Morning Briefing: Dec. 2, 2024

ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday, including the Syrian National Army's continuing progress in Operation Dawn of Freedom against PKK/YPG, the UN agency suspending aid deliveries through key Gaza crossing over insecurity and the US closely monitoring Syria as tensions rise in northwest

TOP STORIES

• Syrian National Army continues progress in Operation Dawn of Freedom against PKK/YPG

The Syrian National Army (SNA) is continuing its advance in the Tel Rifaat district as part of its Operation Dawn of Freedom, aimed at blocking the PKK/YPG's terrorist corridor between Tel Rifaat and Manbij.

Clashes between SNA forces and terrorists entrenched in Tel Rifaat continue.

As part of the operation, the SNA has successfully captured several key locations, including almost two dozen villages as well as Kuveyris and Minnig airports, and Zuyan Hill.

• UN agency suspends aid deliveries through key Gaza crossing over insecurity

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) suspended the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Israeli-held Kerem Shalom crossing due to insecurity.

“We are pausing the delivery of aid through Kerem Shalom, the main crossing point for humanitarian aid into Gaza. The road out of this crossing has not been safe for months,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement.

He said a large aid convoy moving into the territory was seized by armed gangs last month.

• US closely monitoring Syria as tensions rise in northwest

The US is closely monitoring the escalating situation in Syria, according to a statement from National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett.

The statement criticized the Assad regime for its refusal to engage in the political process outlined by UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254.

"The United States has nothing to do with this offensive, which is led by Hay’at Tahir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization," it said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of a "two-state solution" to achieve regional stability.
  
  
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the latest developments in Syria with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
  
  
• Pope Francis welcomed the cease-fire agreement reached in Lebanon on Nov. 27 in his traditional prayer from the window of his office overlooking St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
  
  
• At least 12 people were killed and 23 others wounded when warplanes belonging to Russia and regime forces targeted Aleppo University Hospital in Aleppo city center in Syria.
  
  
• Palestinians have denounced a decision by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to confiscate loudspeakers from mosques in Arab towns within Israel.
  
  
• At least 19 people, including three children, were killed in Israeli attacks across the war-torn Gaza Strip, according to medics.
  
  
• Lebanese media reported a massive explosion in the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon, citing a new Israeli violation of a cease-fire deal with Beirut.
  
  
• Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon accused the army of committing war crimes in the northern Gaza Strip and attempting to hide these crimes from the public.
  
  
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is showing “some openness” over the idea of encouraging Palestinian migration from Gaza, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said.
  
  
• The death toll from continued sectarian clashes in northwestern Pakistan jumped to 130 over the past 11 days as another six people were killed.
  
  
• Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are set to meet in Kuwait for their annual summit.
  
  
• Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's unwavering support for Syria, according to the Iranian official news agency IRNA.
  
  
• Heavy rainfall has resulted in riverine and flash flooding across parts of Australia's northeastern Queensland, with more storms predicted.
  
  
• China deplored and "firmly" opposed US arms sales to Taiwan, saying it "seriously" violates the one-China principle and the three Beijing-Washington joint communiques.
  
  
• US President-elect Donald Trump announced that he nominated Charles Kushner, a prominent New Jersey businessman, to serve as ambassador to France.

SPORTS

• Verstappen, already crowned 2024 Formula 1 winner, wins Qatar Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen, already crowned 2024 Formula One World Championship winner, won the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Dutchman won the eventful race that featured three Safety Car appearances with 1 hour 31 minutes 05.323 seconds, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc followed him 6.031 seconds behind and Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished third with 6.819 seconds difference from the leader.

Williams' Franco Colapinto and Alpine Renault's Esteban Ocon were both casualties on the first lap in an incident with Haas' Nico Hulkenberg.