December 19, 2023

*) Israel faces Gaza ceasefire calls, US vows more arms Israel faced another round of global pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza with a new UN vote and fresh Western diplomatic efforts, although the United States vowed to continue arming its ally. The UN Security Council is set to convene today to weigh a call for a ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory, after a previous bid was vetoed by the United States. UK Foreign Minister David Cameron was also due to meet French and Italian leaders to push for a "sustainable ceasefire" in the conflict, his office said. *) Earthquake in northwestern China kills at least 111 At least 111 people were killed in a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in northwestern China, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. The quake resulted in 100 deaths in Gansu province and 11 in Qinghai province while damaging water, electricity, transportation and communications infrastructure, said the report. In Gansu, 96 people were reported to have been injured and 124 in Qinghai. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for all-out search and rescue efforts and proper arrangements for affected people to ensure the safety of people's lives and property, said the agency. *) Volcano erupts on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula A volcano began erupting on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said. "At 22:17 this evening, a volcanic eruption began north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula," said the office in a release on Monday. "The eruption is located close to Sundhnúkagígar, about four kilometres northeast of Grindavik, and it can be seen on nearby web cameras," it said. The eruption began following an earthquake that started around an hour earlier. *) 2nd military plane carrying patients from Gaza arrives in Türkiye A second military plane carrying patients from Gaza and their attendants arrived in Türkiye for medical treatment. The C-130 aircraft, belonging to Türkiye's National Defense Ministry, touched down with 26 patients, 32 accompanying individuals and medical personnel whose passage from Gaza to Egypt was facilitated. It took off from Al Arish Airport in Egypt and landed at Etimesgut Military Airport in Ankara. Upon arriving at the airport, the patients were transferred to the city centre via waiting ambulances. The aircraft was carrying 1.2 tons of medicines and medical supplies along with nine healthcare personnel. And finally… *) Istanbul Airport voted world's best Istanbul Airport has been voted the “World's Best Airport" by readers of leading US travel magazine Global Traveler. The mega air hub has also been chosen as "Europe's Best Airport," further cementing its position as a leader in global aviation, according to a statement Monday. iGA Istanbul Airport also received awards for being the "Airport with the Best Food and Beverage Area," the "Best Airport Shopping Experience" and the "Airport Offering the Best Duty-Free Shopping Experience in Europe."