Diary

ANKARA (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, July 14, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):​​​​​​​

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

The unfolding developments in the Gaza Strip regarding a potential cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

Egypt on Saturday condemned Israel's bombing of the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, which is densely populated by displaced people, saying it adds “serious complications” to the current Gaza cease-fire negotiations.

On Friday, the Israeli Walla news portal said Netanyahu set new conditions for the cease-fire and hostage swap deal. Netanyahu proposed that Israel will maintain control of the Philadelphi Corridor, Gaza’s Egyptian border, while also overseeing the remaining part of the Rafah crossing on the Palestinian side.

However, Hamas reacted strongly, slamming Netanyahu for attempting to impose new demands that were not included in previous proposals discussed with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Senior US official’s visit to Middle East

Ongoing visit of US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf to the Middle East who arrived on July 8 and will remain until Sunday to discuss a cease-fire in Gaza, with stops in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, and Italy to meet with government officials.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip amid stymied efforts to reach a cease-fire that would end Israel's relentless attacks, which have killed over 38,400 Palestinians and injured nearly 88,500 others since Oct. 7.

Israeli fighter jets bombed displaced Palestinian tents in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, on Saturday morning. The army attack killed 71 Palestinians and injured 289 more. Later, Israeli media claimed that the army's attack was intended to eliminate Mohammed Deif, commander-in-chief of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. However, Hamas issued a statement rejecting the claim.

In another deadly bombing on Saturday, at least 15 Palestinians were killed and over 20 others injured in an Israeli attack on a mosque in the Shati refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Dire humanitarian situation, looming famine in Gaza

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorates with each passing day amid ongoing Israeli attacks and the closure of Gaza's crossings.

Two days after the Israeli military issued a sweeping directive for all Palestinians to leave Gaza City, the families who remained were sheltering in bomb- and bullet-stricken buildings, Louise Wateridge, a spokesperson for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said. The spokesperson added that the families she met there were living in dire conditions.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 574 people and injured 5,350 more, with 9,625 taken into Israeli custody since last Oct. 7.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

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

The Israeli army said on Saturday that two Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon were targeted by a drone, claiming they were about to launch missiles at Israel. Though the group did not immediately respond to the Israeli army's statement, the Lebanese National News Agency reported that two people were killed on the Khardali Road that connects Marjayoun and Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.

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 the group's positions in Yemen.

Trump assassination attempt

Desk to monitor repercussions of an attempted assassination against former US President Donald Trump who was injured in his ear during a rally in the US state of Pennsylvania. The suspected shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from the state.

Turkish foreign minister to meet with his Saudi counterpart

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will hold a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud in Istanbul.

Kenyan president pledges to form inclusive cabinet after firing ministers

Two days after firing 21 ministers, including the attorney general, President William Ruto has pledged to form a new Cabinet that will represent all Kenyan communities, uniting the country after weeks of protests over legislation that would have resulted in tax hikes but was later scrapped after 39 people lost their lives.

South Africa’s national unity government holds 1st Cabinet meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the first meeting with ministers of his national unity government come from several political parties. Ramaphosa will discuss the government’s top priorities for the new seventh administration during the two-day meeting, which will conclude on Sunday. A statement will be issued at the end of their deliberations.

Somali authorities to investigate failed jailbreak

Somali authorities to begin investigations after five prisoners and three soldiers were killed in a failed prison break in which some inmates allegedly possessed weapons.

Search continues in Nepal for over 50 people missing after landslide

After two buses were struck by a massive landslide and carried into a river just before dawn on Friday, search and rescue efforts are still underway to find over 50 missing passengers.

Over a dozen people have also been killed in rain and flood-related accidents as the landlocked South Asian country experiences heavy rains.

SPORTS

UEFA EURO 2024 final

Spain to play against England at the EURO 2024 final at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

2024 Wimbledon men's singles final

Serbian 2nd-seed Novak Djokovic to face Spanish No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Wimbledon men's singles final at London's All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.