Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

PALESTINE

Gaza City - Humanitarian and military situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues its relentless onslaught despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the besieged enclave.

The Israeli offensive, in its 186th day, has killed over 33,200 people and injured almost 76,000 others since last October amid a crippling blockade that has left most of the population on the verge of starvation.

Ramallah - Continuous security tension in the West Bank amid almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian towns in the occupied territory, which resulted in the death of at least 459 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023. The number of arrests has risen to record 8,145.

EGYPT

Cairo - Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at reaching hostage swap deal and cease-fire in Gaza.

ISRAEL

Tel Aviv - Protests to pressure government to reach deal with Palestinians.

Pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues from his coalition partners as well, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening to topple the government if he does not invade southern city of Rafah.

LEBANON

Beirut - Cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel, deadliest clashes since their full-scale war in 2006.

YEMEN

Sanaa - Growing tension in the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of ties to Israel and US retaliatory airstrikes against targets inside Yemen.

THE NETHERLANDS

The Hague - Germany to address International Court of Justice after Nicaragua accused it of facilitating “genocide” in Gaza by providing political, financial and military support to Israel.

SWITZERLAND

Geneva - UN Information Service to hold bi-weekly briefing for journalists. Statements on latest situation in Gaza Strip likely.

KYRGYZSTAN

Bishkek - Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev to meet Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov.

KAZAKHSTAN

Astana - Finnish Foreign Trade Minister Ville Tavio to pay 4-day visit; expected to travel to Astana and Almaty and attend Finnish-Kazakh intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation.

RUSSIA

Cosmodrome Vostochny - First-ever launch of new Russian Angara rocket, first heavy-lift launch vehicle developed in Russia after the dissolution of the USSR. Designed to put loads up to 24.5 tons into low Earth orbit.

US

Washington - Statements from Biden administration regarding situation in Gaza and potential protests in solidarity with Palestine.

Washington - President Joe Biden to deliver remarks on care economy. He will also welcome Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his wife Kishida Yuko to White House.

Washington - Secretary of State Antony Blinken to host UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron.

Washington - Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to speak at Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Department of Defense's budget request.

Michigan - James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of Oxford High School student Ethan Crumbley who killed four and injured seven others on Nov. 30, 2021, will be sentenced after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for contributing to the killings by failing to uphold their responsibility as gun owners.

SOUTH AFRICA

Pretoria - Government to launch national Freedom Month, celebrating 30 years of democracy since end of apartheid.

Pretoria - President Cyril Ramaphosa to receive letters of credence from over dozen heads of mission-designates.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Goma - Peacekeepers increasingly being targeted in clashes with rebels in eastern DRC. Three Tanzanian soldiers were killed and others injured on Monday as clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese troops escalate.

CHINA

Beijing - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to meet top Chinese leadership. He is on two-day visit.

PAKISTAN

Islamabad - Senators will elect new chairman and deputy chairman of upper house. Newly-elected senators will also take oath.

INDIA

New Delhi - Supreme court to hear case regarding staying operation of rules notified under controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

SPORTS

Madrid - Real Madrid to face defending champions Manchester City in UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

London - English Premier League side Arsenal to take on German Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Israel’s deliberate WCK attack fits pattern of targeting aid workers in Gaza, West Bank: US rights advocate

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

Geneva - Interview with Charles McBryde, an American human rights advocate and aid worker, about the Israeli attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in the Gaza Strip.

McBryde condemns the deadly strike as a continuation of Israeli attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza, saying it follows a “pattern” of Israel targeting aid workers throughout history in Gaza and the West Bank.

He also highlights the “dichotomy” and “dissonance” in Israeli claims about protecting civilians and non-combatants, while expressing optimism that the world might finally act to hold Israel accountable after this latest blatant attack.

Conditions not ‘conducive’ for Gaza aid work after WCK attack: World Food Program

By Esra Tekin

Istanbul - Interview with Abeer Etefa, senior MENA spokeswoman for the World Food Program, about the Israeli attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in the Gaza Strip.

Etefa speaks about the impact of the attack on humanitarian operations in Gaza, with several aid groups having suspended operations due to safety concerns and fears of more such Israeli strikes.

She also shares her assessment of the humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza, while reiterating the call for a permanent and immediate humanitarian cease-fire.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with American human rights advocate and aid worker Charles McBryde about Israel’s strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, where he speaks about how it fits a historical pattern of Israeli attacks on humanitarian workers and explains why Israel’s explanations about the April 1 attack do not make sense.