Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) — Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, June 29, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Iran presidential elections

Voting commenced in Iran's snap presidential election early Friday, coming after late President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash on May 19. Iranians will elect one of four candidates as his successor.

Results to be announced on Saturday afternoon, according to election headquarters chief Mohammad Taqi Shahcheraghi, with reactions to outcome, statements by Iranian officials expected.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip amid deadlocked efforts to reach cease-fire deal to end Israel's relentless attacks on Palestinian enclave. Since last Oct. 7, Israel has killed more than 37,700 Palestinians and injured over 86,400 others.

Military operation in Gaza

Israeli military operations are taking place in different areas across Gaza Strip, including Rafah and Shejaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, with airstrikes and artillery shelling in areas across Gaza.

Exacerbated humanitarian situation and looming famine in Gaza

The humanitarian situation across Gaza Strip continues to decline day after day amid continued Israeli attacks and closure of Gaza's crossings.

Recent days have seen reports of Palestinians struggling with famine, eating tree leaves in northern areas of Gaza Strip to ease their hunger.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank have killed at least 553 people and injured 5,300 others, with 9,430 taken into Israeli custody since Oct. 7, 2023.

On Friday, illegal Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands near Nablus city, damaged other crops in different areas in West Bank.

Protests against Israeli government

Mounting protests in Israel to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to either negotiate a hostage-prisoner swap deal with the Palestinians or resign.

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

Daily border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah amid warnings of escalation into potential full-blown war.

Hezbollah said on Friday that its fighters bombed surveillance hardware at Israeli Barkat Risha military site, while Israel responded by shelling Lebanese town of Kfar Kila with artillery shells.

Red Sea tension

Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel in the Red Sea, as well as US-led coalition airstrikes on group's positions in Yemen.

Houthi group reported more US-UK raids on western Al-Hudaydah province on Friday.

Turkish foreign minister to visit Croatia

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Croatian city Dubrovnik to attend Foreign Ministerial meeting of Türkiye-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Croatia Trilateral Advisory Mechanism.

Rally against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia

Despite police warnings, little-known civil society group has planned rally against Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim outside his official residence. Organizer Demi Negara movement says rally to highlight rising oil prices, local rice shortages, unaddressed issues after COVID-19 pandemic.

Trilateral military drills on Korean Peninsula to conclude

Three-day trilateral all-domain military drills by US, South Korea, Japan to conclude. Ongoing rival military activities by divided Koreas have escalated tensions on Korean Peninsula.

'Disinformation' adds to challenges facing Philippines amid sea tensions

Philippines is facing challenge of disinformation amid clashes with China in disputed waters of South China Sea. Filipino armed forces debunking misinformation, spread especially on social media, about Manila's operations in waters around disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

Voters cast ballots in Mauritania presidential elections

Voters in Islamic Republic of Mauritania head to polls to elect new president in race that has drawn seven candidates, including incumbent Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.

Possible new South African Cabinet

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa held talks with second-largest party Democratic Alliance in unity government to iron out disagreements on allocations of Cabinet positions. If finalized, Ramaphosa may announce new Cabinet in his second term over weekend. Lead party African National Congress reached agreements to form government of national unity with nine other parties after losing its parliamentary majority in May elections.

Trashing Finance Bill may not be enough to end Kenyan government's worries

Rejection of Finance Bill 2024 by President William Ruto may have quelled immediate public unrest, but has not resolved deeper financial issues facing Kenya's government. Bill, which proposed significant tax hikes, was cornerstone of Kenya's agreement with International Monetary Fund, aimed at addressing country's fiscal woes. Talks expected for forward movement on solving issue of revenue generation.

Rebels expand control as fighting continues in Democratic Republic of Congo

Fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese armed forces FARDC continues in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with rebels gaining control of areas such as Miriki and Kimaka in North Kivu province.

According to UN refugee agency, 1.3 million people have been displaced in Rutshuru and Masisi areas.

SPORTS

UEFA EURO 2024 Round of 16 to begin

The UEFA EURO 2024 last 16 to start with two matches. Switzerland to play against title holders Italy at Berlin's Olympiastadion, hosts Germany to meet Denmark at BVB Stadion Dortmund.

Last 16 to continue through to July 2.

Proteas face Blue Shirts in T20 Cricket World Cup final

South Africa and India to battle it out in men's T20 Cricket World Cup final in first time Proteas have reached finals as India seek to reclaim trophy it last won 17 years ago.