Author: Anadolu Agency

The UN on Wednesday emphasized aid operations must adhere to humanitarian principles and independence amid reports that aid in the Gaza Strip would be distributed by the Israeli military or American companies. Asked by Anadolu whether reported remarks from Israel’s security cabinet meeting would affect UN aid efforts and how the distribution would be viewed given the roles of the Israeli military and the US in Gaza, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference that the UN was not present at the meeting and could not verify the claims. “I can’t speak to the veracity of what was reported.…

The EU reaffirmed on Wednesday that only Ukraine can determine the terms of a future peace settlement with Russia, amid ongoing peace talks in London with the efforts of France and the UK. Asked about talks, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said during the midday briefing in Brussels that the discussions continue and the bloc is “in close contact” with it. “We welcome all efforts that respect the UN charter to bring peace to Ukraine, and our diplomatic efforts continue at all levels,” Mercier added. He stressed that the EU’s stance on peace talks remains unchanged and said that any…

A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye on Wednesday, with the epicenter being Istanbul’s Silivri district, the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said. The quake hit at 12.49 local time (0949 GMT) and was felt strongly across Istanbul and neighboring provinces, prompting residents to flee buildings in fear. Another earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck at 13.02 (10:02 GMT), with the epicenter off the coast of Buyukcekmece in the Sea of Marmara. AFAD said all relevant institutions and response teams had been mobilized and field scans were underway to assess potential damage and ensure public safety. “As of now,…

At least 39 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to 51,305, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. A ministry statement said that 105 more injured people were also transferred to hospitals, taking the number of injuries to 117,096 in the Israeli onslaught. “Many victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added. The Israeli army resumed its deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip on March 18 and has since killed…

Chile’s government maintained its projection for 2025 GDP growth at 2.5% on Wednesday amid growing global economic turmoil and uncertainty. In a presentation to Congress, Finance Minister Mario Marcel also said the average price of copper in 2025 is expected to be at $4.26 per pound, while average annual inflation is expected to be 4.4%.

Algeria and Türkiye wish to work more closely in addressing regional issues and formulating shared policies, the latter’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Monday. “As Türkiye and Algeria, we want to intensify our consultations on regional issues and develop joint policies,” Fidan said after being received by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a visit to Algeria. The meetings also addressed Israel’s genocide in Gaza, Fidan said, adding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the establishment of a cease-fire were their priority. “Türkiye will continue to stand firmly with the brotherly Palestinian people. I once again extend my thanks…

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “strongly” condemned the brutal killing of over 50,000 innocent Palestinians during a joint news conference with Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the capital Ankara. “We have called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people. We renewed our call for a viable, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital,” Sharif said. Sharif stressed joint efforts to “beat this menace of terrorism” not only in Pakistan and Türkiye but “all over the world,” noting that long-standing alliances are shifting and giving way to…

South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed for the US on Tuesday to attend the first round of high-level trade negotiations with Trump administration officials, according to local media reports. Choi and Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun, who are jointly leading the South Korean delegation, will hold talks in Washington, DC with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday, according to Yonhap News Agency Choi said the trade talks will pave the way for renewed discussions on strengthening the South Korea-US alliance. “I will return after opening the door for discussions on…

Pope Francis died of a stroke followed by a coma and heart failure, the Vatican announced on Monday. “The cause of Pope Francis’ death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,” Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate. The death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography, the Vatican said, referring to the official certification issued by Arcangeli, head of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State. The Vatican also published the Pope’s spiritual testament dated June 29, 2022, which has his final wishes and instructions for his burial.…

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will pay a one-day visit to China, an official statement from Beijing said on Tuesday. The trip to Beijing on Wednesday by Araghchi to meet with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, comes amid Iran’s ongoing direct and indirect nuclear negotiations, mediated by Oman, with the US. Foreign Ministry in Beijing said the trip comes at the invitation of Wang. Tehran and Washington have held two rounds of talks, first in the Omani capital Muscat and the second in the Italian capital Rome. The Trump administration has said the two sides “made very good progress,” while…