ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday with, including provisional election results from Germany; Trump administration firing USAID employees and the Israeli army raises military readiness near Gaza as ceasefire tensions grow.

TOP STORIES

• Conservatives win Germany's parliamentary elections

Germany’s conservative alliance comprising the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) have won the country’s parliamentary elections with 28.6% of the vote, according to official provisional results announced Monday by the Electoral Commission.

According to the results, the CDU/CSU has 208 seats in the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, the AfD 152, the SPD 120, the Greens 85 and the Left Party 62.

In order to achieve a majority in the Bundestag, at least 316 deputies are required, which means that no party can come to power alone.

• Trump administration laying off 2,000 USAID workers

The administration of US President Donald Trump said Sunday that it is eliminating 2,000 positions at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and placing nearly all other staffers on administrative leave.

According to multiple media sources, an email has been sent to USAID employees stating that “as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and/or specially designated programs, will be placed on administrative leave globally.”

The agency also intends to launch a program to pay for their return home if the employees desire to.

• Israeli army raises military readiness near Gaza as ceasefire tensions grow

Israel’s military increased its operational readiness near the Gaza Strip on Sunday amid ongoing tensions over the fragile ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army announced.

"Following a situational assessment, it was decided to increase the operational readiness in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement, while clarifying that "no changes to the Home Front Command guidelines" were being made.

Simultaneously, restrictions in Gaza border communities were lifted, allowing for full activities in the region.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• On Sunday, a Palestinian was killed and four others were injured after Israeli tank fire in the southern Gaza Strip, a medical source said.
• Escalating the situation further, the Israeli army on Sunday announced deploying tanks in the northern West Bank, marking the first time in over two decades.
• Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on several towns in eastern and southern Lebanon amid a mass funeral of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and despite an ongoing ceasefire.
• EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East developments—particularly Syria and Lebanon. The meeting will be followed by the EU-Israel Association Council.
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a visit to Ukraine. He will come to Kyiv on the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
• The UN Security Council is set to convene a briefing to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Discussions will focus on the ongoing conflict and its implications for international peace and security.
• The US aid to Ukraine was provided as grants, not loans, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, rejecting claims that $500 billion in assistance should be treated as debt.
• Pope Francis' condition remains "critical," the Vatican said Sunday, noting that he has not experienced further respiratory issues.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Türkiye ranks 11th globally in defense industry exports: President Erdogan

Türkiye is a world leader in drone production and ranks 11th globally in defense industry exports, the Turkish president said on Sunday.

In 2024, Türkiye's defense and aerospace industry exports reached a record-breaking $7.154 billion, marking a 29% increase compared to the previous year and exceeding the year's target of $6.5 billion by 11%.

Baykar, a key player in the industry, exported Bayraktar TB2 armed drones to 27 countries, including six NATO and four EU members, reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a leading supplier in the field.

SPORTS

• Fans of Spanish club Alaves display red cards to Israel in LaLiga match

Thousands of supporters of the Spanish football club Deportivo Alaves staged a protest against Israel during a LaLiga match at Mendizorroza Stadium on Sunday, holding red cards and unfurling a large Palestinian flag in a choreographed demonstration.

The protest, carried out from the stands, was a show of solidarity with Palestine, as fans symbolically “showed the red card to Israel.”

The demonstration saw supporters raising their red cards in unison while the Palestinian flag was prominently displayed.