Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

PALESTINE

GAZA STRIP - Following up on the field situation on all fronts after more than 470 people were killed in the Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday. Also monitoring the humanitarian and health situation in the Gaza Strip, which continues to deteriorate dangerously amid continuous Israeli bombing and international warnings.

TÜRKİYE

ANKARA - UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to visit Türkiye. The latest developments in the context of Israel-Palestine conflict will be discussed as part of the visit.

EUROPE

SWITZERLAND

GENEVA - The UN Information Office to hold its bi-weekly press conference at the UN Office in Geneva, where several officials from various UN or international agencies will address the latest agenda around the world.

UK

LONDON - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to continue his two-day regional visit to the Middle East. He is expected to visit Jordan and Egypt following his visit to Israel.

MENA / ASIA-PACIFIC

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia is set to host the first summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The leaders of the two regional blocs are meeting in Riyadh for the first time since the two sides established relations in 1990. Bilateral and geopolitical developments such as security, economic progress, and sociocultural collaboration will be on the agenda. The summit will be covered partly by reporters on the Asia-Pacific desk.

DOHA - UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to visit Qatar to discuss Israeli war on Gaza.

US

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden to host President Charles Michel of the European Council and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission at the White House for the second US-EU Summit.

WASHINGTON - The American Muslims for Palestine organization to hold a gathering in the National Mall area featuring a "DC Friday Prayer for Gaza" led by Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman.

NEW YORK - Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to chair a UN Security Council session on the importance of multilateral institutions in conflict prevention, resolution, and mediation.

SPORTS

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Efes to host Spain's Valencia Basket in Round 4 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.

SPECIAL REPORT

Israel denying Gaza hospital attack is ‘same story repeating itself’: Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh’s family

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA - Interview with Anton Abu Akleh, the brother of slain Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, about the recent UN inquiry report on her murder and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

The inquiry report released earlier this week by a UN-mandated investigative body said Israeli forces employed “lethal force without justification” against the senior Al Jazeera journalist.

Anton shares his views on the findings and their potential impact on the family’s quest for justice.

About Israel’s ongoing aggression and denial of responsibility for attacks such as the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital bombing, he explains how all of it is similar to Shireen’s case and the false narratives that were pushed after her fatal shooting.

He also calls for greater international efforts to protect civilians in Gaza and to ensure accountability for the suffering inflicted on them by Israel.

SPECIAL REPORT

Tadgh Hickey: The Irish comedian making waves with take on Palestinian cause

By Aysu Bicer

DUBLIN, Ireland - Interview with Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey, whose videos have gone viral as he uses his unique brand of comedy to shed light on the issue of misleading information about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He explains why he uses the comparison with the Ukraine war, going into detail about the double standards in reporting and mainstream media coverage.

Hickey also shares his views on the ongoing conflict as he challenges Western perspectives and hypocrisy on the issue with humor.

SPECIAL REPORT

‘My entire family is in Gaza’: Palestinians abroad fear for loved ones

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL - Interview with Mohammed Vadi, a lecturer and Gaza native living in Türkiye, about the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Vadi speaks about the emotional challenges of being away from his family at such a time, sharing first-hand accounts from his relatives who are in Gaza at the moment.

He narrates the challenges that his family members are facing in Gaza, while also speaking about the need for international efforts to stop the Israeli aggression and ensure justice for Palestinians.

SPECIAL REPORT

Israel-Palestine conflict leaves African countries in ‘tight spot’

By Hassan Isilow and James Tasamba

JOHANNESBURG/KIGALI, Rwanda - Report on why and how the Israel-Palestine conflict has divided African countries.

The story explains why countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya have openly shown solidarity with Israel, while countries in Southern and North Africa are backing Palestine and their leaders have openly condemned Israel.

It includes comments from Louis Gitinywa, a Rwanda-based political analyst, and Lesiba Teffo, an academic at the University of South Africa, who explain the historic, economic, and bilateral attachments of African countries to either Israel or Palestine.

SPECIAL REPORT

US ambassador hails Türkiye’s achievements ahead of republic’s 100th anniversary

By Muhammet Tarhan

ANKARA - Interview with Jeffry Flake, the US ambassador to Türkiye, focusing on the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Turkish republic.

Flake lauds the progress and achievements made by Türkiye over the past century.

He also speaks about bilateral ties and trade relations between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Türkiye relationship for the region and the wider world.

SPECIAL REPORT

Head of Nigerian trade body backs country’s currency reform plan

By Gokhan Ergocun

DUBAI - Interview with Dele Kelvin Oye, head of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, about the country’s currency reform plan.

Oye speaks about the potential benefits of the move and the initial challenges that it could bring along.

He explains how the plan could help boost investments and facilitate businesses in Nigeria, while also shedding light on the country’s economic potential and its trade ties with Türkiye.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEOS - Latest developments in Israel-Palestine conflict

Reports covering developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict, including packages from correspondents on the ground, updates about the overall situation, and other major developments.