Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 41,100 Palestinians and injured 95,000 since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion. The situation deteriorates as Israeli attacks continue, and aid becomes scarce in the besieged enclave.

At least 14 Gazans were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in an Israeli bombing of the UN-run Al-Jaouni School in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, which shelters over 5,000 displaced civilians. The attack, the fifth targeting of the same school since Oct. 7, 2023, included staff of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees among the fatalities.

This incident marks the 47th “massacre” by the Israeli army in Nuseirat during its ongoing assault on Gaza and follows attacks on more than 18 schools and shelter centers in the camp, according to the Gaza media office.

Polio vaccination campaign in Gaza Strip

Amid ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, at least 527,776 children have received the first dose of the polio vaccine, out of 640,000 children under the age of 10, reaching 82.5% of targeted children, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The third and final phase of the campaign began in northern Gaza on Tuesday to vaccinate around 14,000 children against polio. The first and second phases of the campaign covered central and southern Gaza.

Israeli killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in Nablus

More reactions to the killing of a Turkish American activist by Israeli forces while participating in a peaceful anti-settlement protest near Nablus city in the occupied West Bank on Friday. Eygi’s body is expected to be transported to Türkiye.

US President Joe Biden called the shooting last week of a Turkish American activist in the head by an Israeli sniper in the occupied West Bank an "accident."

However, speaking to Yalda Hakim of Sky News, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed that Israel’s killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was “inexcusable” and raised concerns about its rules of engagement.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank since October last year have killed nearly 700 people and injured 5,700 others, with over 10,400 taken into custody.

The Israeli army imposed a curfew on Wednesday in the West Bank city of Tubas and displaced dozens of families in Tulkarem amid a major military operation in the area, according to local officials.

An Israeli soldier was killed after sustaining critical injuries in a car-ramming attack at the intersection near the Givat Asaf settlement near Ramallah, the army said Wednesday.

Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas

The latest updates on Israel-Hamas cease-fire in Gaza and hostage swap talks.

Speaking during a joint press conference in Cairo with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi underlined the importance of piling pressure by the European countries to strike a cease-fire deal in Gaza.

He also affirmed his country's rejection of Israel's use of hunger as a weapon against Palestinians.

This comes as anticipation builds around a potential new proposal from Washington to revive stalled indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, although the US is not optimistic about finalizing a deal soon, the state-run broadcasting authority KAN reported on Saturday, citing unnamed Israeli and US officials.

Iranian president's visit to Iraq

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Iraq on a four-day visit Wednesday morning, his first foreign trip since he assumed office.

The two sides signed 14 bilateral cooperation agreements during the Iranian president’s visit on Wednesday.

During a press conference, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of implementing security cooperation agreements between the two nations “to combat terrorism,” particularly focusing on the fight against the Daesh/ISIS terror group and efforts to curb cross-border smuggling.

For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said his country rejects the use of its territory for any cross-border threat against Iran.

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.

Hezbollah-Israel escalation

Continued border clashes between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

One person was killed and another injured in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the Health Ministry said.

The casualties were reported in the strike that targeted the border town of Mays al-Jabal, the ministry added in a statement.

German president’s visit to Egypt

German President Steinmeier is on a visit to Egypt on Sept. 10-12. He is scheduled to hold talks with representatives of civil society and the German political foundations.

Chinese premier’s visit to Saudi Arabia, UAE

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is on visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The trip began on Tuesday from Saudi Arabia, and will conclude on Friday with meetings in the UAE.

Li Qiang and his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Salman held Wednesday high-level talks in Riyadh and will co-chair the fourth Saudi-Chinese High-Level Committee.

Li will also visit the UAE at the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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 the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Blinken visits Poland

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to hold talks with senior Polish government officials about Russia-Ukraine war and continued Western support for Kyiv.

WHO news conference on Gaza

The World Health Organization to hold a virtual press conference on the situation in Gaza, including the polio situation, the ongoing campaign, injury estimates, rehabilitation needs, and medical evacuations.

UNCTAD’s report on Palestine

UN Trade and Development organization to release its report, detailing the profound economic destruction that has gripped the Occupied Palestinian Territory in the aftermath of the Israeli military operation in Gaza.

UN report on cybersecurity

The International Telecommunication Union, the UN agency for information technologies, to release its report on global cybersecurity progress in providing a safe and secure digital future for all.

Protest in London in solidarity with Marieha Hussain

Protest to take place outside Westminster Magistrates Court to show solidarity with Marieha Hussain, pregnant mother and former teacher, who will face trial for holding a satirical placard during a pro-Palestine protest. She has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence after mocking then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

US

Statements from Biden administration on Gaza

Monitoring statements from Biden administration on Gaza war and Israeli killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in occupied West Bank last week.

Biden - White House event

President Joe Biden to deliver remarks ahead of 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act at White House.

Harris campaign events

Vice President Kamala Harris to attend two campaign events in Charlotte and Greensboro cities of state of North Carolina. Key remarks from Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.

Donald Trump - Arizona event

Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to deliver remarks on economy and rising cost of housing during an event in Tucson, Arizona.

State Department briefing on UN General Assembly

A senior Biden administration official to preview and discuss Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s UN reform and UN General Assembly's 79th session priorities.

UN Security Council to discuss Yemen

UN Security Council members to hold session to discuss situation in Yemen. Key remarks from representatives of member states.

Turkish officials' visit to Uzbekistan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalin will make an official visit to Uzbekistan.

Russian foreign minister to take part in round table on Ukrainian crisis

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to speak at a round table on the Ukrainian crisis at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow. The event will be attended by ambassadors from about 80 countries. The round table is organized “for an open and honest exchange of views between diplomats on the situation around Ukraine."

Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops continue in Kursk, Donetsk

Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in the Kursk region, where Kyiv launched an "operation" on Aug. 5-6, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues claiming advances on multiple fronts. The Eurasia desk will follow ongoing developments in both conflict areas based on official and media reports.

1 million people affected by devastating floods in northeast Nigeria

Relief efforts are expected to commence in the flood-hit northeastern Borno state of Nigeria where more than 1 million people have been affected. Floods started after a local dam overflowed due to heavy rains.

South African president to address National Council of Provinces

President Cyril Ramaphosa to brief the National Council of Provinces in parliament on various national developments, including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals. He will also announce progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.

South Africa’s deputy president to meet African Union panel

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile to meet with the African Union Panel of the Wise, to discuss consensus and support for the Government of the Republic of South Sudan in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. Mashatile is South Africa’s special envoy to South Sudan.

Chinese Premier Li visits UAE

Chinese Premier Li Qiang pays official trip to United Arab Emirates for high-level talks.

Pope Francis delivers state address in Singapore

Pope Francis delivers state address in Singapore, as part of his four-nation tour of Asia.

Campaigning for ruling party leadership begins in Japan

At least nine candidates are vying for leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership. The candidates begin a two-week campaign in a bid to become the prime minister of Japan after intra-party elections are held on Sept. 27.

No confidence vote against Papua New Guinea Premier Marape

Lawmakers will participate in a no-confidence vote against Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.

11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum begins

High-level security conference 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum opens in the Chinese capital. Around 500 participants from more than 90 countries, including the US, Russia, Iran, Israel, and international organizations are attending the three-day conference, in addition to more than 200 Chinese and foreign experts and scholars.

Report on Afghanistan’s battle against opium, drugs released

A report on interim Taliban administration’s battle against opium production and drugs released by international think tank and policy making Crisis Group. It proposes Taliban’s anti-narcotics policy is an opportunity to stabilize the Afghan economy.

Indonesia’s new capital gets boost by foreign investments

Chinese, Australian investors are among foreign investors to launch major projects in Indonesia’s newly inaugurated $32 billion capital Nusantara.

Pakistani court hears ex-Premier Khan's petition against possible military trial

Islamabad High Court to hear jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's petition against his possible military trial for his alleged involvement in violence triggered after his brief arrest in a corruption case in May last year.

International Maritime Organization chief visits Pakistan

In a first, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco to visit Pakistan. Velasco will participate in the International Maritime Sustainability Exhibition and Conference and hold meetings with Pakistan’s leadership and senior government officials.

ECONOMY

Türkiye's current account balance

Türkiye’s Central Bank to share balance of payments figures for July. The country is projected to post a current account surplus of $749 million in July, following a $407 million surplus in June.

OECD economic growth rate

OECD to reveal GDP figures.

FEATURE - Tourism rebounds beyond expectations but remains vulnerable to health threats: Industry officials

Top tourism officials call for stronger crisis management, collaboration to help stem impact of any possible health uncertainties.

By Tuba Ongun

Global tourism is rebounding strongly, with the sector's contribution to world GDP expected to reach $11.1 trillion in 2024. Despite emerging health threats like the mpox virus, tourism officials emphasize continued vigilance, enhanced cooperation, and resilience strategies, as the sector’s recovery has exceeded expectations. Coordination with health organizations and data-driven responses remain crucial to maintaining stability and preparing for future challenges.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘The occupation will crumble’: As Norway wealth fund reviews Israel ties, experts push for more divestment

By Leila Nezirevic

London - Report on the decision by Norway’s 1.7 trillion US dollars wealth fund to review ties with companies aiding Israel’s actions against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The story explains the reasons for the potential move by the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, and the possible implications for Israel as it could lead to more such reviews and potential divestment decisions.

It will include comments from Svein Richard Brandtzaeg, chair of the fund’s Council on Ethics, Gerald Folkvord, political adviser at Amnesty International Norway, and Martin Butcher, Oxfam’s policy advisor on arms, conflict, and international humanitarian law.

Smartphone bans in schools: Where is it happening and why?

By Rabia Ali

Istanbul - Report on the growing global move to ban smartphones for students in schools.

The story explains the current situation and reasons for the calls to restrict the use of smartphones in schools, and details where such steps have been taken, particularly in the US and Europe.

The report lays out the main arguments for and against the idea, with comments from Manos Antoninis, director of the Global Education Monitoring Report at UNESCO, and Peter Macaulay, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Derby.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with Gerald Folkvord, political adviser at Amnesty International Norway, and Martin Butcher, Oxfam’s policy advisor on arms, conflict, and international humanitarian law, about the issue of global divestment from companies linked to Israel and its occupation of Palestinian territories.