Morning Briefing: March 26, 2024

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Tuesday with, including the UN Security Council adopting a cease-fire resolution in Gaza, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelling delegation visit to US, UN’s chief remarks about implementation of cease-fire resolution, and Senegal’s opposition candidate winning the presidential election.

TOP STORIES

The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza Strip for the month of Ramadan, leading to “a lasting sustainable” cease-fire.

As many as 14 countries voted in favor of the resolution, presented by 10 elected members of the Council, while the US abstained from voting.

The resolution called for an “immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan respected by all parties leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.”

It also demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” and ensuring humanitarian access.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called off an official visit of a top delegation to Washington after the passage of the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu canceled the delegation’s visit after the US abstained from using its veto power.

A statement by his office said the US decision to allow the resolution to pass is “a clear retreat from the consistent US position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a failure to implement the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council that called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza “would be unforgivable.”

“The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable,” Guterres wrote on X.

Senegalese opposition politician Bassirou Diomaye Faye won Sunday’s presidential election, defeating the candidate of the ruling coalition by a clear margin, according to preliminary results.

Faye was leading with nearly 58% of the vote against the 33% of his main rival, former Prime Minister Amadou Ba of the ruling coalition.

“I salute the smooth running of the presidential election of March 24, 2024 and congratulate the winner, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who the trends show as the winner,” said outgoing President Macky Sall.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hamas welcomed the UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week’s shooting at a concert hall in Moscow was carried out by radicals but more specific and professional questions have to be answered.

• Türkiye welcomed the UN Security Council’s passage of a resolution for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza during Ramadan, terming it a “positive step.”

• Gaza is “an integral part” of the Palestinian state, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said.

• The UN and some member countries reacted to the US claim that the Gaza resolution demanding cease-fire is “non-binding,” noting that it is indeed binding.

• Farmers made their way towards Britain’s parliament in a convoy of more than 120 tractors to protest post-Brexit rules, which they believe put food security at risk.

• Pakistani security forces thwarted a late-night attack on a naval air station in southwestern Balochistan, officials said.

• At least 32,333 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said.

• Türkiye will continue its righteous fight against terrorism until it is no longer under threat, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

SPORTS

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior broke down in tears at a news conference as he spoke about the racism he suffered in Spain.

“Playing football is important, but the fight against racism is very important,” said the 23-year-old forward.

Vinicius, a Real Madrid player since 2018, said he never considered leaving Spain despite the racist chants directed at him.

Next month’s 59th edition of the Tour of Türkiye will stretch from the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya to the metropolis of Istanbul, with hundreds of cyclists from across the world pumping the pedals to win the race.

The eight-day cycling event will start in Antalya on the Turkish Riviera on April 21 and end in Istanbul on April 28.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Boeing CEO stepping down at end of 2024

Boeing announced CEO Dave Calhoun will step down from his role at the end of this year.

“The eyes of the world are on us, and I know that we will come through this moment a better company,” Calhoun said in a letter to employees.

The US-based multinational corporation, which designs, manufactures and sells airplanes, has been under scrutiny after major events regarding its commercial aircraft.

Swedish-based tech company Ericsson said it will lay off 1,200 staff as part of its global initiatives to improve its cost position. The staff reduction will be done in Sweden.

Ericsson expects “a challenging mobile networks market in 2024, with further volume contraction as customers remain cautious.”

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