Turkish banks have started closing Russian corporate accounts and tightening policies for individuals following threats of secondary sanctions from the US, business daily Vedomosti reported on Thursday, citing financial consultants and business owners.

The sector recorded a 1.7% drop during the Christmas season alone, official statistics show German retail sales saw a sharp drop in 2023, according to preliminary data released on Wednesday by Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

Qatari negotiators are awaiting a final response from Hamas officials, who have seemingly welcomed the plan Israel has agreed to a ceasefire proposal that would halt its war with Hamas, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday, citing the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Hamas has reportedly responded to the plan in a “positive atmosphere.”