Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) — Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, June 8, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

PALESTINE

Gaza City - Israeli offensive in Gaza Strip has entered its 246th day, with over 36,700 Palestinians killed and over 83,500 others injured as a crippling blockade has left the majority of the population on the verge of starvation.

At least three Palestinians were killed and 15 others injured on Friday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a school sheltering displaced people in western Gaza City.

This incident marks the second in two days that a school has been struck by Israeli forces.

Ramallah - Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank have continued since Oct. 7, 2023, with at least 531 Palestinians so far killed, 5,100 more injured, and at least 9,100 detained, according to Palestinian sources.

ISRAEL

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

EGYPT

Cairo - Efforts to reach a hostage swap deal and a cease-fire in Gaza are underway.

LEBANON

Beirut - Cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel, which began in October, have continued, becoming the deadliest clashes between the two sides since their full-fledged war in 2006.

YEMEN

Sanaa - Tensions in the Red Sea continue to increase amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having ties to Israel and airstrikes by US-led coalition forces on targets in Yemen.

On Friday, the Yemeni group reported at least seven airstrikes on areas in Yemen.

IRAN

Tehran - Developments in the Iranian early presidential elections which are scheduled for June 28.

Updates and statements from the 80 candidates, as well as special profiles on them.

FRANCE

Paris - US President Joe Biden continues his first state visit to France until June 9.

UK

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

CHINA

Xi'an - Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit central city of Xi'an as he concludes 5-day trip to China.

TÜRKİYE

Istanbul - Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers to be held with focus on situation in Gaza.

US

New Mexico - Türkiye to send its second astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, into space in launch of VSS Unity from Spaceport America for sub-orbital research mission.

SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg - Political parties to hold talks to decide if they can partner with ruling African National Congress in proposed national unity government.

SOMALIA

Mogadishu - Somalia expected to host news conference after securing first non-permanent seat on UN Security Council since 1970s.

NIGERIA

Abuja - Search and rescue efforts continue for dozens of workers trapped in gold mine in northern Shiroro region.

SPORTS

Paris - Polish top seed Iga Swiatek to take on Italian opponent Jasmine Paolini, world No. 12, in 2024 French Open (Roland Garros) women's singles final.