ISTANBUL
Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Wednesday with, including UN demanding reopening of Rafah border, US advancing with a billion-dollar arms sales to Israel, UN’s top court to hear South Africa’s Gaza genocide case for additional measures, and Russia appointing new Cabinet of ministers.
TOP STORIES
- UN chief calls for Rafah border crossing to be 'immediately' reopened
UN Secretary-Guterres Antonio Guterres called for the Rafah border crossing to be "immediately" reopened Tuesday for humanitarian access throughout the Gaza Strip.
"The secretary-general is appalled by the escalation of military activity in and around Rafah by the Israeli Defense Forces.
"These developments are further impeding humanitarian access and worsening an already dire situation. At the same time, Hamas goes on firing rockets indiscriminately," Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Civilians must be respected and protected at all times, in Rafah and elsewhere in Gaza, Dujarric said.
- Biden moves ahead on $1B weapons deal for Israel: Report
The Biden administration is reportedly moving forward with a plan to ship $1 billion worth of weapons to Israel amid concerns over the Israeli military’s planned ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The proposed deal includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US and congressional officials.
WSJ reported in April that the administration was considering more than $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel.
- Top UN court plans hearings on South Africa’s request for additional measures
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hold public hearings on May 16-17 following South Africa’s request for additional measures amid Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Rafah.
The UN’s top court based in the Dutch city of The Hague said in a statement that the South African delegation will be heard on Thursday, and the Israeli side on Friday.
South Africa on May 10 filed an “urgent request” with the ICJ for additional measures amid Israel’s attacks on Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians are taking shelter.
- Putin approves Russia’s new Cabinet of ministers
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday approved his country’s new Cabinet of ministers and directors of services.
The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin signed the relevant decrees, officially forming the new government.
The government consists of 10 deputy prime ministers and 21 federal ministers. Sixteen of the ministers were nominated by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, while ministers for defense, foreign affairs, interior, justice, and emergency situations were nominated by Putin himself.
Andrey Belousov has been confirmed as the country’s new defense minister, replacing Sergey Shoygu who assumed the post in 2012.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- At least 20 people were killed when Israeli warplanes hit a house sheltering nearly 100 Palestinians in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday, medical sources told Anadolu.
- Two people were killed late Tuesday in an Israeli drone attack targeting a vehicle in the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon.
- The EU foreign policy chief on Tuesday said that he is “outraged by the repeated” attacks by Israeli extremists on aid convoys on their way to Gaza.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday said Israel, which has continued its military offensive in the Gaza Strip for more than seven months, is getting “more alienated and isolated” due to its policies.
- One Israeli civilian was killed and five soldiers were injured Tuesday in an anti-tank guided missile attack by Hezbollah on the Adamit area of the Western Galilee region, northern Israel.
- The British foreign secretary on Tuesday said attacks on aid convoys carrying foods to Gaza are "appalling," urging Israel to hold those "extremists" to account.
- Austria's foreign minister on Tuesday voiced appreciation for Türkiye's efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as hope that Ankara would also mediate on other issues, such as in the South Caucasus.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a two-day state visit to China from Thursday, Beijing announced on Tuesday.
- Students at the London School of Economics set up an encampment inside one of the university’s buildings Tuesday in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
- Qatar said Tuesday that a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip could be achieved within days if Israel ends its insistence on continuing the war.
SPORTS
- Manchester City beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on road as Haaland scores twice
Manchester City defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Tuesday as Erling Haaland scored twice in week 37 of the English Premier League.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring from close range for Manchester City in the 51st minute.
Norwegian striker Haaland converted the penalty in stoppage time and the game ended in favor of the Sky Blues.
- Mike James named 2023-24 EuroLeague most valuable player
Monaco's Mike James has been named the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague most valuable player (MVP).
"After another unforgettable season, Mike James of AS Monaco has been chosen by fans, media, team captains and head coaches as the MVP of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague," EuroLeague said in a statement.
James, 33, averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- US producer inflation in April rises 2.2% annually, 0.5% monthly
US producer inflation in April rose 2.2% annually and 0.5% on a monthly basis, as both figures came above the market estimates, according to official figures released on Tuesday.
The producer price index (PPI), which measures changes in the price of goods and services from a producer perspective, was expected to show an annual gain of 2.1%.
- New US tariffs hike targets China’s semiconductors, electric vehicles
In a potential trigger for a new trade war with Beijing, the Biden administration on Tuesday increased tariffs on Chinese imports worth $18 billion.
It is to “protect American workers and businesses,” said the White House in a statement.
“China’s unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are threatening American businesses and workers,” said the statement, adding that Beijing was “flooding global markets with artificially low-priced exports.”
