*) Erdogan vows to advance Türkiye, relays concern over anti-Muslim rhetoric

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his administration is preparing Türkiye to become a global power with massive investments in infrastructure.

President Erdogan says the “Turkish Century” will see Türkiye becoming one of the most prominent countries in the world with the power and experience it has gained in the last period.

Commenting on the hateful act of Quran burning in Sweden, the Turkish president says Stockholm should not expect Türkiye’s support for its NATO membership bid after the incident.

*) Beirut blast investigation takes tumultuous turn as systemic cracks surface

It’s been two and a half years of fighting and disappointment for the families of those who were killed in 2020’s August 4 blast in Beirut’s port.

The investigation has yielded little in the way of answers or accountability.

Instead, there has been a change in judges, 18 lawsuits against investigators, four suspensions, and a gunfight on the streets.

*) Israel’s military says ‘currently striking’ besieged Gaza

Israel says it conducted air strikes on the central areas of besieged Gaza hours after intercepting a rocket fired from Palestine's territory.

So far, there hasn’t been any immediate reports of casualties on either side.

Since the start of 2023, the Israel-Palestine conflict has claimed the lives of at least 35 Palestinians, whereas at least six Israelis have reportedly been killed.

*) Zelenskyy says eastern Ukraine situation getting tougher

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the situation on the front lines in eastern Ukraine is becoming tougher as Russian forces step up its offensive.

Russia is gaining momentum on the battlefield, announcing advances north and south of the city of Bakhmut, its main target for months.

Zelenskyy says the Russians are trying to make gains that they could show on the first anniversary of the conflict on February 24.

And finally…

*) Australia to replace Queen Elizabeth's image from banknotes

Australia’s central bank announces it will erase the late British monarch from its banknotes.

The late Queen Elizabeth the second’s image on the $5 note will be replaced with a design honouring Indigenous culture.

The $5 bill is Australia's only bank note to feature the monarch.