Morning Briefing, Jan. 13, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday with, including the death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires rising to 24, at least 28 Palestinians being killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, and a series of explosions at four gas stations in Yemen killing at least 17 people.

TOP STORIES

• Death toll from Los Angeles wildfires rises to 24

The death toll rose to 24 in the wake of the devastating wildfires ravaging the US state of California.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office said they are investigating at least two dozen deaths related to two massive wildfires that have been raging in Southern California since last Tuesday.

Officials said 16 deaths were attributed to the Eaton fire and eight were linked to the Palisades fire. Those numbers are expected to rise, as the medical examiner said they cannot confirm human remains until they are processed at their facility.

More than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, with another 87,000 in evacuation warning zones. More than 12,000 homes and businesses have been burned to the ground, with the wildfires so far scorching over 60 square miles (155 square kilometers).

• Israeli attacks kill 28 more Gazans as death toll tops 46,500

At least 28 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, pushing the overall death toll since October 2023 to 46,565, said the Health Ministry in the enclave.

The ministry statement added that some 109,660 others were injured in the ongoing assault.

“Israeli forces killed 28 people and injured 89 others in two massacres of families in the last 24 hours,” it said.

“Many people are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added.

• 17 killed, 74 injured in explosions at gas stations in southern Yemen

​At least 17 people were killed and 74 injured in a series of explosions that struck four gas stations in Yemen’s southern Al-Bayda province, according to the Health Ministry under the internationally unrecognized Houthi-led government.

As many as 50 others are in critical condition, the ministry said in a statement.

Late Saturday, the Interior Ministry's media platform said the explosions occurred in the Nassefa area of Al-Zahir district.

Houthi government spokesperson Hashem Sharafuddin said security forces are actively investigating the incident, though no further details were provided.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic secured a decisive victory in runoff elections, public broadcaster HRT reported, citing data from the State Election Commission.
• Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov discussed the latest situation in Syria and Ukraine.
• US President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian honor granted by the president.
• Russia said it took control of two more settlements in eastern Ukraine
• Saudi Arabia hosted an expanded Arab ministerial meeting on Syria following last month’s fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that easing sanctions on Syria is on their agenda.
• Bangladesh summoned India’s high commissioner in Dhaka to protest the installation of barbed wire fences, calling it a “violation of international law.”
• The Israeli army warned displaced civilians against returning to their homes in 62 villages in southern Lebanon despite a cease-fire agreement.
• Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) secured a dominant majority in the country’s parliamentary elections, winning 124 out of 188 seats, according to provisional results from the National Electoral Commission.
• A massive rally was held in Romania’s capital city of Bucharest in protest against the Supreme Court’s December decision annulling presidential elections, local media reported.
• Direct flights between Rome and Tripoli resumed after a 10-year suspension, according to Libyan media.
• A Nigerian military airstrike mistakenly killed 16 civilians, including local vigilantes, in the Tungar Kara community in Zamfara State.

SPORTS

• Barcelona beat Real Madrid 5-2 to win Spanish Super Cup

Barcelona secured a 5-2 win over Real Madrid to win their 15th Spanish Super Cup title.

Real Madrid scored in the 5th minute at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a goal from Kylian Mbappe.

Barcelona responded emphatically, finishing the first half with a commanding 4-1 lead thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal in the 22nd minute, Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot in the 36th minute, Raphinha in the 39th minute and Alejandro Balde in the 45+10th minute.

Barcelona, led by manager Hansi Flick, started the second half quickly and scored another goal with Raphinha in the 48th minute, making it 5-1.

Barcelona's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off with a direct red card in the 56th minute, while Real Madrid narrowed the gap to three with Rodrygo's free-kick goal in the 60th minute.

• West Ham's Niclas Fullkrug sustains hamstring injury

West Ham announced that Niclas Fullkrug sustained a hamstring injury.

"West Ham United can confirm striker Niclas Füllkrug sustained a hamstring injury in Friday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa," West Ham said in a statement.

The club added that the German striker will be sidelined for several weeks.

Fullkrug, 31, has previously played for clubs such as Werder Bremen, Nurnberg, Hannover and Borussia Dortmund.

The forward has an impressive international record, scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances for Germany.