Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, September 19, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

More explosions of wireless communication devices in Lebanon

Aftermath of explosions of wireless communication devices which struck again in various areas of Lebanon, killing a total of 32 people – including several children – and injuring 3,250 since Tuesday when first pagers and then walkie-talkies exploded, Health Minister Firas Alabiad said.

A batch of 5,000 pager devices imported by Hezbollah five months ago was “almost certain" to have been rigged with explosives before arriving in Lebanon, a former Lebanese brigadier general said Wednesday.

The wireless devices “were rigged with several grams of hard-to-detect explosives, placed in battery in a way that ensures they can’t be detected by sensors or any explosive detection tools,” Mounir Shehada, the government’s former coordinator with UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, told Anadolu.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah is set to give an address on Thursday at 5 pm local time (1500GMT) on explosions, how the devices were rigged, and his group’s response, Shehada said.

Tel Aviv has yet to respond to the blasts, which it has been widely blamed for, while the Israeli army decided to transfer its 98th elite division from the Gaza Strip to northern border with Lebanon, raising its state of alert in anticipation of potential response from Hezbollah after mass explosions.

Several fires broke out Wednesday in northern Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona after rockets were launched from Lebanon.

Palestinian president visiting Spain

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI during two-day visit that started Wednesday, his first since Madrid formally recognized the Palestinian state in May.

Abbas is making a stop in Madrid at Spain's invitation before traveling to New York on Friday for UN General Assembly.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 41,300 Palestinians and injured over 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.

At least 8 Palestinians, including 5 children and 2 women, were killed and others were injured in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Shujaiya in eastern Gaza City, medical sources told Anadolu Wednesday.

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

Red Sea tensions and possible Israeli retaliation against Houthi missile attacks 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 missile attacks 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 but Hamas denied this, asserting that in fact Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one adding new conditions.

Hamas reaffirmed its readiness to implement immediate cease-fire in Gaza Strip based on 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.

NATO chief Stoltenberg’s farewell speech

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to give speech marking end of his extended tenure at event organized by German Marshall Fund.

South Korean president to visit Czech Republic

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to embark on a 4-day official visit to Czech Republic on Thursday. During visit he is set to meet with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, trade, investment, technology, and other areas.

World Health Organization briefing

World Health Organization to hold virtual press briefing on global health issues.

Meeting of Turkish-Polish parliament chiefs

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus to meet in Ankara with Szymon Holownia, speaker of the Polish House of Representatives.

Top Turkish diplomat at Anadolu's Editor's Desk

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will be guest at Anadolu’s Editor's Desk.

Biden's events in US capital

President Joe Biden to deliver remarks at Economic Club of Washington, DC. Later he is set to deliver remarks at Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute 47thAnnual Awards Gala at Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Antony Blinken contempt resolution - House committee markup

House Foreign Affairs Committee to meet to markup resolution that would hold US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with subpoena. Committee subpoenaed Blinken on Wednesday to appear before it on Sept. 24 over US’ 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Donald Trump - 'Fighting Anti-Semitism in America' event

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to take part in "Fighting Anti-Semitism in America" event with Miriam Adelson. Desk will monitor for key remarks from former president.

UN Security Council - Israeli-Palestinian conflict discussed

UN Security Council to meet for briefing followed by consultations on Resolution 2334 on Israel’s establishment of settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.

Fighting between Russian and 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. Eurasia desk following ongoing developments in both conflict areas based on official and media reports.

Nigeria warns of potential flooding

Nigerian authorities issued warning of possible flooding in 11 states as neighboring Cameroon starts to release water from one of its largest dams. Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state is currently dealing with floods which have killed 40 people and displaced tens of thousands.

Update on mpox in Africa

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to give updates on mpox infections and urgent steps in response to outbreak recently declared public health emergency.

South African anti-apartheid activist to be laid to rest

Former South African anti-apartheid activist Pravin Gordhan who held several ministerial posts, will be laid to rest Thursday in coastal city of Durban. He died last week from cancer at age of 75.

South Sudan to resume oil exports through Sudan

South Sudan to resume oil exports through Sudan after pipeline that was ruptured earlier this year was repaired. South Sudan, which relies heavily on oil exports, depends on Sudan to transport its crude to international markets.

Sri Lanka set for weekend presidential elections

Sri Lanka is set for presidential elections on Saturday. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is seeking reelection as an independent candidate in first presidential elections since island nation declared bankruptcy two years ago.

Indian Premier Modi to address election rally in disputed Kashmir region

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address election rally in disputed Kashmir region a day after first phase of legislative polls. Rally comes as New Delhi is holding polls in Jammu and Kashmir for first time since 2014. Two more phases of polls will be held before concluding on Oct. 01.

Malaysian king visits China

Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to pay 4-day state visit to China at invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Russian deputy premier meets Pakistani officials

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk to meet officials in Pakistan during two-day official visit. This is first high official visit of Russia to Pakistan since 2021.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's interest rate decision, official reserves

Turkish Central Bank to announce official reserves for August and interest rate decision.

In previous meeting, bank kept benchmark one-week repo rate constant at 50% for fifth straight meeting, as widely expected. Economists expect no change in rates.

UK interest rates

Bank of England to issue interest rate decision. It lowered rate in previous meeting to 5% and markets expect no change at this meeting.

New passenger car registrations in Europe

ACEA to release data on new passenger car registrations in Europe in August

SPORTS

UEFA Champions League

Atletico Madrid to meet Leipzig in Champions League match at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Arsenal to visit Italy's Atalanta in Bergamo, Barcelona to face Monaco in away match.

SPECIAL REPORTS

In Germany, robots are making a mark in homes

By Sal Ahmed

Berlin – Report on growing integration of robots in households in Germany.

Story explains how more robots are being used in households and the impact they are having on everyday life for individuals, while also addressing larger question of human-robot relationship in the future.

Report presents details of two particular models developed by German and Chinese companies, with comments from David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics, and Candice Yinglu of Yarbo.

INTERVIEW - Nigeria’s Niger state aims to be country's food basket: Governor

By Tuba Ongun

Abuja, Nigeria – Interview with Mohammed Umar Bago, governor of Niger, the largest state in Nigeria.

Bago speaks about various steps being taken by state government to leverage its natural resources and strategic location to boost food production and attract investment.

He outlines government’s key priorities and major deals with foreign investors, including companies from Türkiye, China, and US, while also listing ways Niger state is positioning itself to boost investment inflows.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Report about how robots are becoming more common sight in households in Germany, showcasing two particular robots that are gaining popularity, with comments from officials of two German and Chinese robotics companies.

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