Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, August 24, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

MIDDLE EAST

Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas

The latest on the cease-fire agreement and hostage swap deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, though their likelihood has decreased due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence on continuing the war in the strip and his rigidness to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Crossing, which separates the northern and southern parts of the enclave.

The Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer (8.69-mile) demilitarized buffer zone along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, remains one of the major sticking points in Israel-Hamas negotiations.

On Friday, Israeli media reported that Thursday's negotiations between Egyptian and Israeli delegations in Cairo to reach a Gaza cease-fire and a hostage swap deal with Hamas failed.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 40,300 Palestinians and injured over 93,100 since Hamas' Oct. 7 incursion. The situation worsens as Israeli attacks continue and aid becomes increasingly scarce in the besieged enclave.

At least 15 Palestinians were reportedly killed and many more injured in a series of Israeli forces raids across the Gaza Strip.

Muhannad Hadi, the UN coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, said the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel has impeded aid operations, as a lack of food and basic services has exacerbated people's difficulties.

Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades said its fighters engaged in clashes with the Israeli army in the Zeitoun neighborhood of southeastern Gaza City and inflicted casualties on Israeli soldiers.

Israel-Hezbollah escalation

Border clashes between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah continue, raising fears of a full-fledged war following Tel Aviv's assassination of senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut on July 30.

On Friday, Hezbollah mourned the deaths of five of its fighters in clashes with the Israeli army, according to separate statements.

Hezbollah has announced attacks on several Israeli army sites near Lebanon’s southern borders, including an artillery shelling of the army's Malkiyeh site.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday discussed with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin the escalation on the Israeli-Lebanese border. Austin reiterated the US commitment to Israel's security, according to a statement by Austin on his X account.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank since last October have killed at least 640 people and injured 5,400 others, with over 10,000 taken into custody.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Military escalation in Mideast

Israel is on high alert for possible military attacks from Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and Iranian-backed armed militias in Iraq and Syria, following last month’s assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

International reports suggest that Iran might delay its response to the assassination of Haniyeh if an agreement between the two sides is reached.

With no cease-fire deal yet reached after Doha talks which ended on August 16, the prospects for Iran's retaliatory response are looming again.

Red Sea tensions

Continued 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

The humanitarian and security situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate amid clashes between army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

EURASIA

Russian, Ukrainian troops continue to fight in Kursk region

Russian and Ukrainian troops continue to fight in the Kursk region, where Kyiv launched an incursion on Aug. 5-6. Ukraine claims it has captured over 93 settlements since then, particularly the town of Sudzha. Russian authorities have said 31 people were killed, 143 injured, and over 133,000 evacuated since Kyiv’s incursion.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims the operation’s objective is to “establish a buffer zone.” Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the incursion as a "terrorist attack."

Ukraine celebrates Independence Day

Ukraine celebrates Independence Day, which is observed every year on Aug. 24. Several top Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected to make statements. However, there is a possibility of Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, as well as military developments in eastern Ukraine's front lines.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Japanese Premier Kishida visits Fukushima nuclear plant

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant to commemorate one year since Tokyo began releasing treated nuclear water.

Tokyo International Conference on African Development meeting kicks off

Japan holds the TICAD Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo. Top diplomats from African countries are expected to attend the meeting.

AFRICA

Latest on mpox situation in Africa

Gabon became the latest African country to report its first case of mpox on Thursday. The virus has already spread to 13 other countries across the continent, with many still waiting for vaccines.

Nigeria issues flood warning

The latest flood situation in Nigeria, where the government has issued a flood alert due to rising water levels in Niger and Mali. Floods in Jigawa state have already killed 30 people and displaced thousands, causing significant damage to homes and farms.

SPORTS

A preview to be prepared for the last tennis grand slam tournament of the season, the 2024 US Open, which will begin on August 25.

Aston Villa to face Arsenal at Birmingham’s Villa Park in the week 2 game of the English Premier League.