Morning Briefing, Jan. 16, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday with, including US President Joe Biden saying a cease-fire agreement has been reached in Gaza, Qatar’s prime minister announcing that the cease-fire agreement will go into effect this Sunday, and Israel bombing Gaza following the cease-fire announcement.

TOP STORIES

• Biden says Gaza cease-fire deal has been reached, hails diplomatic efforts

US President Joe Biden said a long-elusive deal to end Israel's more than 15-month war on the besieged Gaza Strip and free hostages there has been reached in a potential milestone for the coastal enclave.

"Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a cease-fire and hostage deal. This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity," Biden said in a statement.

• Gaza cease-fire agreement to be implemented starting Sunday: Qatar's prime minister

Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced the success of mediators in reaching a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip, noting that its implementation will begin this Sunday.

During a press conference held in Doha, Al Thani said the first phase of the agreement will last 42 days and include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.

He noted that Qatar, Egypt and the United States “will work to ensure the implementation of the agreement” with mechanisms in place to monitor its execution and address any potential violations.

• Israel bombs Gaza following cease-fire announcement

Israeli warplanes launched a series of intensive airstrikes on Gaza City and the northern strip following the announcement of a cease-fire set to take effect on Sunday.

The Israeli airstrikes targeted various areas in Gaza City and the northern areas, though the exact locations of the targets remain unclear, according to an Anadolu correspondent, citing eyewitnesses.

Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions with flames rising from the sites targeted by the strikes.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Türkiye will continue to support Palestinians in every field, including facilitating urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, according to diplomatic sources.
• Türkiye hopes the Gaza cease-fire deal will open the door to lasting peace and stability for 'our Palestinian brothers, and sisters' as well as for the region and all humanity, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
• Hamas political bureau member Khalil al-Hayya said the Palestinian people “will not forget anyone who took part in the war of genocide.”
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed a recently announced cease-fire deal on the Gaza Strip, urging all parties to "uphold their commitments."
• US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Israel from Jan. 13-15 to engage in talks with several officials.
• Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a significant £4 billion (approximately $4.8 billion) investment in the UK, according to a British government statement issued after he met with his host counterpart Keir Starmer in London.
• The Israeli army conducted a fresh drone attack targeting a charity facility in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing at least six Palestinians, including a journalist, and injuring 10 more.
• Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh was set to arrive in Türkiye for a five-day official visit, the first in 21 years, at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• US President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the CIA vowed to prioritize the Chinese threat if confirmed as director.
• The UN warned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, saying that "at least 19.5 million people" need aid.
• French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou defended the government's pension reform plans before France's upper house, or Senate, emphasizing dialogue with unions and employers while facing criticism from opposition parties.
• It is time for all religious, ethnic and sectarian groups in Syria to embrace one another, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
  

SPORTS

• Arsenal survive Premier League London derby with 2-1 win against Tottenham

Arsenal earned a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby in week 21 of the English Premier League season.

Tottenham's South Korean star Son Heung-min followed a corner kick well and put the ball into Arsenal’s net with a shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner in the 25th minute at Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham's English striker Dominic Solanke put the ball into his own net to level the score in the 40th minute.

Just four minutes later, Gunners Belgian winger Leandro Trossard brought the lead to the hosts.

• Inter miss chance to take Serie A top spot after settling for 2-2 draw with Bologna

Inter Milan missed a chance to take the Italian Serie A top spot after settling for a 2-2 draw with Bologna.

Young Argentine striker Santiago Castro drew first blood for Bologna in the 15th minute at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium.

Inter's Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries leveled the score just four minutes later.

Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez brought the lead to Inter before the end of the first half in the 46th minute.

Bologna's Swedish defender Emil Holm equalized the score once more in the 64th minute.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Turkish gaming company gets $10M investment from Swedish firm

Sweden-based technology and video game company Aonic has made a $10 million minority stake investment in Turkish gaming firm Mega Fortuna, the Swedish firm announced.

The deal, valued at up to $70 million, includes an option for Aonic to acquire the entirety of Mega Fortuna’s share capital.

“This milestone is a testament to the exceptional talent, dedication and innovation of the entire Mega Fortuna team,” said Seyhmus Olker, CEO and co-founder of Mega Fortuna.

• US annual inflation rises to 5-month high of 2.9% in December, as expected

The annual consumer inflation rate in the US accelerated to a five-month high of 2.9% in December, matching the market forecast, according to official data.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose at a faster pace for the third straight month in December from 2.7% in November.

The year-on-year decrease in energy prices slowed down significantly by 0.5% while food inflation rose slightly to 2.5%.