Turkey: Protests spread, defy ban for day 3 over Imamoglu’s arrest

Israeli forces expanded their offensive in Gaza, taking control of more territory and issuing new evacuation orders for residents. The death toll in Gaza surpassed 50,000 people, with 39 killed in Israeli bombardments. The military advanced into Beit Hanoun and Rafah, leading to thousands fleeing on foot amid severe shortages and casualties, including the death of a senior Hamas member and civilians in a hospital strike. Full Article

Turkish authorities temporarily suspended Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with two other district mayors, from their duties following their arrest on corruption and terrorism charges. Imamoglu's arrest sparked mass protests across Turkey, with the Istanbul Municipal Council set to elect a deputy to replace him as the main opposition candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Entry restrictions to Istanbul remain in place, with hundreds of protesters detained and social media platforms restricted. Full Article

A Turkish court jailed Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, pending his corruption trial, hindering his potential presidential bid and challenging President Erdogan's top rival. Imamoglu faces accusations of leading a criminal organization, bribery, and supporting terrorism, with other legal challenges possibly barring him from politics. Despite protests against his detention, the main opposition party designated him as their presidential candidate, while Erdogan's potential re-election and the disruption of Istanbul's administration loom large amid widespread unrest and...

In a message from Gaza, Fatah called on Hamas to relinquish power in order to protect the existence of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, who seized power in 2007, has expressed willingness to step down post-war but refuses to disarm. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resumed following disagreements over a ceasefire, with Defence Minister Israel Katz threatening to annex parts of Gaza unless remaining hostages from Hamas's October 7 attack are released. Full...

Sudan's military took control of key buildings in central Khartoum from paramilitary forces following the recapture of the presidential palace, with the army chief promising "full liberation." Despite the military's advances in the capital, the country remains divided, with the army holding the east and north, while the RSF controls western regions. The army's push to retake Khartoum's city center continues, with ongoing battles near the airport and in other strategic locations. Full Article

Rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel for the first time in months, prompting Israeli forces to strike back at sites in southern Lebanon linked to Hezbollah. The attacks disrupted months of calm in northern Israel, following renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza against Hamas. Lebanese leaders condemned the violence and the Lebanese Army dismantled rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, as tensions escalate across the Middle East. Full Article