Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, August 10, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Military Escalation in the region

Israel has been anticipating for over a week a possible military attack from Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi group in Yemen, and Iranian-backed armed militias in Iraq and Syria, following the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.

Israel has not taken responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination, but did claim responsibility for earlier assassination of prominent Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in Beirut suburb.

US Navy amphibious assault ship arrived at the Southern Cypriot port of Limassol, the navy's website said, adding it “will conduct a routine liberty port as well as participate in a community relations event in coordination with the Agios Stefanos Foundation.” This came amid ongoing tension and US commitment to confront any attack on Israel.

More airlines announce suspension of flights to and from Israel, with the latest Italian, Spanish and Indian airline companies, bringing the total to more than 20 airlines.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and injured many more than 91,700 since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas incursion. Situation continues to worsen amid continuing attacks and minimal access to aid.

At least 100 Palestinians were killed early Saturday when the Israeli military bombed the Al-Taba'een school in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in eastern Gaza City.

The Israeli army on Friday launched a new ground operation in eastern Khan Younis under the pretext to destroy Hamas and Islamic Jihad infrastructure in the area.

The new offensive pushed thousands of Palestinians to leave their areas again and to flee to other areas.

Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas

Latest in potential cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Late on Thursday, a trilateral statement by the US, Qatar and Egypt (the Gaza cease-fire mediators) called for ending hostilities, reach a cease-fire, and a hostages exchange agreement.

Countries worldwide, including Türkiye, Jordan, the UAE, Sweden and Australia, welcomed the call by the mediators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday Israel will send its delegation on Aug. 15 to finalize the details of a hostage exchange agreement with Hamas.

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

Continued border clashes between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah amid fears of a full-blown war following Tel Aviv’s assassination of senior Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on July 30.

On Friday, Israeli media reported 20 rockets fired from Lebanon and landed in open areas in northern Israel.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 620 people and injured 5,400 more, with nearly 10,000 taken into custody since last October.

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 (RSF) continue.

50 people arrested for planning to march to parliament could appear in court

Fifty people, who were arrested for attempting to march to the Ugandan parliament in capital Kampala to protest the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project, are expected to appear in court.

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Summer Olympics' host nation France to play against LeBron James-led Team USA in men's basketball gold medal game at Paris' Bercy Arena. Before the final, Germany to meet Serbia for men's basketball bronze.

Brazil to take on USA in women's football Olympic gold medal match at Parc des Princes, Paris.

France to meet Poland in men's volleyball gold medal match, while Turkish women to play Brazil for Paris 2024 volleyball bronze medal.
Paris 2024 men's Marathon, men's 800-meter, men's 5,000-meter finals in athletics to be held in the French capital.