August 2, 2024

*) Türkiye mediates historic prisoner exchange between Western nations and Russia Turkish intelligence coordinated a major prisoner exchange between Russia and the West, involving 26 individuals from seven countries. The operation, facilitated by the Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MIT), is the most extensive in recent years. Hostages were transferred to Türkiye via seven aircraft, with 10 sent to Russia, 13 to Germany, and three to the US. High-profile individuals like Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and US Marine Paul Whelan were among those exchanged. *) Qatar holds funeral for Israel-assassinated Hamas political leader Haniyeh Qatar is holding funeral services for Hamas political leader and peace negotiator Ismail Haniyeh after his assassination by Israel. Haniyeh will be buried in Lusail after prayers at Doha's largest mosque, which will be attended by prominent figures. Türkiye and Pakistan announced a day of mourning, while Hamas called for protests to mark the funeral. *) Hezbollah launches dozens of rockets at Israel At least 60 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon into northern Israel late Thursday, marking the first attack since Israel assassinated Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, reported that rockets were directed at the Western Galilee, with 15 being intercepted and no injuries reported. The assassination of Shukr, who was blamed for a missile attack killing 12 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, has heightened fears of a full-blown war. Hezbollah has denied role in the attack but has vowed a “real response.” *) Protests erupt across Nigeria over soaring living costs Thousands of Nigerians protested nationwide against soaring living costs, sparked by government policies. Security forces used tear gas and live rounds to disperse demonstrations in Kano and Abuja, leading to clashes and property damage. Protesters, facing hunger and economic hardship, demanded government intervention to address the crisis. Curfews were imposed in multiple cities as authorities struggled to contain the unrest. *) Turkish shooter captivates social media at Paris 2024 Turkish pistol shooter Yusuf Dikec became an internet sensation for his casual look during the Olympics. Despite wearing a T-shirt and glasses, Dikec and his female partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan won Türkiye’s first-ever Olympic shooting medal. Dikec embraces the online fame, while his teammate Tarhan also sported a relaxed style. He did not choose to wear headgear such as a blindfold over one eye, a lens over the other, and a large pair of ear defenders.