the island nation.
• The death toll from a road accident in southwestern Pakistan jumped to 28 as another eight people succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
• The Palestinian resistance group Hamas claimed to have killed eight Israeli soldiers in attacks in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
• China has opened its first artificial intelligence (AI) hospital town, where patients are treated in a virtual world by AI-generated doctors, state media reported.
• The Turkish parliament on Wednesday called on the UN Security Council to urgently convene, adopting a motion condemning Israel's recent offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US economic activity continues to expand, prices rise modestly: Fed's Beige Book

Economic activity continued to expand in the US from early April to mid-May, while prices increased at a modest pace during that period, the Federal Reserve said in a report.

"Retail spending was flat to up slightly, reflecting lower discretionary spending and heightened price sensitivity among consumers," said the Fed's Beige Book, which gathers information on current economic conditions from the central bank's 12 districts across the nation.

Travel and tourism industries strengthened across much of the nation, as they were boosted by higher leisure and business travel. However, the hospitality outlook is mixed for this summer season, it said.

• Amid fears of inflation, Israel keeps interest rate at 4.5%

Amid growing concerns in Israel about the war's impact on the economy, Israel announced keeping interest rates at 4.5% amid the ongoing war uncertainty and fears of inflation.

Inflation in Israel currently stands at 2.8% but may increase in the coming months amid continued war spending.

The Bank of Israel, however, said economic activity in the country continues to gradually recover.

SPORTS

• Iga Swiatek edges Naomi Osaka to advance to French Open 3rd round

Iga Swiatek defeated Naomi Osaka to advance to the third round Wednesday of the French Open.

The two-time defending champion eliminated Osaka, who is a four-time Grand Slam champion 7-6, 1-6, 7-5 on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

In another Roland Garros clash, Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open women's singles champion, and Tunisian Ons Jabeur advanced after winning their matches.

• Vincent Kompany appointed new manager of Bayern Munich

German Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich announced Wednesday that Vincent Kompany has been appointed as the club's new manager.

The Belgian coach signed a deal valid until 2027, the statement added.

The 38-year-old manager led Burnley to win the EFL Championship (English 2nd-tier league) in the 2022-23 season.