ISTANBUL 

Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Wednesday, including US President Donald Trump telling a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will take over the Gaza Strip, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara, and Saudi Arabia rejecting Trump’s claim that it would normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

TOP STORIES

• ‘US will take over the Gaza Strip’: Trump

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the "US will take over the Gaza Strip," shortly after suggesting a permanent resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza.

"The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too," he told a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area," Trump said.

Earlier, during a sit-down with Netanyahu at the Oval Office, Trump said he thinks Jordan and Egypt will take in Palestinians from Gaza, maintaining that the enclave is a demolition site and uninhabitable.

• Syrian President al-Sharaa's 'historic' visit marks start of ‘lasting friendship’: Turkish President Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday described Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Ankara as a “historic” step toward the beginning of a period of “lasting friendship and cooperation” between the two countries.


Speaking at a joint press conference with al-Sharaa, Erdogan stressed Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and unity.

He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for Syria, saying: “We never abandoned our Syrian sisters and brothers in their hardest times, and we will continue to support them in this new era.”


He expressed confidence in Syria’s ability to rebuild itself and said: “We have no doubt that our Syrian sisters and brothers, who inspire the region with their resilience, will rebuild their country.”

• Saudi Arabia rejects Trump’s claim, says no normalization with Israel without Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday reaffirmed its stance that it will not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, denying a claim by US President Donald Trump that Riyadh had dropped the demand.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement stressing that the kingdom’s position remains “firm and unwavering” following Trump’s remarks during a meeting Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering,” said a ministry statement.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip "have no alternative" other than to flee the coastal enclave, Trump said Tuesday, reiterating his demand that Egypt and Jordan host the displaced.

• Türkiye and Egypt on Tuesday also rejected any attempts to displace or expel Palestinians from their homeland, urging Israel to allow the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to continue humanitarian work.

• Palestinian resistance group Hamas confirmed Tuesday that negotiations on phase two of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement have begun.

• Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to withdraw the US from the UN Human Rights Council.

• Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Tuesday expressed his desire to transform relations with Türkiye into a strategic partnership.

• Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order to reimpose the "maximum pressure" policy on Iran.

• At least 10 people were killed in a school shooting in central Sweden, police said Tuesday.

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday granted the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) permission to join advisory proceedings concerning Israel’s obligations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

• The Palestinian government formed a "working committee" on Tuesday to oversee the Gaza Strip following Israel’s genocidal war.

• Spain’s foreign minister said Tuesday that Madrid “is doing everything possible” to ensure crimes committed in Gaza “do not go unpunished.”

• Voting began Wednesday morning to elect the state legislature in Delhi, according to officials.

SPORTS

• AC Milan announces signing of Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea

AC Milan confirmed Tuesday the signing of Joao Felix on loan from Chelsea.

"AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of Joao Felix Sequeira from Chelsea FC. The Portuguese attacker has signed a contract with the Club lasting until 30 June 2025," AC Milan said in a statement.

Felix previously played for several European giants such as Barcelona, Porto, Benfica and Atletico Madrid.

• Aston Villa completes signing loan of Axel Disasi from Chelsea

Aston Villa on Tuesday completed the signing of a loan of Axel Disasi from Chelsea through the end of the season.

"Disasi has amassed over 300 senior club appearances as well as being capped five times at international level," Villa said in a statement.

The central defender is experienced in the Champions League and has also represented his country at the FIFA World Cup.

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• China to impose 10-15% tariffs on some US products starting Feb. 10

In a tit-for-tat move, China announced on Tuesday that tariffs on some US products will be imposed next week, according to local media.

Beijing will impose tariffs of 10-15% on some US products starting on Feb. 10, the South China Morning Post reported.

This new move comes after US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on imports from China.

• US Postal Service suspends acceptance of packages from China and Hong Kong

The United States Postal Service announced late Tuesday that it has temporarily suspended accepting packages from China and Hong Kong until further notice.

The suspension, which takes effect immediately, does not apply to letters or large envelopes, the USPS said in a statement.

The agency did not provide a reason for the decision or specify how long the suspension would last.