Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) — Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, April 27, 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 204th day despite UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate cease-fire in besieged enclave.

Since last October, Israeli offensive has killed over 34,350 people and injured nearly 77,400 others amid crippling blockade that has left most of population on verge of starvation.

Israel continues to conduct airstrikes on several areas in Gaza Strip, including southern city Rafah, where Tel Aviv insists on launching ground offensive to deal with final strongholds of Palestinian resistance group Hamas, despite rising international warnings of catastrophic consequences for about 1.4 million displaced taking refuge there.

Ramallah - Ongoing Israeli raids in West Bank since Oct. 7, which have led to killing of nearly 490 Palestinians, injury of around 4,900, and arrest of nearly 8,455, according to Palestinian sources.

ISRAEL

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

Israelis protested Friday against government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding early elections, hostage swap deal with Hamas, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, top Egyptian security delegation arrived in Tel Aviv Friday to discuss possible Gaza cease-fire.

LEBANON

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

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 disruption to maritime traffic in one of world’s busiest global routes for oil, fuel transport.

UK

London - Pro-Palestine rally to take place in central London to call for end to arms supply to Israel, cease-fire in Gaza.

CHINA

Beijing - Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino to arrive on five-day visit at Chinese counterpart Wang Yi's invitation. During visit, Mondino to meet with Wang, other senior Chinese officials.

THAILAND

Bangkok - Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Thailand on her nearly week-long visit, first-ever at level of head of government since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972.

PAKISTAN

Islamabad - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif likely to depart on two-day visit to Saudi capital Riyadh for World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy.

SOUTH AFRICA

Pretoria - 30th anniversary to be marked for end to white minority rule in 1994.

NIGERIA

Abuja - Police announced manhunt after more than 100 inmates escape from prison near capital.

THE ECONOMY

Riyadh - Islamic Development Bank Group’s annual meeting, golden jubilee to be held in capital Riyadh.

SPORTS

Izmir, Türkiye - 59th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye's Stage 7 to be held in Türkiye's west. Dutch cyclist Frank van den Broek (Team Dsm-Firmenich PostNL) won previous stage. Eight-day cycling event to end in Istanbul on Sunday.

Istanbul - Turkish top-flight football division Super Lig's title contenders Fenerbahce to face Besiktas in derby at home.