Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, July 22, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Military escalation in Yemen following Israeli attack

Military escalation in the Red Sea following the Houthis announcement that they had carried out a "special military operation" in Eilat and vowed Israel with retaliation following its bombing of the port of Al Hudaydah in western Yemen on Saturday. The group's leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, stated that "the enemy is no longer safe even in what is called Tel Aviv," indicating that they have added new weapons according to the phase requirements in their solidarity with Gaza.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has killed nearly 39,000 Palestinians and injured more than 89,700 since Oct. 7, 2023. Situation continues to worsen by the day amid attacks and minimal aid.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

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

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 578 people and injured 5,400 more, with nearly 9,700 taken into Israeli custody since last October.

Two American activists and a Palestinian were injured on Sunday in an attack by illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, according to medics and local media.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

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

Several people were reported injured on Sunday when an Israeli drone struck a house in the town of Houla in southern Lebanon, according to local media. Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed the attack in Houla, saying it targeted a Hezbollah cell in the city.

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.

EU foreign ministers convene to discuss Ukraine, Middle East

Foreign ministers from the European Union meet. Agenda includes discussion on Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.

New law preventing migrants entering Finland takes effect

New Finnish law, under which "instrumentalized migrants" can be prevented from entering the country and migrants who have already entered can be removed without delay, enters into force after it was signed into law by President Alexander Stubb on July 16. The law comes amid Finnish accusations that Russia has been weaponizing migration by encouraging migrants from countries such as Syria and Somalia to cross the border.

German chancellor speaks at International AIDS Conference

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to address opening session of the largest international conference on HIV and AIDS.

Macron visits Olympic village

President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Olympic Village in the Parisian suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis to meet with the French delegation.

Farnborough International Air Show starts

Biennial international Farnborough aerospace exhibition of aircraft and equipment, avionics, ground equipment, and materials. Turkish Aerospace Industries’ Hurkus and Turkish Airlines will be participating in the show.

Russian premier to visit remote Magadan region

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will conduct a two-day visit to his country's Far East region of Magadan on July 21-22. During the visit, Mishustin will get acquainted with the progress of construction of the new airport terminal complex of the region's international airport and will meet with local officials.

Biden's withdrawal from presidency

Developments regarding President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the US presidential race. Biden endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris as nominee and is expected to address the nation this week.

Attempted assassination against Trump

US House Committee on Oversight and Accountability to hold hearing with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to discuss the circumstances around the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

UN events

UN Security Council will hold its monthly briefing on the political process and the humanitarian situation in Syria. In afternoon, the council members will convene for an open briefing under the “Threats to international peace and security” agenda item, which was requested by France, the UK, and the US after the 19 July drone attack targeting the city of Tel Aviv, Israel, claimed by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

Kenyan leader likely to name more new Cabinet ministers

President William Ruto is expected to name more new Cabinet ministers after he dismissed nearly all his Cabinet two weeks ago following massive protests against proposed tax hikes. Last Friday, Ruto named 10 new Cabinet ministers, including some of those he had previously fired.

South African opposition leaders accused of corruption

Law enforcement officers in South Africa are expected to announce the next move against the leader of the radical opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party, Julius Malema, and Deputy Floyd Shivambu who are accused of participating in the looting of millions of Rands in the VBS mutual bank that collapsed eight years ago. Civil rights organization AfriForum laid criminal charges against the two opposition leaders last Friday.

Student protests continue in Bangladesh despite curfew and internet blackout

Amid mounting death toll up to 143, top court has ordered government to reduce the quota in public jobs from 56% to 7%. However, student demonstrators are refusing to budge seeking resignation of ministers as curfew and internet blackout continues in the South Asian nation.

Taiwan holds annual air raid drill

Taiwan will hold annual air raid drill. The drill will be held in four regions until Thursday with stricter measures enforced in 42 administrative sectors.

Philippines President Marcos delivers 3rd national address

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) where he is expected to deliver remarks on dispute with China in South China Sea among other domestic issues. Filipino Vice President Sara Duterte has snubbed the Marcos administration and is not attending the SONA.

Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference where the spokesperson is expected to respond to questions on Hamas-Fatah meeting among the divided Palestinian resistance leadership.

Top Chinese, Maldivian diplomats meet in Beijing

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to host his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer in Beijing for bilateral talks.

Top Turkmen diplomat to visit Pakistan

Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov to visit Pakistan where he will hold talks with his counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Meredov is expected to call on the Pakistani leadership as well.

Indian budget session begins on Monday

Budget session of Indian parliament begins on Monday. The session to continue until Aug. 12.

China’s interest rates

China’s central bank to announce its decision on loan prime rate. Last time, the bank kept the rate constant and market expectations were at the same level for a new decision.

Germany’s retail sales

Germany’s Destatis to share retail sales for July. Retail sales have been dropping for long period and downward trend expected to continue in July.

SPORTS

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League third qualifying round draw to be held at House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Paul Kagame: What next after landslide Rwanda election win?

By James Tasamba

Kigali, Rwanda - Report on Paul Kagame’s election victory in Rwanda that gives him a fourth successive term as president, focusing on the challenges and possible policy path ahead.

The story also presents a profile of the Rwandan president, including his personal and political history, and the major achievements during his over two decades in power.

It includes comments from Rwandan political analysts Olivier Mushimire and Thierry Kevin Gatete, who share their views on the expected steps Kagame could take in various areas, including the economy and regional relations.

US swimmer Michael Phelps, 'king of medals' of Olympics

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

Ankara - Report with details about the ongoing Olympic career of top medal winner Michael Phelps, a US swimmer who has racked up a total of 28 such accolades in the gold, silver, or bronze categories in the five games he competed in since 2000.

It also features details of some other decorated athletes in Olympic history, including USSR gymnast Larisa Latynina, German female canoeist Birgit Fischer Schmidt and Hungarian male fencer Aladar Gerevich.

Also provides information and statistics about other accomplished Olympic athletes across varied events throughout the years.