Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing / breaking stories):

ICC arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Gallant

More International and regional reactions over the ICC arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.

In a landmark move, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on Thursday announced it had issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over war crimes it accuses them of carrying out in Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

Arab countries, including Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq, hailed the arrest warrants issued by the Hague-based court.

However, Israeli opposition leaders and government officials, including Benny Gantz, Yair Lapid, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, slammed the ICC verdict.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

In its second year, the ongoing Israeli genocidal war in the Gaza Strip continues to claim the lives of more Palestinians and worsen their living conditions.

An Israeli airstrike on a home in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of northern Gaza City killed on Thursday at least 22 Palestinians, a medical source told Anadolu.

The total death toll in the Palestinian enclave since October last year soared to nearly 44,100, with over 104,100 others injured, the Health Ministry said Thursday.

Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip

Israel's over month-long siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.

At least 66 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed Thursday in Israeli airstrikes on a residential square near the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, a medical source told Anadolu, providing preliminary estimates.

The Israeli army killed five more Palestinians after a drone shelled a group of civilians in the northern town of Beit Lahia on Thursday, a medical source said.

Israeli aggression in Lebanon

Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon and the Hezbollah group's targeting of Israel with rockets and drones.

The Israeli army renewed airstrikes on southern Beirut on Thursday amid US efforts to reach a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hezbollah.

At least three people were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, local media said on Thursday.

The Israeli army on Thursday morning announced that a soldier of its elite forces was killed during a fighting in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli archaeologist was killed in southern Lebanon where he was examining an ancient fortress there, according to Israeli media on Thursday.

An Israeli man was killed in the northern city of Nahariya on Thursday after rocket fire from Lebanon, local media said.

Lebanon cease-fire efforts

Developments on ongoing efforts to draft a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

US special envoy Amos Hochstein met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday, following his visit to Beirut, where he reported “positive progress” in indirect talks, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

Israeli Premier Netanyahu’s office scandals

Developments on several unfolding scandals and leaked documents linked to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's office.

The scandals include attempts to alter documents regarding early warnings before the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, efforts to blackmail a senior officer for classified information, and a video showing former Defense Minister Gallant being blocked from entering Netanyahu's office after the Gaza war commenced.

Eli Feldstein, an aide to Netanyahu, was indicted on Thursday by the state prosecution on a grave charge of harming state security, as part of the security documents scandal that has roiled the Prime Minister’s Office in recent weeks, the daily The Times of Israel reported.

West Bank raids

Israel’s almost daily military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank, and illegal settlers' violence against Palestinians and their properties.

A Palestinian young man on Thursday was killed and another injured by the Israeli army which raided several areas in the northern occupied West Bank.

Israel has killed over 795 people since October last year, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,450 others, with over 11,700 taken into custody.

ICC arrest warrant reactions in Europe

Possible statements from governments and international bodies on the ICC arrest warrants issued against Israeli officials. In a landmark move, the International Criminal Court on Thursday announced it had issued arrest warrants for Israeli Premier Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant over war crimes it accuses them of carrying out in Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

British and French foreign ministers to meet in London

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy hosts French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in London. The ministers are likely to discuss the ongoing situation in Palestine and Ukraine, as well as the recent ICC arrest warrant on Israeli officials. The other issues expected to be taken up includes a renewed cooperation between the UK and EU and bilateral issues between the two countries.

Baltic prime ministers - Vilnius meeting

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte hosts her counterparts from Estonia and Latvia, Kristen Michal and Evika Siliņa, for talks with a joint press conference taking place at their conclusion. Gathering comes amid news of undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea apparently being sabotaged, impacting telecommunications in the region.

Swedish and Ukrainian defense ministers - Stockholm press conference

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov hold a press conference following talks in the Swedish capital. The talks are expected to focus on ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

UN briefing

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

Mpox - WHO Emergency Committee virtual meeting

The World Health Organization holds an Emergency Committee (EC) meeting to discuss the multi-country outbreak of mpox in Africa. At the meeting, EC officials are set to provide their views to the WHO Director-General on whether mpox continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern.

US reactions to ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu

Reactions from Biden administration and members of Congress regarding International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrant for Israeli Premier Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant for crimes in Gaza.

Trump's Cabinet picks for 2nd term

Developments regarding President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his Cabinet as he prepares for his second term at the White House following his win in Nov. 5 presidential election.

Halifax International Security Forum

Halifax International Security Forum to take place in Canada's Nova Scotia province, which will feature high-level international speakers. Top-level US national security figures are expected to attend.

Developments after Haiti Foreign Ministry summoned French Ambassador Antoine Michon to protest comments from French President Emmanuel Macron who was caught on camera calling the country's leaders "morons."

Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of using long-range Western missiles, ICBMs

Since early this week, Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using long-range Western missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), respectively. The accusations erupted when Russia claimed since Tuesday that it downed US-made ATACMS and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory. Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied the claims, while alleging Thursday that it downed an ICBM launched by Russia over the city of Dnipro. Similarly, Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied the claims. Official remarks and statements on the issue from both Moscow and Kyiv are expected.

Death toll likely to increase after 38 killed in Pakistan

Death toll is likely to increase after 38 people were killed and many others critically injured in a gunmen attack on passenger vans in the Kurram district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Details about what caused the attack are also likely to be released.

Japan likely to announce $252B economic package amid compromises with opposition

Japan’s minority government is likely to announce an economic stimulus package of $252 billion amid inflation and compromises with resurgent opposition. The Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition government of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba would need support of opposition parties to pass the stimulus bill in parliament where it needs 12 lawmakers to pass threshold of 233 members.

Likely reactions to arrest warrants against Israeli premier, former defense chief

Asia-Pacific governments and independent groups, as well as organizations, are likely to react to landmark arrest warrants issued by ICC against Israeli Premier Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant.

Bulgarian president to pay week-long visit to Singapore, Vietnam

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev to pay a six-day visit to Singapore and Vietnam from Nov. 27. The president will be accompanied by Bulgarian businesses representatives to boost relations in the fields of information and high technology, defense, the automotive sector, and engineering.

IMF likely to approve new tranche of about $337M loan to Sri Lanka

International Monetary Fund is likely to announce a staff-level agreement on its third review of Sri Lanka’s bailout program of $2.9 billion. The island nation is likely to receive a fresh tranche of about $337 million in funds.

Top Swedish diplomat to visit Thailand

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to pay official visit to Thailand where she will meet her counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa to discuss various areas of cooperation between the two nations.

South Africa to intensify crackdown on imported expired goods after deaths of 22 children

Security and health authorities in South Africa to continue crackdown on importers, wholesalers, and retailers selling expired goods in the country after 22 children died recently from food poisoning. Several people have also been hospitalized after eating contaminated or expired food. This week, police raided two warehouses stocked with imported expired food at the port city of Durban.

Mining experts to announce plans to retrieve hundreds of illegal miners from underground

South African mining experts expected to announce plans to retrieve hundreds of illegal miners who have been hiding in an abandoned mine in the country’s North West province for weeks. The miners who feared to be arrested by the police are said to be weak and some are too ill to come out on their own.

ECONOMY

UK retail sales

Office for National Statistics to release UK retail sales for October. The figure is projected to decrease 0.3% month-on-month, shifting from a 0.3% hike in September.

Germany's GDP growth

Destatis to reveal second reading for Germany’s 3rd quarter GDP growth rate. The initial estimates showed that Germany economy unexpectedly grew 0.2% in July-September.

Tourist figures in Türkiye

Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry to share number of foreigners visiting country for October. The number of foreigners visiting Türkiye rose by 4.6% year-on-year to 6 million in September.

Istanbul Energy Forum

The Istanbul Energy Forum, organized by Anadolu under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will kick off on Friday with the main theme Common Future, Common Goals. The day-long forum will address topics such as regional energy sector targets, Türkiye's role in ensuring natural gas supply security, financing the energy transition, and regional and international energy agendas. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be among the dignitaries attending the forum.

SPORTS

UEFA Nations League A knockout stage, promotion/relegation playoff draws

The 2024-25 UEFA Nations League A quarterfinal, semifinal ties to be named in Nyon, Switzerland. In addition, promotion/relegation playoff draws to be held.

FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifying group stage

Türkiye vs. Hungary (Group B)

Iceland vs. Italy (Group B)

Slovakia vs. Spain (Group C)

Latvia vs. Belgium (Group C)

Sweden vs. Germany (Group D)

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 11

Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona

German Bundesliga matchday 11

Bayern Munich vs. Augsburg

SPECIAL REPORTS

Trump's rhetoric will fuel demonization of migrants in Europe, warns aid group head

Interview with Steven Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, a group focusing on emergency aid to refugees in Calais and areas affected by Europe’s migrant crisis.

Smith speaks about the potential impact of US President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration, and how his anti-migrant policies and rhetoric will impact asylum seekers and refugees in Europe, where hardline figures could push to replicate the US stance.

Smith also addresses the EU’s steps to tighten migration policies, the impact on countries and vulnerable people, and shares his assessments on how the migration issue could likely evolve over the coming years.

Racism in football: Can it ever be kicked out?

Interview with Troy Townsend, a British anti-racism activist, broadcaster, and former footballer, on racism in international football, focusing particularly on the situation in England.

Townsend, former head of development at the anti-racism organization Kick It Out, speaks about the shortcomings of the current regulations and measures in place to combat racism in the sport.

He stresses the need for sustained efforts and policymaking, sharing his views on why advocacy for a “zero-tolerance approach” has failed so far, and offers suggestions for the way forward.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Steven Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, about how Trump’s policies in the US could impact the migrant situation in Europe and lead to more demonization of vulnerable individuals.

VIDEO - Interview with British anti-racism activist Troy Townsend about the measures needed to tackle the persistent issue of racism in international football.