BBC News Briefing

3 May, 2024

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Turkey has announced sweeping restrictions on its trade with Israel in protest at the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. From Myanmar, we hear of the military government's latest move to encourage conscription, and, in India, Geeta Pandey profiles the man credited with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's electoral success. We're also bringing you UK local election results as they trickle in from across the country.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Turkey tightens Israel trade restrictions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wears a scarf with the Turkish flag on one end and the Palestinian one on the other

The Turkish leader has been under domestic political pressure to announce measures against Israel. Credit: AFP

Turkey has suspended all trade to Israel, citing the "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in Gaza. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been increasingly critical of the Israeli government's response to the deadly Hamas attack on 7 October, dubbing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza". Mr Netanyahu has rejected the criticism, accusing Turkey of supporting "the mass murderers" of Hamas. Turkey said the trade restrictions, which expand a measure approved last month affecting 54 products exported to Israel, would last until Tel Aviv allows "uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza". Israel's foreign ministry is now looking to find alternatives for trade with Turkey, worth almost $7bn (£5.6bn) last year.

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Changing ties: In 1949, Turkey was the first Muslim-majority country to recognise Israel. Ankara is now one of Tel Aviv's most strident critics.

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Gaza aid: The White House has said it expects a pier built by the US military to facilitate the flow of aid into the territory to be open within days.

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Student protests: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have sprung up on several UK university campuses this week. In Ireland, Trinity College Dublin has fined the students' union €214,000 ($230,000; £183,000) over a campus protest.

WORLD HEADLINES

UK local election: Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been turned away from a polling station for forgetting his ID, a voter requirement his government introduced. To follow the vote's outcome, head to our live page.

Immigration debate: US President Joe Biden has sparked criticism for branding allies India and Japan as "xenophobic" in comments highlighting migrants' contribution to economic growth.

Rio Grande do Sul: A hydroelectric dam has collapsed in southern Brazil after days of heavy rains that triggered massive flooding, killing more than 30 people.

Missing tourists: Mexican police have arrested three people over the disappearance of two Australians and an American in Baja California, one of the country's most violent states.

Where's Wally? A man whose emotional support alligator was taken and then dumped in a swamp is holding on to hope he may be reunited with his beloved WallyGator.

FROM THE SCENE

Yangon, Myanmar

Myanmar's new conscription plan

A crowd of people waits outside the Thai embassy in Yangon

People desperate to get visas seen outside the Thai embassy in Yangon in February. Credit: Getty Images

Myanmar's military regime is eager to find new army recruits to fight rebel groups across the country. In the latest move to bulk up its forces, the government is no longer allowing conscription-age men to travel out of the country for work.

Frances Mao and BBC Burmese

Young people had previously spoken to the BBC of their desperation to get out of the country. Men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 are obliged to enlist. The crackdown on the work abroad possibility is being seen as another massive blow. A 32-year-old man who was preparing to leave the country for Japan said he was devastated. He told BBC Burmese: “There are no job opportunities within the country and now they've also forbidden us from leaving the country. Are we not allowed to do anything?" he said.

Read in full

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The feared strategist behind Modi’s rise

Critics say Mr Shah is the driving force behind some of India's most controversial legislation. Credit: BBC

Amit Shah is often called India's "second most powerful man". The closest confidant of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is the brains behind his election juggernaut. Friends and colleagues who have known him since his school days and early career - even those who stood by him while he was briefly jailed - offer Geeta Pandey a rare insight into his early life.

Find out more

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

What to watch in May

From Beach Boys to fall guys, 11 films to watch this month.

Explore the list

And finally...

Puppy yoga has fallen foul of the Italian government. The practice doesn't involve young canines pulling intricate poses, rather humans doing so while surrounded by sauntering balls of fur. But Italy has now restricted the practice to adult dogs. Here's why.

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– Sofia

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