Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Explosions of wireless communication devices in Lebanon

More reactions and developments of explosions of wireless communication devices which struck in various areas of Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing a total of 37 people -- including several children -- and injuring 3,250 when pagers and 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.

In his first comments on the incident, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah admitted on Thursday in a televised speech that his group has received “a severe blow” following the explosions, attributing this to “Israel's technological superiority, backed by the US, NATO, and the West.”

Israeli warplanes flew at low altitude over Beirut, breaking sound barrier during Nasrallah’s speech, according to an Anadolu reporter.

Nasrallah said: “The Israeli enemy sought to kill 5,000 people within just two minutes, showing no regard for anything.”

He also warned Israel that if it establishes a security belt on the Lebanese territory, “it will turn into a trap and a hell.”

Lebanon’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation banned pagers and walkie-talkies on flights following the blasts.

In a related development, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the UN Security Council to take a “firm stance” against Israel following two waves of wireless communication devices across the country.

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 the northern border with Lebanon, raising its state of alert in anticipation of a potential response from Hezbollah after mass explosions.

Israeli media reported that 10 rockets launched from Lebanon landed in open areas in Upper Galilee in northern Israel, damaging buildings in the illegal settlement of Zar'it.

Palestinian president attending UN General Assembly session

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is set to travel to New York on Friday for the UN General Assembly urgent session to discuss the recent explosions in Lebanon.

The session was requested by Algeria, a non-permanent member of the Security Council and representative of the Arab Group.

Slovenia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council, announced that the council has decided to meet on Friday to discuss the recent explosions involving "pager" and "ICOM" wireless devices that occurred in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 41,300 Palestinians and injured over 95,550 since an incursion last Oct. 7 by the Palestinian group Hamas. The situation is deteriorating as Israeli attacks continue and aid grows more scarce in the besieged enclave.

On Thursday, at least five Palestinians, including two children and a woman, were killed in Israeli drone attacks that targeted a gathering of civilians and a house in Rafah.

Another seven people were killed and others injured when an Israeli warplane bombed a house in the town of Jabalia, north of the enclave.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank since last October have killed at least 710 people, including 159 children, and injured 5,700 others, with over 10,400 taken into custody.

On Thursday, three Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire south of Jenin during a military raid in the town of Qabatiya.

Israeli forces surrounded a house in the town and ordered those inside to surrender before opening fire on the house, eyewitnesses said.

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 the Red Sea and US-led coalition airstrikes on the 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 the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to either negotiate a 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.

Tel Aviv submitted on Thursday a new proposal to Washington for a prisoner exchange and ending the war in Gaza, according to the official Israeli Broadcasting Authority.

The proposal stipulates releasing all Israeli hostages in one batch, and securing the safe exit of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and disarming the Strip.

While there was no immediate comment from the mediators or Hamas, the movement has confirmed repeatedly that it does not want new proposals and that it agrees to the proposal based on the plan announced by US President Joe Biden at the end of May.

Deteriorating 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.

EU foreign policy chief to speak on defense

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to deliver remarks on defense and security at the Cotec Europe Symposium in Spain.

UN agencies’ briefing

The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva.

Climate protests across Germany

Environmental group Fridays for Future to stage protests across Germany as part of a country-wide climate strike action.

Biden - Cabinet meeting

President Joe Biden to convene his Cabinet to discuss a range of his administration's priorities. Later, he will host a personal meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia.

Security Council session at UN

UN Security Council to hold an emergency session to discuss the wave of explosions of pagers across Lebanon on Tuesday, thought to be have been carried out by Israel targeting Hezbollah members.

US election - early, in-person voting

Early, in-person voting to begin in Virginia, Minnesota and South Dakota ahead of the Nov. 5 elections.

Fighting between Russian, Ukrainian troops continue in Kursk, Donetsk

Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in the border region of Kursk, where Kyiv began an incursion last month, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues claiming advances on multiple fronts. Ongoing developments in both conflict areas.

European Commission president to visit Kyiv

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Ukraine's capital Kyiv, where she will discuss with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the EU's readiness to step up support for the country as the heating season approaches.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in St. Petersburg. She will present Russia's assessment of key foreign policy issues and respond to reporters' questions.

Nigeria faces threat of floods

At least 11 states in Nigeria are facing a severe threat of massive floods following Cameroon's decision to release water from its Lagdo dam. Authorities have issued an emergency warning to avert any high impact on the civilian population.

China issues emergency response for flooding

Chinese authorities issue a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in five provincial-level regions, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Henan, and Hainan.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's consumer confidence

Turkish Statistical Institute to reveal consumer confidence index for September.

Newly established firms in Türkiye

Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye to reveal several newly established and liquidated firms in August.

Türkiye's debt

Treasury and Finance Ministry to reveal central government’s debt figures for August.

Germany's producer inflation

Germany’s Destatis to reveal producer inflation for August.​​​​​​​

SPECIAL REPORTS

Sinaloa cartel power struggle leaving a trail of bodies in Mexico

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

Mexico City - Report about spiraling violence in northwestern Mexico due to the ongoing fight for control over the Sinaloa cartel.

The story gives details of the infighting and attacks that have erupted since the July imprisonment of the cartel’s leader and co-founder Ismael Zambada Garcia, explaining the reasons and effects it has had in particular regions of Mexico.

The report includes an interview with journalist and public security researcher Irma Mejia, who narrates the history of the cartel and the key events in recent years that have led to a power struggle between its old leadership and a new, more ambitious generation seeking absolute control.

Sri Lanka election: All you need to know

By Anadolu staff

Ankara - Report about the presidential election due to take place in Sri Lanka on Sept. 21.

The story lays out details of the main candidates, along with their stances on key issues, particularly the country’s beleaguered economy and geopolitical issues.

It also includes past results and voting trends, and related information such as voter statistics and demographic details.

Inflation spike in 2025 likely to limit US Fed’s rate cuts: Expert

By Ovunc Kutlu

Istanbul - Report about the US Federal Reserve’s latest decision on interest rates and future projections.

The story explains the impact of the massive rate cut announced by the Fed, the reasoning that led to the decision, and its short- and long-term implications for domestic and global markets.

The report includes comments from Lauren Saidel-Baker of the consulting firm ITR Economics, Torsten Slok, the chief economist at Apollo Global Management, and Bas Kooijman, the CEO of the asset management company DHF Capital.

NEW MEDIA

INFOGRAPHIC - Visualization of key information about Sri Lanka’s presidential election, including main contenders, voter information, and related data.