Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has killed nearly 38,700 Palestinians and injured many more since Oct. 7, 2023.

Situation continues to worsen by the day amid attacks and minimal aid trickling in.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

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

Israeli army's chief Herzi Halevi on Monday said a prisoner swap deal with Hamas is "moral imperative, and the military would be capable of handling its implications."

Prime Minister Netanyahu also stressed sticking to his new conditions, especially to keep the army in the Philadelphi Corridor area between Gaza and Egypt, and to prevent Hamas fighters from returning to northern Gaza, prompting further differences between him and Israel's negotiating team.

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 nearly 9,700 taken into Israeli custody since last October.

Protests against Israeli government

Mounting protests in Israel to pressure Netanyahu's government to either negotiate a hostage-prisoner swap deal with Palestinian group Hamas, or resign.

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

Continued border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah amid fears of a full-blown war.

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.

A British maritime agency on Monday said two vessels came under attack in the Red Sea off Yemen's city of Al Hudaydah, with one ship reporting some damage.

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

Sudan's humanitarian and security situation is deteriorating as clashes between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue in various parts of the country.

Turkish President to chair cabinet meeting

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to chair Cabinet meeting and later address the nation on domestic and international issues, including Gaza.

Panel discussion on July 15 defeated coup bid

Türkiye's Communications Directorate to hold panel discussion, July 15 Victory of the Nation, in Ankara. Parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmus, and Communications Director Fahrettin Altun will deliver remarks.

Efforts to form new government in France continue

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to accept Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s resignation. He is being criticized by left-wing alliance NFP members for delaying the process of forming a new government and causing instability.

European Parliament to hold first plenary since elections

The 720 Members of European Parliament (MEPs) will meet for their first plenary following June 6-9 elections, with members sworn in for five-year terms. Votes on confirming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a second term, Roberta Metsola to remain president of European Parliament and appointments to committees expected this week.

UN agencies’ briefing

UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva.

Former British minister responds to antisemitism allegations

Former Tory minister Sir Alan Duncan to make a statement on accusations of antisemitism levelled against him and UK's policy on Israel and Palestine.

Russian foreign minister to take part in UN Security Council work

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will travel to New York to take part in the work of the UN Security Council. The Foreign Ministry said Lavrov will chair open ministerial-level debates on the topic of multilateral cooperation in the interests of forming a fairer, democratic and sustainable world order on July 16, and open ministerial-level debates on situation in Middle East on July 17.

US President Biden speech at national convention

President Joe Biden to deliver remarks at National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The US president will talk on his administration's commitment to advancing racial justice and equity for all Americans, including Black Americans.

Trump and Republican National Convention

Developments regarding attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump. The Republican National Convention also continues on second day in Wisconsin, where Trump was officially nominated as Republican party's nominee.

Aspen Security Forum

First day of Aspen Security Forum, an annual gathering of high-level experts and officials which covers a wide range of security-related issues, to begin in Aspen, Colorado. Today's speakers include US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

Reactions after Kagame wins Rwanda presidential election

Reactions and developments as Rwandan President Paul Kagame wins presidential election for 4th term, according to preliminary results.

Kenyans gear up for fresh protests

Kenyans are expected to protest against abductions and killings during recent anti-tax hike protests as President William Ruto gears up to announce a new Cabinet. Ruto fired his cabinet ministers last week after escalating public pressure and violent protests over financial hardships.

Bush fires wreak havoc in South Africa’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal

Latest on bushfires that have destroyed vegetation and homes in the eastern coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal. The fires have killed at least six firefighters.

South Sudan launches anti-malaria vaccine

South Sudan to launch nationwide rollout of the R21 anti-malaria vaccine. This initiative is led by Health Ministry in partnership with UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

Japan to host 2-day summit with Pacific Islands nations

Japan to host 10th Pacific Islands summit. Leaders of 18 countries and territories, including the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, will attend.

Pakistan government seeks ban on jailed ex-Premier Khan's party

Reactions and related developments as Pakistan's government seeks to ban the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and try him along with ex-President Arif Alvi for treason.

Indian top diplomat to visit Mauritius

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to visit Mauritius for two-day visit. He will call on Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and hold bilateral meetings with other senior ministers.

Indonesian president flies to UAE

Indonesian President Joko Widodo flew to Abu Dhabi to meet with his Emirati counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They are expected to discuss trade cooperation."

Students in Bangladesh rallying for reforms in gov't quota system

Thousands of students are protesting the quota system in the public job sector in Bangladesh. The protests, which have escalated into violence, have left dozens injured. The quota system currently reserves 56% of government job entry positions for specific demographics and classes.

THE ECONOMY

Euro area's int'l trade

Eurostat to reveal trade balance figures for May. In April, foreign trade balance was €15 billion, while market's May forecast is €17 billion.

Inflation in Italy

Italy to release annual inflation rate for June. It was 0.8% in May, and is expected to remain the same.

Türkiye's budget balance

Turkish Treasury and Finance Ministry to share central government's budget balance table for June.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Israeli power transfer a step toward annexing West Bank, expelling Palestinians, warn experts

By Muhammed Enes Calli

Istanbul – Report about Israel’s increasing aggression in the occupied West Bank and new policies that raise the specter of formal annexation of the Palestinian territory.

The story gives details of the recent illegal steps taken by Israeli authorities, such as quietly transferring power over the West Bank from the military to civilian officials, and explains their legal impact on the status of the occupied territory.

It includes interviews with Abdaljawad Omar, a writer and lecturer at Birzeit University, and Muhannad Ayyash, a policy analyst at think tank Al-Shabaka.

ANALYSIS – Slowing inflation in US raises likelihood of September rate cut

By Ovunc Kutlu

Istanbul – Report on the recent consumer inflation figures in the US and how they have increased the probability of a much-anticipated interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September.

The story gives details of the recently released inflation data, comments from top economic officials, and the consequent changes in the rate cut probability for September, which has jumped from 50% to 88.1%.

It explains the reasons for the slowing inflation, lays out the Fed’s expected policy path and its potential effect on both domestic and international markets.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Explainer about Israel’s recent administrative changes in the occupied West Bank, specifically the transfer of power from military to civilian officials, and why experts are viewing it as a step toward formal annexation of the territory and expulsion of Palestinians.