Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, September 6, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Major Israeli military offensive in West Bank

Developments related to Israel's military offensive in northern occupied West Bank cities, considered the largest in over two decades.

At least 39 Palestinians have been killed and 145 others injured in Israeli military offensives in northern West Bank since last week, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Forces stormed cities of Jenin and Tulkarem, as well as refugee camps there and Fara camp near Tubas.

Israel’s army pushed further military reinforcements into Tulkarm refugee camp, surrounding its entrances.

The army also has tightened its blockade of Jenin refugee camp, sending in more forces escorted by drones and bulldozers.

Early Thursday, Israeli army withdrew from Tulkarem and its refugee camp amid massive destruction to city's infrastructure, according to local sources.

The Israeli military early Friday retreated from the city of Jenin and its refugee camp in the northern section of the occupied West Bank following 10 days of incursion and assaults.

The Israeli army barred a Palestinian ministerial delegation from visiting Jenin, whose governor said Israeli forces besieged a municipality building.

German foreign minister's regional visit

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is touring the Middle East in ongoing efforts to reach a cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage swap agreement between Israel and Hamas.

It is Baerbock's eleventh trip to the Mideast and her ninth to Israel since last Oct. 7. Trip includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Palestinian territories.

On Thursday, she landed in Riyadh and met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and exchanged views on situation in the Gaza Strip.

Baerbock then headed to Jordan and met with her Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi and addressed Gaza.

The top German diplomat is expected to meet her Israeli counterpart Israel Katz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and is scheduled to travel to West Bank to meet Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 41,000 Palestinians and injured more than 94,000 since Hamas' incursion on Oct. 7. Situation worsens as Israeli attacks continue, and aid becomes increasingly scarce in besieged enclave.

On Thursday, at least 11 Palestinians were killed and several others injured in fresh Israeli attacks on Zeitoun Martyrs School southeast of Gaza City, refugee tents at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central city of Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and area near Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

Polio vaccination campaign in Gaza continues

Amid ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza Strip, a polio vaccination campaign for children under age 10 ended on Wednesday in central Gaza, with more than 189,000 children vaccinated, according to the World Health Organization.

The drive moved to Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, where it was scheduled to begin on Thursday and continue until Sunday.

But Israel refused to coordinate entry of medical teams for polio vaccination east of Khan Younis, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The final phase of inoculation will take place in Gaza City and northern regions on Sept. 9-12, according to the Gaza Media Office.

Protests against Israeli government

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

Families of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza staged a protest in central Tel Aviv on Thursday, demanding that Netanyahu take action to secure a prisoner exchange deal.

Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas

Latest on Israel-Hamas cease-fire in Gaza and hostage swap talks, though their chances have dimmed due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's insistence on continuing war in Gaza Strip.

Mediators are expected to present “compromise plan” for Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, said Israeli public broadcaster KAN on Wednesday. Plan will be presented on Friday.

KAN said Mossad chief David Barnea told mediators that Israel is ready to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border in second phase of cease-fire plan.

Netanyahu on Thursday dismissed reports that a cease-fire and hostage swap deal was nearing completion, calling claims "exactly inaccurate," contradicting statements by US officials.

Netanyahu’s remarks were in response to senior US officials claiming that 90% of terms of a cease-fire and hostage exchange deal had been agreed upon.

While Netanyahu clings to the Philadelphi Corridor and makes statements that are criticized internally and externally as “unrealistic” and hinder any chance of negotiating and agreeing on a ceasefire, an Egyptian source, in statements reported by Cairo News Channel, saw Netanyahu’s statements on the corridor as “a preemptive message to Washington” rejecting any proposals for a cease-fire in Gaza and hostage swap deal.

The corridor, a demilitarized area along Egypt’s border with Gaza, has been a sticking point in Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas reiterated its commitment to the framework set by US President Joe Biden in late May, as well as the June 10 UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which was passed on July 2.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau, stressed that no further proposals are necessary and any future discussions should focus on compelling Netanyahu and his government to implement agreed terms, not to return to endless negotiations.

Egypt’s army chief of staff’s surprise visit to Gaza border

Israeli reactions to surprise visit of Egyptian Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Fathy Khalifa to his country’s borders with the Gaza Strip.

On Thursday, a military statement said Khalifa inspected security measures along the border with Gaza, without providing any further details.

“The armed forces are capable of defending homeland's borders,” Khalifa said during his visit.

The visit came one day after a high-level Egyptian source accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of hindering Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap negotiations by making claims about weapons smuggling through the Egypt-Gaza border.

It also follows Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining a military presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, claiming the corridor is a “lifeline” for Hamas to rearm.

Hezbollah-Israel escalation

Continued border clashes between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah.

Hezbollah said Thursday that it targeted the Ramot Naftali military base in northern Israel, headquarters of the Sahl Battalion at the Beit Hillel base, and Israeli military’s Western Brigade 300.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed a fatality in Kafra following an Israeli strike on the village.

Lebanese state media also reported renewed Israeli artillery bombardments on western parts of Mais al-Jabal in the Marjayoun district.

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 group's positions in Yemen.

Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

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

US, allies to discuss military support for Ukraine

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to host 24th meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Defense ministers from NATO allies and partner countries to discuss ways to increase military support to Ukraine.

NATO chief Stoltenberg to visit Norway

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expected to hold news conference after their meeting in Oslo.

Scholz to meet Macron in Evian

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron will meet in eastern French city of Evian for talks on bilateral ties, the EU, and international issues. Scholz and Macron are later scheduled to attend 32nd Evian meeting of German and French companies.

Launch of UN’s Sudan report

UN Human Rights Council’s international fact-finding mission to release its first investigative report at press conference in Geneva.

President Joe Biden - Michigan visit

President Joe Biden to deliver remarks on how his Investing in America agenda is creating good jobs and opportunities in Michigan and across country. Desk will monitor Biden's key remarks during visit.

Antony Blinken - Dominican Republic visit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Dominican Republic following trip to Haiti. His schedule includes talks with President Luis Abinader. Desk will monitor key remarks from Blinken.

Trump address in North Carolina

Former President Donald Trump to address members of Fraternal Order of Police National Board of Trustees at their fall meeting. Desk will monitor Trump's key remarks.

UN event on Afghanistan

Japan's UN envoy Yamazaki Kazuyuki, joined by representatives of Ecuador, France, Guyana, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK, and US, to deliver a statement on the situation in Afghanistan.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to pay official visit to Kosovo.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to pay visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and meet with President Ersin Tatar.

DR Congo to announce start of mpox vaccination

Democratic Republic of Congo Health Ministry is expected to announce date to start rolling out critical mpox vaccination aimed at curbing rising epidemic. Congo on Thursday received its first shipment of 99,100 doses of JYNNEOS mpox vaccine.

Outrage in South Africa after impeached judge is appointed commissioner to Judicial Service Commission

South African political parties are mounting a legal challenge to parliament’s decision to appoint John Hlophe, an impeached former judge, as commissioner to Judicial Service Commission. Hlope, who was removed as judge for misconduct five months ago, was appointed as leader of opposition in parliament after joining ex-President Jacob Zuma's party, uMkhonto weSizwe.

Thailand’s Cabinet of Premier Paetongtarn to be sworn in

At least 36 members of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Cabinet to be sworn in. Paetongtarn was recently elected country’s premier. Paetongtarn will have a record 8 women as part of her Cabinet.

Outgoing Japanese premier Kishida pays last trip to South Korea

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is paying his likely last trip to South Korea as he steps down later this month after his Liberal Democratic Party holds presidential elections. Kishida’s trip to Seoul comes amid efforts from two sides to overcome historic tensions due to Japanese colonial rule over Korean Peninsula.

China-Africa cooperation forum to conclude

The 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, attended by leaders and officials from 53 African nations, to conclude in Beijing. China has pledged $50 billion in funding to Africa over the next three years.

Indonesia to host pope for 3rd time since 1970s

After concluding a 4-day visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis to proceed to Papua New Guinea as part of 12-day trip to Asia. This is 3rd such trip to Indonesia by any pope since 1970s.

Indian home minister to address election rally in Jammu and Kashmir

Indian Home Minister and senior Bhartiya Janata Party Amit Shah to hold election rally in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi will hold elections in disputed region in three phases from Sept. 18 – for first time since region’s autonomy was scrapped and subsequently divided into two.

Pakistan to observe Defense and Martyrs Day

Pakistan to commemorate Defense and Martyrs Day to recall sacrifices made during 1965 war with India.

THE ECONOMY

German industrial production

Destatis to announce Germany's industrial production, trade balance for July. In June, German industrial production rose 1.4% month-on-month.

Eurozone 2nd quarter GDP growth

Eurostat to release final reading of 2nd quarter GDP growth figure. GDP in eurozone projected to rise 0.3% compared to previous period, according to second reading.

SPORTS

UEFA Nations League matchday 1

Türkiye to play against Wales in UEFA Nations League matchday one in Cardiff. Meanwhile France to face Italy in Paris in same competition. 2024-25 UEFA Nations League started on Thursday.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Game of demographics’: How Israel is wiping out Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem

By Rabia Ali

Istanbul – Report on Israel’s strategies in occupied East Jerusalem and how it has accelerated actions to expel Palestinians under cover of war on Gaza.

The story presents current situation in area, illustrates rise in Israeli aggression, and explains various strategies being used by Israel, including demolitions, evictions, property confiscations, and expansion of illegal settlements.

Report includes comments from Emad Moussa, Palestinian-British writer and researcher, and interviews with policy analyst and researcher Tamara Tamimi, and Osama Risheq, a lecturer and legal supervisor at Al-Quds University.

‘We lost everything’: Bangladesh flood victims struggle to rebuild devastated lives

By Faisal Mahmud

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Report on post-flood situation in central, eastern, and southeastern Bangladesh, where recent heavy rains and flooding have killed dozens of people and impacted millions more.

The story details ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts, obstacles in process, and issues being faced by hundreds of thousands of displaced Bangladeshis.

Includes interviews with displaced Bangladeshis, representatives of aid groups, Md. Mojdar Hossain, an official of Department of Agricultural Extension, and climate expert Md. Khalequzzaman.

Mpox outbreak should force humanity to rethink relations with nature: Experts

By Nur Asena Erturk

Ankara – Report on potential implications of global spread of mpox, focusing on vital lessons that world must take from current outbreak.

Story is based on interviews with Jean-Daniel Lelievre, French professor of clinical immunology and vaccination specialist associated with European Medicines Agency, and Dr. Mehmet Ceyhan, head of Turkish-based Infectious Diseases Association.

Experts speak about underlying reasons for outbreaks of such epidemics, explaining how they are linked to human actions that upset balance of nature, and offering suggestions on long-term solutions to prevent future recurrence.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Palestinian academics Tamara Tamimi and Osama Risheq on Israel’s growing aggression in occupied East Jerusalem and how it has accelerated steps to expel Palestinians under cover of war on Gaza.