Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories): ​​​​​​​

Israeli aggression in Lebanon

Israel's continuing onslaught on Lebanon, which has pushed conflict between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah group to dangerous levels, threatening to ignite an all-out war.

More than 650 people have been killed and over 2,500 others injured since Monday, according to Lebanese Health Ministry.

Amid heavy Israeli bombardment, around 701,000 people have taken refuge in 533 shelters in Lebanon due to ongoing Israeli attacks. Moreover, some 13,500 Syrians have left Lebanon for Syria since start of Israeli airstrikes on Monday, interior minister said on Thursday.

Despite international call for a temporary cease-fire, Israel’s army said Thursday that it struck some 75 targets in Lebanon overnight.

Leaders addressing UN General Assembly

79th session of UN General Assembly, taking place in New York, continues until Sept. 30.

Among speakers on Friday, day 4, are Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Nafti.

Israeli onslaught on Gaza

Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 41,500 Palestinians and injured over 96,000 since last year's Oct. 7 incursion by Palestinian group Hamas. Situation is deteriorating as Israeli attacks continue and aid grows scarcer in besieged enclave.

At least seven Palestinians were killed in series of Israeli airstrikes on homes across war-torn Gaza Strip on Thursday, Civil Defense Service said.

West Bank raids

Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank have killed at least 718 people since last October, including 160 children, and injured over 5,750 others, with nearly 11,000 taken into custody.

Israeli army on Thursday withdrew from city of Jenin and adjacent areas in northern occupied West Bank after military operation that lasted for 18 hours. At least six Palestinians were detained by Israeli forces, according to local sources.

Health Ministry confirmed that Israeli military operation in Jenin and its surroundings left a 37-year-old woman killed and four other women seriously injured.

Protests against Israeli government

Mounting protests in Israel to pressure Netanyahu-led government 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 on Sept. 19 submitted new proposal to Washington for prisoner exchange and ending war in Gaza, according to official Israeli Broadcasting Authority.

Proposal stipulates releasing all Israeli hostages in one batch, and securing "safe exit" of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, releasing Palestinian prisoners, and disarming Gaza Strip.

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

Deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Sudan

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

Top European politicians in New York

Following remarks by European leaders and foreign ministers during UN General Assembly in New York. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to hold news conference on current developments, international security issues.

UN agencies’ briefing

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

Pope Francis to visit Belgium

Pope Francis to meet Belgium’s King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Castle of Laeken. He will also meet with university professors of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

Biden administration statement on call for Lebanon cease-fire

Monitoring statements from Biden administration on joint statement announced by US and its allies calling for 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and situation in Gaza.

Blinken's meeting with Chinese counterpart and press briefing

US Secretary Antony Blinken to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York City. Blinken will later hold press conference.

Security Council meeting on Gaza

UN Security Council to meet on situation in Middle East, including Palestinian question. Desk will monitor key outcomes from meeting.

Moldovan premier to address UN General Assembly

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean to address UN General Assembly in New York.

Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops continues in Donetsk and Kursk, Russia

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.

South African leader to welcome remains of freedom fighters

President Cyril Ramaphosa to address ceremony welcoming back remains of 42 South African freedom fighters who died while in exile in neighboring Zimbabwe and Zambia during apartheid era.

More African leaders to address UN General Assembly

Prime ministers of Uganda, Somalia, Eswatini, and Tanzania expected to address UN General Assembly in New York as African leaders call for permanent African representation on UN Security Council. African leaders have also renewed their calls for cease-fire in Gaza.

Mpox cases spread in over a dozen African countries

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mpox cases are rising on continent, where suspected cases have been recorded in at least 15 out of 54 countries.

Japan’s ruling party electing 101st prime minister

Liberal Democratic Party to elect new leader to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

South Korea, Japan resume talks on continental shelf for first time in 44 years

For first time in 44 years, South Korea and Japan resume talks on joint development of underwater continental shelf believed to hold mass deposits of oil and other natural resources. Under bilateral 1978 agreement, erstwhile rivals are holding talks on joint exploitation of Block 7 continental shelf in East China Sea.

New report on navigation and overflights in South China Sea

South China Sea Probing Initiative, Beijing-based think tank, releases new report on Freedom of Navigation and Overflight in disputed South China Sea, which has taken on greater significance amid growing rivalry between China and US in wider Asia-Pacific region.

Foreign Ministry news conference in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing to touch on issues of international importance.

High-level participation at UN General Assembly

Representatives of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Australia, and Solomon Islands all set to address UN General Assembly

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's foreign trade

Turkish Statistical Institute to release international trade figures for August and economic confidence index for September. Türkiye's trade gap shrank significantly in July, 41.8% year-on-year to $7.3 billion; exports rose 13.8% from a year ago to $22.5 billion in July, while imports dropped 7.8% to $29.8 billion.

France's inflation

France to release annual provisional inflation figures for September. It was over 2% during 2024 and dropped to 1.9% in August. It is expected to drop to around 1.6% in September.

Germany's unemployment

Germany to release unemployment data for September. It was at 6% over last three months and is expected to be unchanged in September.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Shrinking fertility rates trigger demographic crisis in Asia

By Tayyaba Nisar Khan

Istanbul – Report on demographic issues and declining fertility rates in several Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Japan.

Story gives details of falling birth rates and aging populations, using comparative data to illustrate extent of problem and expected impact on various aspects of life in these countries, including their economies.

Report also includes various measures being taken by governments to combat decline, detailing recent initiatives and proposed plans that could be implemented in coming years.

Real estate reforms: What do they mean for China?

By Tuba Ongun

Ankara – Report on China’s recent real estate reforms and their expected impact on country’s housing market, as well as wider economy.

Story explains reforms being pursued by Beijing and reasons for initiative, while also presenting picture of Chinese housing sector’s current standing and future path.

Includes interviews with Ding Yifan, senior fellow at Taihe Institute, and prominent Chinese analyst and commentator Einar Tangen.