February 23, 2023

*) Türkiye starts clearing quake rubble as toll surpasses 43,000 Demolition teams have started clearing mounds of rubble from the devastating February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye. This comes as the government and aid groups continue to shelter survivors still shaken from the tremors and several strong aftershocks. As of Thursday morning, the death toll from the disaster that hit Türkiye more than two weeks ago has reached 43,556, according to Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu. The quake also badly affected neighbouring Syria, leaving more than 5,800 dead. In total, the fatalities from both countries have surpassed 49,300. *) Türkiye quakes generated up to 210 million tonnes of rubble: UNDP The United Nations Development Programme has said it plans to support Türkiye in the removal of rubble and the management of the debris from the earthquake's devastation. The UN agency said that the disaster generated between 116 million and 210 million tonnes of rubble. It estimated that an area of at least 30 kilometres by 30 kilometres with debris piled three metres high would be needed to contain it all. *) Russia breached Ukraine defences near Kreminna, got pushed back Russian troops trying to break through Ukrainian defences near the eastern town of Kreminna have been pushed back, losing some of their heavy equipment. This is according to the Luhansk regional governor. In recent days, Russia, trying to secure full control of two eastern provinces forming Ukraine's Donbass industrial region, has launched repeated assaults. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin said Russia would pay more attention to “strengthening” nuclear triad and keep on equipping its armed forces with advanced equipment. *) Israeli troops kill 11 Palestinians in Nablus raid Israeli forces killed 11 Palestinians and wounded scores during a military raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, according to Palestine's Health Ministry and medics. The incursion also left 102 Palestinians wounded, including six in critical condition, the