Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing / breaking stories):

Israeli violations to cease-fire deal with Lebanon

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

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported on Wednesday five new Israeli violations of a fragile cease-fire deal between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

As of Wednesday, according to an Anadolu tally, the Israeli army committed 125 violations since the Nov. 27 cease-fire.

However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon is "holding" despite a series of incidents.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

In its second year, the unabated Israeli genocide continues, leading to further Palestinian casualties amid the crumbling humanitarian conditions.

At least 27 people, including four children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, medical sources said.

The total death toll due to the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip surged to 44,532, with nearly 105,600 others injured, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday.

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

Israel's two month’s siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip continue, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, leaving most of the population there on the verge of a famine.

A vital oxygen station at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza ceased operation on Wednesday amid a deadly Israeli onslaught in the area, a medical source said.

Palestinian resistance group Hamas said Wednesday it killed two Israeli soldiers in an attack in the northern Gaza Strip.

Gaza cease-fire talks

Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Hamas and Israel.

The Israeli government is awaiting Hamas’ response to an Egyptian proposal for a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap deal, Israeli media said on Wednesday.

“If Israel receives a positive response, it will immediately send its negotiating delegation to Cairo,” the Israeli public broadcaster KAN said.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Egypt has floated a proposal for a 60-day truce and a prisoner exchange between Palestinian factions and Israel.

Under the proposal, Israel would maintain its military presence in Gaza during this period.It also includes the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing in December, and for the Palestinian Authority to manage the Palestinian side of the crossing with European supervision, overseen by Israel. Hamas would completely withdraw from the crossing.

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.

An elderly Palestinian was beaten to death by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, local media said.

Israel has killed at least 804 people since October last year, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 11,800 taken into custody.

Deteriorating security situation in Sudan

Security situation amid intensified clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Darfur Governor Arcua Minnawi accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group on Wednesday of killing more than 20 civilians and injuring others in an attack in Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State.

Following all topics through translation from Arabic wire, official accounts, and relevant websites in addition to giving breakings about related possible important developments.

Political crisis in South Korea after president’s failed martial law attempt

A parliamentary committee summoned the South Korean defense minister Kim Yong-hyun to appear before the committee on Thursday over his alleged role in the imposition of brief martial law imposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday night, which was subsequently lifted after the Parliament voted against it. The Korean Public Service and transport workers’ union also announced to observe a strike and hold rallies on Thursday demanding Yoon's resignation.

North Korea likely to react to political crisis in South Korea

North Korea is expected to react to the ongoing political crisis in South Korea after brief martial law imposed by Yoon on Tuesday night.

Investigative task force to hold hearing on Trump assassination attempt

The bipartisan House task force will hold further hearing on Jul 13 attempt on US President-elect Donald Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania. The sole listed witness is US Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe.

Director of National Intelligence’s address to Council on Foreign Relations

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines to address Council on Foreign Relations.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy - Capitol Hill visit

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to visit Capitol Hill for talks on their plans as they head-up a newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Lloyd Austin and Armenian counterpart – meeting

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to host talks with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan.

Implementation of Magnitsky Laws - US Senate committee hearing

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearing on implementation of the Global Magnitsky Laws. Witnesses include Bill Browder.

UN Security Council - Syria (chemical weapons) to be discussed

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing on the Middle East followed by consultations on the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Trudeau address in Ontario First Nations assembly

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to attend and deliver remarks at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly, which will be held in Ottawa, Ontario.

President Petro - corruption investigation

Developments after Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been summoned by the Supreme Court to provide testimony as part of an investigation of six congressmen linked to a corruption scandal involving the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).

UK Premier Keir Starmer - 'plan for change' speech

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech on his 'plan for change'. The speech is expected to focus on targets for Starmer's five missions - the economy, healthcare, crime, education and net zero.

Police use of force - annual statistics in UK

Annual figures on incidents where police officers use force. Includes type of force, reason, outcome, injuries, and subject information. Covers April 2023 to March 2024.

Political developments in Paris after collapse of Barnier government

Political developments in France after the collapse of the government led by Michel Barnier following a motion of no-confidence passed by parliament on Wednesday evening.

French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly expected to nominate a new prime minister. Macron will address the nation Thursday evening. The motion came after Barnier bypassed the parliament to adopt the social security budget bill, which is now defunct.

Turkish president to chair National Security Council meeting

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair the National Security Council meeting.

Turkish foreign minister to attend OSCE in Malta

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the 31st Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Valletta, Malta.

South African president travels to Algeria to deepen relations

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to undertake two-day working visit to Algeria. He will hold talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and later co-chair the 7th Session of the South Africa-Algeria Binational Commission (BNC).

Africa’s public health body to give update on disease outbreaks

The director general of Africa Centers for Disease Control Jean Kaseya to hold media briefing to share the latest insights and urgent actions being taken to combat the mpox outbreak in Africa, particularly in Democratic Republic of Congo. He is also expected to speak about the mysterious disease which killed about 80 people in the southwestern province of DR Congo last month.

Round 14 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (Basketball)

Real Madrid vs. Fenerbahce Beko

Maccabi Playtika vs. Barcelona

SPECIAL REPORTS

International cases against Israel ‘will work like a snowball’: Raji Sourani

Interview with Palestinian human rights lawyer Raji Sourani about the growing international legal push to hold Israel accountable for its crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Sourani speaks about the implications of the recent International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and other potential legal challenges against the state of Israel and its leaders.

He also discusses the response of Western states and how they are undermining international efforts to punish Israel, as well as the wider failures of the global community and organizations such as the UN.

Türkiye plays a positive role in maintaining stability in Balkans: Ex-Croatian President Josipovic

Interview with former Croatian President Ivo Josipovic, focusing on bilateral ties and Türkiye’s role in the Balkans and wider region.

Josipovic shares his assessment on the current state of bilateral relations, identifying areas of strength and potential improvement, while also speaking about Türkiye’s efforts for peace and stability in the Balkans.

He also comments on the current state of EU-Türkiye ties, including obstacles in the accession process, stressing that “Europe is not complete without other countries, including Türkiye.”

Continuity or change? Ghana readies for polls under dark economic shadow

Report on the general elections to be held in Ghana on Dec. 7.

The story gives key details of the elections, where over 18 million Ghanaians will elect a new president and parliament, including voter demographics, process, key contenders, and the significance, particularly as President Nana Akufo-Addo will leave office and hand over power to a new leader.

The report also explains the most pressing issues for citizens, including harsh economic conditions that are expected to shape voter sentiments, while presenting an overview of the expected outcomes and their impact on Ghana’s political landscape.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with international human rights lawyer Raji Sourani about the growing global legal push to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against Palestinians.

VIDEO – Interview with former Croatian President Ivo Josipovic about bilateral ties with Türkiye and other issues, including Ankara’s role in the Balkans and EU-Türkiye relations.