Diary

By Anadolu Staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Explosion of pager communication devices in Lebanon

Reactions to the mass explosion of wireless pager communication devices seized by Hezbollah members in Lebanon, which killed at least 9 people, including a child, and injured nearly 2,800 others, with 200 in critical condition, according to the Health Ministry.

The Lebanese group Hezbollah held Israel fully responsible for the explosion and reported that two of its members were among the deceased, vowing “just retaliation from unexpected quarters” to Israel following the mass explosions.

The explosions, which occurred around 3.30 p.m. local time, impacted various members of Hezbollah units and institutions.

Iranian Ambassador in Beirut Mojtabi Amani, his wife and two embassy employees were among the injured due to the explosion. Iranian media said the ambassador was transferred to a hospital in Beirut after he was slightly injured in the explosion.

Mojtabi said in a post on X that his wife, too, was slightly injured in the explosion.

Two embassy employees were also wounded. The Lebanese Health Ministry has advised citizens to dispose of their pager devices immediately.

US Secretary of State Blinken's visit to Egypt

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Egypt on September 17-19 to co-chair the opening of the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, according to the US Department of State.

The strategic dialogue aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and deepen economic development, as well as increase people-to-people ties through culture and education.

In addition to co-chairing the strategic dialogue, the secretary will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss ongoing efforts to reach a cease-fire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and helps establish broader regional security.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed over 41,200 Palestinians and injured nearly 95,500 since incursion last Oct. 7 by Palestinian group Hamas. Situation is deteriorating as Israeli attacks continue and aid grows more scarce in besieged enclave.

Scores of people were killed and injured in Israeli airstrikes on the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip early Tuesday, the Civil Defense Service said.

Israeli warplanes bombed several houses on the eastern side of the camp as dozens of people were inside, the service said.

“More than 50 people are estimated to have been inside these houses during the Israeli attack,” it added in a statement.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank since last October have killed at least 706 people, including 159 children, and injured 5,700 others, with over 10,400 taken into custody.

In addition to the daily Israeli army incursions into areas across the West Bank, illegal Israeli settlers also assault and attack Palestinians and their properties almost on daily basis.

Feud between Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Gallant

Ongoing tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have risen further in recent days amid reports saying that Netanyahu is considering firing Gallant.

Israeli opposition leaders warned Tuesday of grave consequences from plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sack his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israeli media reports Netanyahu may replace Gallant with Gideon Sa’ar, leader of the right-wing New Hope Party, as defense minister.

Former War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz called Netanyahu’s plans to sack the defense minister “security recklessness.”

For his part, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak called Netanyahu's plans to replace Gallant with Sa'ar an attempt to continue the Gaza war.

Red Sea tensions and possible Israeli retaliation against Houthi's missile attack on central Israel

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. There are reports of possible Israeli retaliation against Houthi's missile attack on central Israel.

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.

Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas

Latest on Israel-Hamas talks on possible cease-fire in Gaza and hostage swap.

No breakthrough in negotiations expected as Israel continues to delay progress, obstructing talks by introducing new conditions.

US recently accused Hamas of “changing some of its conditions” on possible deal. Hamas denied this, asserting that in fact Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the one adding new conditions.

Hamas reaffirms its readiness to implement immediate cease-fire in Gaza Strip based on the plan presented by US President Joe Biden earlier this year. Hamas reiterated its refusal to add any new conditions to Biden’s proposal.

Deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

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

Joe Biden to host Hispanic Heritage Month reception

President Joe Bident to host a reception at White House in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the contributions of the Latino community to the United States.

Donald Trump's New York rally

Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump to hold a rally in New York.

UN General Assembly vote on Gaza

UN General Assembly expected to vote on Palestinian resolution that demands Israel end its “unlawful presence” in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within a year.

UN event on Afghanistan

UN Security Council to convene for an open briefing on Afghanistan. Special representative of the secretary-general and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Roza Otunbayeva, and UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous are expected to brief.

UN chief's press conference

UN secretary-general to hold his traditional 'curtain-raiser' press conference ahead of next week's UN General Assembly session.

World Meteorological Organization’s climate report

World Meteorological Organization to launch “United in Science: Reboot climate action” report, highlighting challenges and opportunities towards climate goals.

UK's biggest and richest polluters

Oxfam publishes report on the UK's biggest and richest polluters, urging the government to tax them more to fund the switch to renewable energy.

Swedish Premier Kristersson visits Austria

Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson to meet Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer for talks on bilateral relations, migration, and regional issues. Kristersson will be accompanied by Sweden’s new Migration Minister Johan Forssell.

Russia, Laos to start joint anti-terror drill Laros-2024

Russia and Laos to start joint military exercises Laros-2024 near Far Eastern city of Vladivostok.

The drill will be held in two stages of practical actions. First, the military will work out the liberation of the settlement. Then, as part of the second stage, a joint group of troops will work out the destruction of an illegal armed formation.

First ever BRICS Women’s Forum

The BRICS Women's Forum will be held for the first time as part of the fourth Eurasian Women's Forum, which will be held from September 18 to 20 in St. Petersburg.

The Eurasian Women's Forum is the largest international platform bringing together women leaders from all continents of the planet for dialogue and the development and elaboration of joint solutions on topical issues of international cooperation, sustainable economic development, the development of new technologies, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and environmental safety, and the promotion of social charity projects.

Fighting between Russian, Ukrainian troops continue in Kursk, Donetsk

Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in border region of Kursk, where Kyiv began incursion last month, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues claiming advances on multiple fronts.

Turkish foreign minister's visit to Amman

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Amman to attend OIC and Gaza Contact Group meeting.

Türkiye-Sweden Security Compact meeting to be held

The first meeting of the Security Compact between Türkiye and Sweden to be held in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Swedish counterpart Maria Malmer Stenergard are expected to attend the meeting, which is anticipated to address bilateral, regional, and international security issues, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism.

Malian security to remain vigilant after foiled terror attack

Malian security personnel expected to continue conducting a security sweep and routine patrols across the West African nation, a day after they foiled a “terror” attack on a training school for security personnel in the capital Bamako.

Death toll in Congo boat accident expected to rise

The death toll from Monday’s boat accident in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The boat had 150 people on board when it capsized, three deaths have been confirmed while dozens are missing.

Somali president to visit South West state amid tensions

President Hassan Sheikh to visit Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South Western state, amid political tensions between Mogadishu and the federal member state.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk visits Pakistan

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, leading a high-level delegation, pays official two-day visit to Pakistan.

India holds elections in Kashmir, 1st time in a decade

India holds regional elections in Jammu and Kashmir, first time in 10 years. The three-phased polls to conclude on Oct. 01.

China, India ease border tensions in Jammu and Kashmir

China and India have eased border tussle in Ladakh area of disputed Jammu and Kashmir, with each side loosening deployment of soldiers.

ECONOMY

UK inflation figure

UK to share inflation data for August. In July, annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% from 2% in June. Figure is projected to come in at 2.2%.

Eurozone inflation data

Eurostat to share second reading of inflation rate for August. According to flash estimate, the annual inflation rate in the eurozone eased to 2.2% in August from 2.6% in July.

Türkiye's short-term foreign debt

Türkiye’s Central Bank to share short-term foreign debt figures for July. In the prior month, figure amounted at $180.5 billion, up by 2.5% from the end of 2023.

SPORTS

UEFA Champions League 1st matchday

⁠Manchester City to play Inter Milan in UEFA Champions League match at City of Manchester Stadium. Borussia Dortmund to visit Belgium's Club Brugge, and Paris Saint-Germain to face Spain's Girona at Parc des Princes, Paris.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Very worrying picture’: Alarm as nearly 200 environmentalists killed last year

By Burak Bir

London – Report on the latest findings of Global Witness, an international NGO, on attacks targeting land and environmental defenders around the world.

The report presents all key findings of the research, including statistics showing how fatal attacks on activists increased last year, the areas witnessing more violence, and assessments for the future.

The story includes an interview with Laura Furones, senior advisor for the Land and Environmental Defenders Campaign at Global Witness, who explains the gravity of the situation, and delves into the underlying reasons and urgent steps required to address the issue.

‘500 casualties in 25 minutes’: Gazan doctor recalls horrors of Israel’s war

By Rania Abu Shamala

Istanbul – Interview with Mohammad Ashraf, a Palestinian emergency doctor and project officer for Turkish medical relief group Yeryuzu Doktorlari.

The interview focuses on his experiences in Gaza, where he worked for more than a month at Al-Shifa Hospital, treating scores of Palestinians wounded in Israel’s ongoing assault.

Ashraf also explains the extent of the destruction of life in Gaza and its health care system, as well as the devastating impact of the crippling Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Laura Furones, an official of international NGO Global Witness, about the group’s latest report on the killing of environmental activists, which paints a worrying picture of rising attacks in various parts of the world.

VIDEO – Interview with Mohammad Ashraf, a Palestinian emergency doctor who was recently in Gaza, about his experiences on the ground, the devastation of the health infrastructure, and the deadly toll of Israel’s ongoing war.​​​​​​​