Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, August 4, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

MENA

Aftermath of assassination of Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh

International and regional reactions continued to last week’s assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Saturday that investigations of Haniyeh’s assassination found it was done through a “terrorist operation” involving the firing of a short-range projectile with a warhead weighing some 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds), accompanied by a large explosion, from outside where Haniyeh was staying.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed some 40,0000 Palestinians and injured more than nearly 91,000 since last Oct. 7. Situation continues to worsen amid continuing attacks and minimal access to aid.

Israeli warplanes targeted a school in Sheikh Radwan, Gaza City, killing 10 Palestinians, including children.

UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) announced Saturday that it began a gradual resumption of educational activities in some shelters in central and southern Gaza Strip this week. UNRWA Media Director Inas Hamdan told Anadolu that resumed activities are part of a longer-term plan, focusing initially on sports, arts, drama, games, and psychosocial support for students.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

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

A delegation of Israeli officials arrived in Cairo on Friday to engage in negotiations on a possible hostage exchange deal, according to Israeli reports. Israeli Army Radio reported that Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet security agency head Ronen Bar are among delegates in Cairo.

Israeli news website Walla reported the delegation is expected to meet with Abbas Kamel, head of Egyptian intelligence, as well as senior officials in Egyptian army.

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.

At least nine Palestinians were killed on Saturday in Israeli drone attacks targeting two vehicles in northern occupied West Bank, according to official media.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Red Sea tension

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

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan deteriorates as clashes between army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue.

Turkish foreign minister’s visit to Egypt

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan starting 2-day visit to Cairo at invitation of his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.

Africa

Nigerian president to address nation amid protests

President Bola Tinubu is set to address nation as protests continue against economic hardships and food crisis in Africa’s most populous country. Nigeria has seen rising inflation and a depreciating currency. Organizers have called for 10 days of demonstrations that began on Aug. 1. At least 17 people have so far been killed in clashes with security personnel.

Asia-Pacific

Severe weather

From severe heat to flash floods, several nations are witnessing unprecedented weather conditions. China, India, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan are all facing weather woes.

Students initiate non-cooperation movement in Bangladesh

Rejecting the premier’s call for dialogue, students in Bangladesh initiated a non-cooperation movement against government of Sheikh Hasina. Thousands of people are demanding resignation of Hasina, following violent protests in South Asian nation with over 200 deaths.

Japanese defense chief visits Cambodia, Vietnam

Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru visiting Cambodia and Vietnam through Wednesday to meet his counterparts. Minoru is expected to reaffirm Japan’s cooperation in bilateral arena as well as towards realizing a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

SPORTS

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic to face his Spanish opponent Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024 Olympic Games' gold medal match at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Italy to face Türkiye in Paris 2024 women's volleyball preliminary round. Hosts France to meet Team USA in another Olympic women's volleyball match

Germany to meet Team USA in Paris 2024 women's basketball group match while France to face off against Australia in Olympic women's basketball.