Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, July 6, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

MIDDLE EAST

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

Developments about a potential cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu agreed to send a negotiating team to engage in cease-fire talks with Hamas.

Israel is yet to respond to Hamas's response. Israeli media, however, reported that the Hamas response could serve as a basis for resuming negotiations.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip amid stymied efforts to reach cease-fire that would end Israel's relentless attacks. Since last Oct. 7, Israel has killed over 38,000 Palestinians and injured more than 87,440 others.

Israeli raids on residential areas across Gaza Strip continue to claim lives. On Friday, bodies of 14 Palestinians were retrieved from the rubble in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

Dire humanitarian situation, looming famine in Gaza

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

The severe fuel shortage has exacerbated the health care situation in Gaza, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday, who also called for an immediate reopening of the Rafah crossing.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank have killed at least 568 people and injured 5,350 others, with 9,520 taken into Israeli custody since last Oct. 7.

At least seven Palestinians were killed and two others injured on Friday during Israeli forces’ storming of the city of Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

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

Red Sea tension

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

At least three fresh US-UK raids on early Friday were carried out against sites in Al-Hudaydah, western Yemen, according to the Houthi group.

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

Deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Sudan amid ongoing clashes between Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum, El Fasher in North Darfur State, as well as in states of Sennar and Al-Jazira.

ASIA & PACIFIC

Opposition party of former Premier Imran Khan to hold rally in capital Islamabad

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to hold public rally in capital Islamabad. The rally to demand release of Khan from jail as well protest against inflation in the South Asian nation.

New Zealand’s top diplomat concludes his trip to Pacific Nations

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters concludes his week-long visit of Solomon Islands, Nauru and Niue. Wellington is expected to issue a statement on Peters’ trip.

China’s top lawmaker to travel to Uzbekistan

Zhao Leji, chairman of National People's Congress, to pay goodwill visit to Uzbekistan and later fly to Russia for 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum and the 9th meeting of the China-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

Japan expected to announce package on landmine clearance overseas

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is expected to announce a package of measures to support landmine clearance overseas during her trip to Cambodia. Tokyo has years of experience in removing landmines in the Southeast Asian country.

Anti-terror operations continue in Pakistan

Pakistan is pressing forward its anti-terror operations which have continued amid steady attacks by militants. At least 10 suspected militants and three civilians were killed in first 5 days of July. It comes as Islamabad has announced renewed military operation, dubbed as “Azm-e-Istehkam”, against militants.

AFRICA

EU’s Josep Borrell to visit strategically located Djibouti

European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell to pay 3-day visit to strategically located Horn of Africa country, Djibouti. During his visit, he will meet President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Malawi Independence Day subdued following vice-president’s plane crash

Malawi to commemorate 60 years of independence from British colonial rule but celebrations remain subdued following the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima in plane crash last month. Special prayers for the vice president and eight others who died in the incident will be held during the event expected to be attended by President Lazarus Chakwera.

SPORTS

EURO 2024 Quarterfinals

2024 UEFA European Football Championship quarterfinals to be played on Saturday.

England to face Switzerland in Dusseldorf while Netherlands to take on Türkiye in Berlin.

2024 Wimbledon Tennis Championships

The Wimbledon tennis championships, 3rd grand slam of the season, to continue with main table matches.

2024 FIBA U17 World Cup

The semifinals and classification matches of the FIBA U17 World Cup, hosted by Türkiye, to be played.

Formula 1 World Championship

The qualifying rounds for the 12th race of the Formula 1 World Championship, the British Grand Prix, to be held.