May 11, 2023

*) Israel-Palestine fighting in Gaza intensifies Israel continues with its air attacks on Gaza, killing at least 23 Palestinians, including 10 civilians and the head of Islamic Jihad movement’s rocket-launching force. Palestinian armed groups have also launched volleys of rockets towards Israel. The United Nations condemned Israel, saying the country must abide by international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force, and take all feasible precautions to spare civilians. *) Black Sea grain deal meeting begins in Istanbul The two-day talks for an extension of the Türkiye brokered Black Sea grain deal between Russia and Ukraine began in Istanbul on Wednesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said. Deputy defence ministers of the three countries met with UN officials to extend the deal from last July, which resumed grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. So far, 30 million tons of grain have been transported to those in need under the deal, which is set to expire on May 18th. *) Pakistan deploys army to quell violence Pakistan's government has brought out the military in areas roiled by deadly violence following the arrest of former premier Imran Khan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the unrest by Khan's supporters "damaged sensitive public and private property," forcing him to deploy the military in the capital Islamabad, the province of Punjab and in volatile regions of the northwest. At least eight people have been killed, nearly 300 wounded, and over 1,900 detained across the country according to local media. *) Sudan's rival armies make progress in talks Talks between Sudan's army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Saudi Arabia have reportedly made progress, and a ceasefire agreement is expected soon. Envoys of the warring generals have been meeting in Jeddah since this weekend. During the fighting, which killed more than 750 people and wounded over 5,000, multiple ceasefires have been declared and flouted. Negotiations aim to secure an effective truce