Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Developments after collapse of Syria’s Assad regime

More reactions to the developments in Syria following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime after anti-regime groups took control of the country.

China on Monday urged for respect for the sovereignty of Syria, after Israel launched cross-border attacks against Syrian military targets following the fall of the regime led by deposed President Bashar al-Assad, state media reported.

Meanwhile, Ukraine on Monday said Syrian people have the right to determine the country’s future.

Morocco and the UAE, among other Arab countries, reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding Syria's unity and sovereignty.

The Palestinian movement Hamas and Tunisia's Ennahda movement on Monday expressed their respect and congratulated the Syrian people on the success of their revolution.

More developments within Syria to be followed after toppling the Assad regime.

Israeli steps, reactions to Assad's downfall in Syria

Israel's reactions and steps to the Assad regime's downfall in Syria as it is closely following the rapidly developing situation in the neighboring country.

On Monday, Israeli warplanes struck sites inside Syria with one-ton bombs and bunker-busting munitions, to destroy “every potential military targets” of the ousted Assad regime.

The Israeli army acknowledges that its forces have advanced several kilometers into the demilitarized buffer zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, “to prevent any threat,” but claims that it has no intention to advance further.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that the US administration fully backs the Israeli military moves in Syria, including the seizure of a demilitarized buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights.

Egypt and Qatar strongly condemned Israel’s seizure of the demilitarized buffer zone calling it a blatant violation of Syria's sovereignty and 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday the collapse of a 1974 UN-monitored disengagement agreement, which established a buffer zone between Israel and Syria after Syrian regime forces withdrew from the area following the fall of Assad’s regime.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel’s genocidal war continues unabated against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, despite calls by the international community to halt it and save millions of Palestinians facing the threat of daily attacks and crippling siege conditions.

On Monday, six people, including three children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes that targeted Rafah in southern Gaza Strip and Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central part of the enclave.

The total death toll due to the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip surged to nearly 44,800, with over 106,800 others injured, the Gaza Health Ministry said Monday.

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

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

On Monday, 11 Palestinians were killed, and others wounded in Israeli attacks targeting groups of civilians in the Beit Lahia and Jabalia areas.

In a separate attack, several people were killed in Israeli airstrikes that targeted a school-turned-shelter in the Jabalia refugee camp.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Day 14 of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

On Monday, a Lebanese civilian was killed and four soldiers were injured in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon.

Israeli forces also shelled the outskirts of the southern town of Naqoura.

Israeli army said that four Israeli reserve soldiers were killed in an “operational accident” while searching for Hezbollah weapons in southern Lebanon.

Israeli premier testifying in ongoing corruption trial

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to appear before the court starting Tuesday to defend himself against charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

The Tel Aviv District Court requires his presence three times a week for extended sessions until the completion of his defense.

Netanyahu had previously requested to postpone his court appearances twice. The court granted a temporary delay from Dec. 2 to 10 but declined further extensions.

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.

On Monday, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting them in the city of Tubas, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Israel has killed at least 809 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,000 taken into custody.

Red Sea tensions

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

On Monday, the Israeli army said a drone from Yemen struck an apartment in central Israel.

Meanwhile, the Houthi group said it carried out a drone attack on a “vital target” in southern Israel.

Egyptian president's European tour

The sixth day of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's open-ended European tour which began on Thursday with a visit to Denmark’s capital Copenhagen.

On Monday, al-Sisi arrived in Norway's capital Oslo, and discussed with King Harald V and senior officials Israel's genocide in Gaza and explored bilateral relations, marking the first visit by an Egyptian president to the Norwegian capital since diplomatic relations began in 1936.

The tour will conclude with a visit to Dublin, Ireland's capital.

US President Joe Biden - speech on economic record

President Joe Biden to deliver remarks on his middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook at the Brookings Institution in Washington. Biden's remarks expected regarding events in Middle East.

US State Department Human Rights Defender Awards Ceremony - Blinken speaks

Secretary of State Antony Blinken to speak at Human Rights Defender Awards Ceremony at the State Department.

UN Security Council - Gaza humanitarian situation discussed

UN Security Council to meet for a debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and in afternoon for a briefing followed by consultations on resolution 2720, which calls for increased aid for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mass deportations - US Senate committee hearing

Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing, fully titled How Mass Deportations Will Separate American Families, Harm Our Armed Forces, and Devastate Our Economy.

Canadian premier - Cabinet meeting

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to chair the Cabinet meeting. Later, he will attend Question Period in the House of Commons.

Port-au-Prince killings in Haiti

Developments after an armed gang attack near Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince that resulted in the deaths of over 180 people, most of whom were elderly. The attack, condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, took place during the weekend in the Wharf Jeremie neighborhood in Cite Soleil.

France waiting announcement of new premier, government

The French people are waiting for President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a new prime minister after lawmakers toppled Michel Barnier and his government on Dec. 4 with a no-confidence vote.

British premier to visit Southern Cyprus

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will reportedly visit Southern Cyprus on Tuesday as part of a regional tour. The one-day working visit will focus on relations between the Greek Cypriot administration and the UK, the Strategic Dialogue, defense and security, education, culture, economy, commerce, investments and energy. During their meeting, the Cyprus problem and the efforts to resume the negotiations are also expected to be discussed.

Ursula von der Leyen and Maia Sandu - meeting in Brussels

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosts recently reelected Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Sandu to meet with EU’s new foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday.

Nobel Peace Prize - award ceremony in Oslo

2024 Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. This year's winner is Japanese anti-nuclear weapons group Nihon Hidankyo, represented by Terumi Tanaka. This year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in October to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement representing the survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known as Hibakusha.

The announcement was made by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, with Chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes highlighting the organization's efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

Nihon Hidankyo, founded in 1956, has long been a voice for atomic bomb survivors, providing testimony of the horrors of nuclear warfare and advocating for the total abolition of nuclear weapons. Frydnes praised the organization for its commitment to peace and its work in sharing the powerful witness testimony of Hibakusha -- people affected by the World War II bombings -- which he said emphasizes the catastrophic human consequences of nuclear arms.

UK arms exports to Israel - ministers at select committee session

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander and Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty give evidence to Business and Trade Committee session on UK arms exports to Israel. Kate Joseph, the director general of economic security and trade relations, also gives evidence.

Ukraine: 1,000 days on - select committee session in London

MPs on the Defence Committee hold session on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Witnesses include Air Marshal Edward Stringer (Ret'd) and Director of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House Orysia Lutsevych.

German chancellor meets with Serbian president

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will host Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Freiburg for discussions on bilateral political and economic relations, with a focus on lithium mining cooperation. While the EU reached a lithium agreement with Belgrade in July, plans to mine one of Europe's largest lithium deposits have triggered widespread protests across Serbia. The leaders will visit a mining facility near Freiburg for a briefing on environmentally sustainable mining of this globally sought-after mineral.

⁠UN briefing in Geneva

The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva. Spokespersons of various UN agencies and international organizations meet with reporters to evaluate most pressing issues around the world.

International Human Rights Day celebrated across the world

International Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on Dec. 10 to mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the UN General Assembly in 1948. The UDHR was the first document to outline fundamental human rights that should be universally protected.

Expert Council on Integration and Migration releases report on integration in Germany

The Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR) will present the results of its Integration Barometer 2024, offering insights into Germany's integration climate. The study examines attitudes towards immigration, integration policies, and social cohesion among both the immigrant and non-immigrant populations.

Russian reactions to ongoing developments in Syria following fall of Assad regime

Russian stance toward developments in Syria after the collapse of Baath Party rule in Syria on Sunday when the country's capital Damascus fell out of the hands of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, who has since sought asylum in Russia. Russian developments with regard to Syria, where Moscow has a naval base in the port city of Tartus. Kremlin confirmed on Monday that President Vladimir Putin has decided to grant asylum to ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Putin to hold annual meeting of Council for Civil Society and Human Rights

Russian President Putin to hold the annual meeting of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. The meeting is expected to exchange views on current issues related to human rights and humanitarian efforts.

Tensions rise in Georgia as gov't suspends Tbilisi's EU accession talks

Political tensions in Georgia between the government and the opposition rise as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Nov. 28 the suspension of his country's EU accession talks until 2028. The move has caused major pro-EU protests across the country, including the capital Tbilisi, as well as international and regional criticism. Statements to be followed from key figures in the country, as well as international remarks on the situation in Georgia, particularly remarks from Russia and Ukraine, the latter of which imposed sanctions against 19 government figures on Dec. 5.

Mysterious illness in the DR Congo spreading among children

The World Health Organization says a mysterious illness that has killed more than 80 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading mainly among children. The UN health agency last week sent experts to the country to investigate the outbreak but experts faced difficulties accessing the remote area located some 48 hours by road from the capital Kinshasa, due to impassable roads damaged by heavy rains. Congo is the current epicenter of the mpox outbreak on the continent with over 39,000 recorded cases and more than 1,000 deaths since the start of the year.

Rescue operations continue in South Africa to bring to surface trapped illegal miners

Emergency workers and volunteers are expected to continue operations to pull out illegal miners who have been hiding at Stilfontein gold mine in South Africa’s northwestern province fearing police arrests. The miners became too weak to come out on their own as police cut off food and water supply to them. They have since accepted to come out but the rescue peace is still slow. Several dead bodies have been retrieved from the mine, as well as over 1,000 illegal miners. Unknown numbers of illegal miners are said to remain underground.

Prison break in DR Congo, officials launch a search

More than 20 prisoners have escaped from the central prison of Luebo, located in the province of Kasai-Central, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Security officials are searching for the escapees some of whom had been sentenced to death. In September, at least 129 people were killed and 59 injured during an attempted prison break at Makala prison, largest correctional facility located in Kinshasa.

Amid prolonged political crisis, lawmakers make fresh push against South Korean president

South Korean lawmakers vote in a motion to appoint a permanent special counsel to investigate treason charges against President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law. In its yet another attempt to add pressure on Yoon to step down, the six-party opposition bloc to also file second impeachment motion against the president while ruling People Power Party seeks an “orderly” resignation of embattled leader who has also been banned from leaving the country. Notably, North Korea has yet to react to developments in Seoul.

Chinese, Taiwanese militaries hold rival drills

Developments in the Taiwan Strait after Taipei raised alert level in its combat units following military movement around the island nation by China which has also restricted airspace. Beijing has maintained silence whether People’s Liberation Army was holding a military drill anticipated by Taiwan after its leader William Lai Ching-te concluded his first overseas trip.

Political crisis in Tonga after Premier Hu’akavameiliku steps down

Monitoring developments in Tinga after political crisis was triggered by resignation of Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku. He resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion was proposed in the parliament. A new premier is likely to be named.

Rohingya in Jammu and Kashmir pushed to corner

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has pushed to corner the Rohingya refugees in Jammu and Kashmir, cutting electricity and water lines to the areas where they are settled in the Jammu district of the disputed territory. While local government has pledged not to take such extreme measures, the world’s most persecuted community has expressed fear and worries.

Indonesia faces severe weather

Indonesia is bracing for severe weather as three tropical cyclones are about to bring heavy rainfall to various regions of the southeast Asian nation. At least 12 people were killed and as many as 3,064 people displaced due to natural disasters in the archipelago nation.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s industrial production, unemployment

The Turkish Statistical Institute to release industrial production figures for October. Industrial production dropped by 2.4% on a yearly basis in September. However, industrial output posted a 1.6% month-on-month hike in September, reversing a decrease in August. The institute will also release unemployment data for October. Jobless rate was stable at 8.6% in September.

China’s foreign trade

China to reveal foreign trade figures for November. Its trade balance posted a surplus of around $94 billion in October. Thanks to a 12.7% surge in exports, the trade balance saw its largest level since June. Meanwhile, imports dropped 2.3% in October, shifting from a hike in the prior month.

Germany’s inflation

Germany’s Destatis to reveal second reading for consumer inflation for November. According to preliminary estimates, Germany's annual inflation rate rose to 2.2% in November, marking the highest level in four months. On a monthly basis, consumer prices fell 0.2% from October.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Israel exploiting post-Assad chaos to expand Syria occupation, destroy its military capabilities: Experts

Report examining Israel’s actions in Syria in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime, particularly its invasion of areas in the occupied Golan Heights and attacks on military sites.

The story focuses on Israel’s larger strategic objectives in Syria, specifically what areas it wants to control and why, and how it ties in with Tel Aviv’s larger aggression in the region and ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The report includes interviews with security analyst Elijah Magnier; Andreas Krieg, senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at King's College London; and Israeli political scientist Ahron Bregman.

‘War does not discriminate between Black and white’: Afro-Palestinian family fights for survival in Israel’s Gaza genocide

Interview with Abdel Fattah al-Behairi, an Afro-Palestinian man who is among the millions currently displaced in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing genocide.

The interview focuses on Abdel and his family’s struggle for survival, where he speaks of the bombing of their home, multiple displacements, the challenges faced by his children, and the family’s efforts to somehow leave Gaza and get to safety.

The report also includes comments from Palestinian anthropologist Ali Qleibo about the history and details of the overlooked Afro-Palestinian community in Gaza, and how their realities have been reshaped by Israel’s ongoing genocide.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Abdel Fattah al-Behairi, an Afro-Palestinian man, about his family’s hardships and struggle for survival during Israel’s ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.