Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, December 2, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Cairo conference to enhance humanitarian response to Gaza

Egypt to host Monday an international conference to support and enhance the humanitarian response to the Gaza Strip, with broad regional and international participation.

The conference, titled "A Year of Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza: Urgent Needs and Sustainable Solutions," will witness the participation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with ministers and representatives from a number of countries in the Middle East and the world, as well as international organizations and relevant UN agencies.

Israeli violations to cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Fifth day of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which halted over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.

On Sunday, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported ongoing demolition operations by the Israeli army in the town of Khiyam.

The Israeli warplanes conducted on Sunday an airstrike on the town of Yaroun in the Bint Jbeil district, marking another violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Additionally, the outskirts of Aitaroun were hit by several artillery shells fired from Israeli positions.

The Israeli army committed Saturday 24 violations of the cease-fire agreement, bringing the total number of breaches since the agreement took effect last Wednesday to 62, according to tally compiled by Anadolu based on reports from the official Lebanese news agency.

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.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Sunday suspended the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Israeli-held Kerem Shalom crossing due to insecurity.

Another Palestinian journalist was killed in an Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip, taking the overall death toll since last year to 192, local authorities said on Sunday.

At least 19 people, including three children, were killed in Israeli attacks across the war-torn Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to medics.

The total death toll due to the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip surged to 44,429, with 105,250 others injured, the Gaza Health Ministry said Sunday.

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

Israel's more than a month-long incursion and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip have exacerbated shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, leaving most of the population there on the verge of imminent famine.

Gaza cease-fire talks

Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks after more than two months of hiatus.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Sunday that negotiations are taking place “behind the scenes” to secure the return of Israelis held captive in the Gaza Strip.

“Now, with an agreement reached regarding the northern border with Lebanon, it is time to finalize a deal and bring the hostages home” from Gaza, Herzog said during a meeting with the family of an Israeli hostage held in Gaza.

West Bank raids

Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settlers' violence against Palestinians and their properties.

Four Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in the West Bank city of Jenin, a local official said.

Israel has killed more than 801 people since October last year, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 11,800 taken into custody.

Red Sea tensions

Red Sea tensions and the possible exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition from one side and the Yemen’s Houthi group from the other side.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said that it launched a hypersonic ballistic missile and “successfully hit its target.”

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN earlier reported that a missile launched from Yemen had been intercepted by air defenses.

According to the same source, four Israelis were injured while rushing to shelters after air-raid sirens sounded in central Israel.

Latest in Syria's Aleppo and Idlib provinces

Developments regarding fighting in Syria's Aleppo and Idlib provinces which have come under the control of armed groups opposing the regime in Syria along with the 'Dawn of Freedom' operation by the Syrian National Army, which has liberated the Tel Rifaat district center from PKK/YPG forces.

Montenegrin president's visit to Türkiye

Turkish President Erdogan to welcome Montenegro's President Jakov Milatovic with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in the Turkish capital Ankara. A joint press conference is expected to be held following bilateral and inter-delegation meetings.

Turkish foreign minister's meeting with Iranian counterpart

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to host his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi in the capital Ankara.

Ireland parliamentary election results

Full results are expected in Friday’s election as the ballot counting continued at the weekend. A new coalition between Fianna Fail and Fine Gail parties is expected, according to predictions.

Heads of European Commission, European Council, European Parliament to meet

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, new European Council President Antonio Costa and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to meet.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit China, where she will hold talks with Chinese counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two will co-chair the seventh round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security.

Germany’s Scholz meets Estonian counterpart Michal

Chancellor Olaf Scholz to hold talks with Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and international matters.

Lord Mayor's Banquet - Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks

Running for over 800 years as part of the Lord Mayor's Show, the banquet is a large formal meal held every year at the Guildhall, London, to mark the retirement of the previous year's Lord Mayor of London. The prime minister delivers a keynote speech on foreign policy issues.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pays two-day visit to London

On Monday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ schedule includes an investment event hosted by Morgan Stanley, a meeting with Indian businessmen, and a discussion hosted by the Tony Blair Institute on artificial intelligence.

French National Assembly - 2025 social security bill debated

French lawmakers are due to debate the 2025 social security bill amid suggestions that Prime Minister Michel Barnier could force through the legislation, a move which would almost certainly trigger a vote of no confidence in his government.

US reaction to Syrian National Army operation in Tel Rifaat

Monitoring reactions from the Joe Biden administration after Syrian National Army (SNA) has gained full control over the central district of Tel Rifaat in its Operation Freedom Dawn, launched against the PKK/YPG terror group, while continuing its advance in the outskirts.

US assumes presidency of UN Security Council

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will hold a press briefing to preview the month ahead for the UN Security Council. US took over the presidency of the council on Dec. 1.

Escalating violence in Haiti

Monitoring developments in Haiti amid escalating gang violence in and around Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince. Haiti has faced instability since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which left thousands of people dead and displaced.

Biden embarks on historic 3-day visit to Africa

US President Joe Biden to embark on 30-day visit to Africa, touring Cabo Verde and Angola. The visit is expected to highlight US investments in Africa at a time that China is increasingly becoming influential on the continent.

Namibia expected to release presidential, Parliamentary election results

The Electoral Commission of Namibia is expected to announce final results of the Nov. 27 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Early results show the ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in the lead. Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, a presidential candidate for SWAPO could become Namibia’s first female president if the party wins.

Ugandan opposition leader to appear in court

Uganda’s opposition leader Kizza Besigye to appear in a military court two weeks after he was remanded to prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms and eight rounds of ammunition. Besigye was reportedly abducted from neighboring Kenya together with a colleague Hajj Obeid Lutale and brought before a military court in Uganda.

Nepalese prime minister visits China to hold talks

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will arrive in Beijing on a four-day visit. In Beijing, Oli, a veteran politician, will hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and also meet Chinese President Xi.

German foreign minister visiting China

Germany's top diplomat visits China to hold talks with Chinese counterpart

Tensions in Korean Peninsula continue

Monitoring developments on Korean Peninsula as divided Koreas accuse each other of heightening military tensions.

Taiwan's leader on his first overseas visit amid China's opposition

Taiwan’s regional leader William Lai Ching-te is on his first overseas visit to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palua amid opposition from China. His trip to conclude on Dec. 6.

Worsening floods in Thailand and Malaysia as tens of thousands displaced

Rain-triggered floods have displaced over 150,000 people in Malaysia, while over 500,000 households have been affected in Thailand. While both countries reported 16 deaths.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s foreign trade figures

The Turkish Trade Ministry to share provisional foreign trade figures for November. Türkiye's foreign trade deficit continued to narrow in October, hitting $65.8 billion for the first 10 months of the year, down 30.1% year-on-year.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Lame duck’ Biden pushing major US policies before Trump’s return

Report on Joe Biden’s actions during his final days in office as US president, a period of time known as the “lame duck” phase of a presidency.

The story details all the domestic and international steps that Biden’s administration has taken since the election defeat to Donald Trump, such as policy changes for Ukraine and the Middle East, and other measures expected to be implemented before the presidency handover.

The report explains the reasons for the measures, which many are calling an effort at “Trump-proofing” the US, and presents an assessment of their potential implications.

French claim about Netanyahu’s ICC immunity has no legal basis: Ex-Greek foreign minister

Interview with former Greek Foreign Minister George Katrougalos about the response of Western nations to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Katrougalos, now the UN Independent Expert on international order, shoots down France’s claim about Netanyahu being immune, warning that failure to execute the warrants would be “a new violation of international law.”

He also speaks about the significance of the ICC warrants issued for crimes against Palestinians during the Gaza genocide, as well as the dangers of Israel’s escalating attacks on the UN and other international institutions.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with former Greek Foreign Minister George Katrougalos about the Western response to ICC warrants for Israeli leaders, where he explains why France’s claim of immunity for Netanyahu is false and without any legal ground.