Morning Briefing: April 14, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday with, including an Israeli attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in central Gaza, a call by more than 250 former members of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad for an immediate end to the war in Gaza to facilitate the release of all hostages, and a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy.

TOP STORIES

• Israel destroys hospital in Gaza, forcing it out of service

Israeli warplanes struck Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in central Gaza, destroying its main reception building and rendering the hospital inoperable amid ongoing air raids on the besieged enclave.

According to Anadolu’s correspondent on the ground, two missiles hit the reception department, setting fires and causing severe damage to the emergency ward, laboratory and pharmacy.

Medical staff at the scene confirmed that the hospital was forced out of service and can no longer receive victims of continued airstrikes.

The hospital, located in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, has been a vital lifeline for more than 1 million Palestinians in Gaza and North Gaza governorates, especially after the destruction of several major hospitals in the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

• Over 250 former Israeli intelligence officers call for end to Gaza war, return of hostages

More than 250 former members of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad have signed a petition demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza to facilitate the release of all hostages, local media reported.

“The letter, initiated by former senior Mossad officer Gail Shorsh, bears the signatures of three former Mossad chiefs – Danny Yatom, Ephraim Halevy and Tamir Pardo – as well as dozens of department heads and deputy department heads within the agency,” said the Yedioth Ahronoth daily.

The petition adds to a growing wave of public dissent within Israel’s security establishment.

It demands that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government prioritize the release of Israeli captives in Gaza, even at the cost of ending the war in the Palestinian enclave, the report added.

• Ukraine says at least 34 killed by Russian missile strike on Sumy

Ukraine said at least 34 people were killed by a Russian missile strike on the northeastern city of Sumy, located around 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) from the Russian border.

A statement on Telegram by Ukraine's State Emergency Service said those killed in the attack included two children.

The service also reported that the number of injured had risen to 117, including 15 children, and that search and rescue operations at the scene continue.

“On this bright day of Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy. The enemy launched a missile strike on civilians. Unfortunately, more than 20 deaths are already known,” acting Sumy Mayor Artem Kobzar said earlier on Telegram, mentioning the special day for Christians ahead of Easter.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• At least 320 people were killed or wounded in recent attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Sudan’s city of El Fasher and surrounding areas in North Darfur, a local resistance group announced.
• Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least 11 Palestinians, bringing the death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to 50,944, the Health Ministry said.
• Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for his first official visit to Abu Dhabi since taking office in January.
• New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said his country needs the US as an “active partner” in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The Kremlin said ongoing talks between Moscow and Washington on the revival of bilateral ties are going “very well” but that this process requires intense negotiations.
• A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Myanmar at 9.24 a.m. local time, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said, with no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.
• The Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) unanimously elected Mohammad Semaan Kanani as its new leader following the resignation of Hasan Turan.
• Bangladesh’s transitional government has reinstated a clause in passports effectively barring travel to Israel following large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstrations nationwide.
• At least five people were killed and 13 others wounded in US airstrikes in the western outskirts of Yemen's capital, the Houthi-run Ministry of Health said in a statement.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Trump says no tariff exception granted for electronics

US President Donald Trump denied reports that his administration had granted a tariff exception for electronics like smartphones and chips, contrary to suggestions late last week that consumer tech products would be spared from sweeping reciprocal tariffs.

“NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!’ Trump said on his Truth Social account.

“These products are subject to the existing 20% fentanyl tariffs — they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket,’” he added.

“The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it. We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations. What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American People.”

• South Korea and Australia agree to expand energy, minerals cooperation

South Korea and Australia agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy and critical minerals as they face global economic uncertainty driven by US reciprocal tariffs, South Korea's Finance Ministry said.

The announcement followed a virtual meeting Friday between Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, according to the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.

The two officials discussed strategies to confront global challenges and underscored the need for stable supply chains through mutually beneficial partnerships in key resource sectors.

They also agreed to coordinate efforts through the Group of 20 and other multilateral frameworks.