Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, April 21, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

PALESTINE

Gaza City - Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip, as Israel continues its relentless onslaught for 198th day despite UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate cease-fire in besieged enclave.

Since last October, Israeli offensive has killed at least 34,049 people and injured over 76,900 others amid crippling blockade that has left most of population on verge of starvation.

The Israeli airstrikes continue on several areas in the Gaza Strip, including the city of Rafah, which Israel insists on invading under the pretext of confronting the last strongholds of the Hamas movement, despite increasing international warnings of catastrophic consequences, amidst the presence of approximately 1.4 million displaced persons.

Ramallah - Ongoing Israeli raids in West Bank since Oct. 7 which have led to killing of 469 Palestinians, injuring around 4,800, and arrest of 8,310, according to Palestinian sources.

The Israeli army continues its raids on the city of Tulkarm and the Nur Shams refugee camp, which it began on Thursday, resulting in the death of 7 Palestinians, according to government media and medical sources.

EGYPT

Cairo - Developments in negotiations between Israel and Hamas over hostage swap and cease-fire in Gaza Strip.

ISRAEL

Tel Aviv - Protests in Israel to pressure Israeli government to resign and reach a hostage swap deal with Palestinians.

On Saturday, tens of thousands protested in several cities in Israel, including Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, to demand early elections and the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

LEBANON

Beirut - Continuing cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel that flared up last October, in deadliest clashes between two sides since their full-scale war in 2006.

The Israeli army struck military infrastructure containing Hezbollah fighters in three areas in southern Lebanon, in a third attack Saturday.

YEMEN

Sanaa - Growing tension in Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of ties to Israel and US retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi targets inside Yemen, causing fears of significant disruption to maritime traffic in one of world’s busiest global routes for oil and fuel transport.

QATAR

Doha - Prince Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani tours several Asian countries at the invitation of their leaders. The visit commences in the Philippines, followed by Bangladesh and concluding in Nepal. Prince Tamim holds discussions with leaders and senior officials of these countries, focusing on ways to enhance cooperation and sign agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields.

TÜRKİYE

Istanbul - Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to meet his Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug to discuss bilateral relations and current regional issues. The two are expected to hold a joint press conference after the meeting.

PAKISTAN

Islamabad - Thousands of eligible voters to elect their representatives in by-elections in 21 national and provincial assemblies seats on Sunday. A tough contest is expected between the candidates of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party and the ruling alliance.

Islamabad - Nearly 100 people were killed and 89 others injured during the last one week due to rain and flood-related incidents in Pakistan's northwestern and southwestern regions. Heavy rain still continues in some parts of the country.

CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi to arrive in Phnom Penh on an official visit. He will meet the country leadership and will participate in the Seventh Meeting of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee.

INDONESIA

Jakarta - Volcano eruption in North Sulawesi province has forced authorities to extend the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in the city of Manado until Sunday, as dozens of flights were canceled while hundreds of people evacuated from the affected region.

SPORTS

Madrid - Real Madrid to face Barcelona in El Clasico. Spanish leaders Real Madrid have 78 points in 31 matches. Barcelona are on 70 points to be in the 2nd position.

Shanghai – Chinese Grand Prix to be held in Formula 1.