ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start Saturday, including NATO partners forming an ‘electromagnetic warfare’ coalition to support Ukraine; Israeli military, academic figures calling for a halt to the Gaza war, and the death toll in Gaza nears 60,000.

NATO partners form ‘electromagnetic warfare’ coalition to support Ukraine

Several NATO partners have formed a coalition to support Ukraine in “electromagnetic warfare” capabilities, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

Pistorius announced that Germany and its allies would boost support to Ukraine in response to ongoing Russian attacks.

“As you know, we are helping Ukraine develop military capabilities not only for the present but also for the postwar period,” Pistorius told reporters in Brussels before a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.

He noted that allies and partners have already formed eight capability coalitions to support Ukraine in various areas, including artillery, armored vehicles and missile defense.

“Germany has now formed a ninth coalition, with 10 partners joining to date. This coalition focuses on electromagnetic warfare – an increasingly important field that encompasses securing our own communications, conducting reconnaissance, disrupting enemy communications, and defending against drones,” he said.

Israeli military, academic figures call for halt to Gaza war to free captives

Thousands of Israeli military and academic figures have joined a petition calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of captives, Israeli media reported.

The petition has been signed by 2,000 academics, 100 military doctors and hundreds of reservists, according to reports by Israeli Army Radio and Channels 12 and 13.

The letter has not been officially published, and is still being organized by the professionals involved, the reports noted.

Israeli Army Radio noted that most signatories are currently active in reserve service, and more doctors are expected to sign in the coming days.

Gaza death toll tops 50,900 after Israel kills 26 more Palestinians

The latest Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least 26 more Palestinians, bringing the death toll in its genocidal war since October 2023 to 50,912, the Palestine Health Ministry said.

A statement said another 106 who were injured were taken to hospitals in the last 24 hours, bringing the number of wounded in the onslaught to 115,981.

Victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads, with rescuers unable to reach them, it added.

NEWS IN BRIEF

- The Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), held for the fourth time in the Turkish resort city of the same name under the patronage of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hosted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, officially began with global leaders in attendance.

- A US immigration judge ruled that Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and green card holder, can be deported under a rarely used federal law, citing foreign policy concerns, according to media reports.

- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned that nearly 400,000 people have been displaced across the Gaza Strip since the collapse of a January ceasefire agreement.

- The UK defense secretary announced a new £350 million ($460 million) military aid package for Ukraine, calling 2025 a critical year in the war and urging others to boost their support.

- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said rebuilding trust between Russia and the US will take time, citing opposition from various actors to improved ties.

- The Israeli army reissued urgent evacuation warnings to residents of seven neighborhoods in eastern Gaza City, threatening strikes in those areas.

- Germany reiterated its call for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program ahead of upcoming US-Iran talks in Oman.

- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the importance of strengthening US-Türkiye relations during a speech at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

- The UN confirmed the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will reduce its overall workforce by 20% due to a funding shortfall.

- Finland's parliament unanimously approved a law banning property sales to non-resident Russian citizens, in a move to bolster national security, local media reported.

- China pledged 1 billion yuan ($137 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, following a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck March 28, Chinese officials announced.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

‘Won’t pay attention’ anymore to Trump tariffs, China says after raising levies on US imports to 125%

Signaling a pause, China said it will no longer “pay attention” to trade moves by the Trump administration after raising tariffs on all US imports to 125%, state media reported.

“China will lift the additional tariffs … from 84%, effective from April 12,” said the State Council Customs Tariff Commission.

“Given that there is no longer any possibility of market acceptance for US goods exported to China under the current tariff levels, if the US side subsequently continues to impose tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the US, the Chinese side will pay no attention to it,” it added.

The tariff war initiated by the US President Donald Trump has rocked global markets. He raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, claiming Beijing was “abusing” trade practices with the US.

US dollar index sinks to 3-year low amid tariff crisis, gold hits record high

The US dollar index dove to a three-year low figure of 99.014 as US President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies strengthened recession concerns in the country.

The US dollar index fell 1.36% to 99.49 as of 1336GMT on Friday.

The index has declined by more than 8% since the beginning of the year.

The index, which is used to measure the value of the dollar against the euro, Swiss franc, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, British pound and Swedish krona, fell sharply as Trump's tariffs and escalating tensions with China increased economic uncertainties.