Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, July 29, 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 more than 39,300 Palestinians and injured nearly 90,900 since Oct. 7, 2023. Situation continues to worsen by the day amid attacks and minimal aid.

On Sunday, at least 10 Palestinians were killed, including children, in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the Civil Defense Agency said.

Video clips shared by Palestinians showed a man carrying a “decapitated child” and a mother screaming and crying bitterly near dead bodies.

Some eight civilians, including a child, were killed in Israeli strikes on a “humanitarian zone” for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to medical sources.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

The latest regarding a potential cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Negotiations regarding the cease-fire in Gaza and the exchange of prisoners between Hamas and Israel are currently stalled after the postponement of the Israeli delegation's visit to next week, which was initially scheduled for Thursday.

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

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

International and regional entities warn against a potential outbreak of war on the northern front in Lebanon after Israel accused Hezbollah of carrying out a missile attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the death of 12 people and injured 35 others.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed nearly 592 people and injured 5,400 more, with nearly 9,700 taken into custody since last October.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Red Sea tension

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

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

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

UK Conservative Party leadership nominations

Nominations to close as part of the leadership contest to select Rishi Sunak's successor, with candidates needing the support of 10 MPs to enter the race. Campaigning will end with the announcement of the new leader on Nov. 2.

UK Home Office ministers to respond to questions

Ministers from the Home Office to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions on migration are likely.

Joe Biden to visit Texas

US President Joe Biden to visit Austin, Texas to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Biden will reportedly announce his proposed reforms to the US Supreme Court during his visit.

Pennsylvania rally for Harris campaign

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to campaign together for US Vice President Kamala Harris. Whitmer and Shapiro, who both endorsed Harris as the next Democratic presidential candidate, are considered front-runners for Harris’ running mate.

UN event

UN Security Council members to convene for closed consultations on Sudan, at the request of the UK. Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra is expected to provide an update on the ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis.

South Africa to start deportation process of arrested Libyan nationals

South African authorities are expected to start process of deporting 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested last Friday at a suspected "secret military camp" in White River in the northeastern Mpumalanga province. Their visas were cancelled on Saturday after they were accused of acquiring them irregularly in Tunisia through misrepresentation.

Chinese leaders host Italian Premier Meloni

Chinese leader Xi Jinping host visiting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who is on official visit to China. It is first trip by any Italian premier since Rome exited Beijing-funded multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last year. The trade volume between two distant nations has surged past $80 billion.

President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste pays state visit to China.

Quad foreign ministers meet in Tokyo

Foreign Ministers of Quad nations – Australia, Japan, the US and India – meet in Tokyo.

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing where it is likely to respond to high-level meetings held among the US, Japan, South Korea, India as well as Australia.

Pyongyang likely to respond to US, South Korea

North Korea is likely to respond to the joint statement by the US, South Korea as well as Japan on security and stability on Korean Peninsula.

Normalcy returns to Bangladesh

Normalcy is gradually returning in Bangladesh while curfew and military deployment continue.

SPORTS

Turkish national women's volleyball team to face Netherlands in their first match in Group C at 2024 Paris Olympics.

Turkish men's national archery team consisting of Mete Gazoz, Ulas Berkim Tumer and Abdullah Yildirmis to face Colombia in qualifiers at 2024 Olympics.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Kenya's youth unrest: Persistent protests signal deeper discontent

By Andrew Wasike

Nairobi – Report on continuing street protests in Kenya, where young people are demonstrating against economic hardships and lack of government accountability.

The story details the origins of the unrest, which began earlier this year in response to a government-proposed finance bill that included significant tax increases. It explores how the demonstrations have evolved into a broader movement against economic inequality and corruption.

The report includes perspectives from protesters, rights groups, and government and opposition figures, discussing the demands of the youth-led movement and its potential future impact. It highlights the persistence of the protests despite President William Ruto’s efforts to address concerns, including backtracking on the controversial legislation and reshuffling his Cabinet.

Serbian capital of Belgrade at heart of global scene with street art: Mural artist

By Talha Ozturk

Belgrade – Report on Belgrade’s thriving street art scene, particularly its rich mural culture, detailing its historical context of the Serbian capital.

The story traces the development of the artistic phenomenon from the 1989 Non-Aligned Movement summit to more recent ballet festivals, focusing on the city’s current status as a global hub for street art and murals, exploring their impact on urban aesthetics and community engagement.

It includes insights from artist and researcher Jana Danilovic, discussing the creative process behind large-scale murals and their significance in public spaces. It also features perspectives from local tour guides, tourists, and residents on how street art contributes to Belgrade's unique cultural landscape and attracts international attention.

NEW MEDIA

Video – Interview with artist and street art researcher Jana Danilovic on the evolution of Belgrade’s mural scene, emphasizing how murals have become an integral part of the city’s fabric, the physical and rewarding nature of creating large-scale murals, and the importance of careful communication with the public through street art.