Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing / breaking stories):

⁠Developments in Syria after Assad regime collapse

Recent developments and updates in Syria after the appointment of Mohamed Al-Bashir as head of the transitional government and his assumption of power following the overthrow of the Baathist regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria expressed its commitment to supporting a peaceful and Syrian-led political transition that represents all political and social factions.

⁠Israel’s actions following Assad's downfall in Syria

Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in neighboring Syria.

Israeli airstrikes targeted and destroyed approximately 20 sites belonging to the Information Technology (IT) Corps of Syria’s deposed regime, Israeli army radio reported on Saturday.

⁠Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel continues to wage unabated genocidal war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, defying calls by the international community to cease hostilities and alleviate dire conditions faced by millions under daily attacks and a crippling siege.

The number of journalists killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023 has soared to 195, the Palestinian Journalists' Forum said on Saturday.

At least 55 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, bringing the overall death toll since last year to 44,930, the Health Ministry in the enclave said on Saturday.

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

The escalated Israeli siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip continues into its third month, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine and leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.

At least seven Palestinians, including a two-day-old infant, were killed on Saturday when an Israeli airstrike targeted a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.

⁠Gaza cease-fire talks

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

Hamas said in a statement on Saturday that it is continuing its "significant" efforts to halt the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that it has "engaged positively and with great responsibility with all initiatives."

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also said in an interview with Israel's Channel 13 that a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion. However, there has been no official confirmation from either Israel or Hamas.

⁠Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Day 19 of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.

In the Marjeyoun district, an Israeli drone targeted a car on a road in the town of Kherdali on Saturday, killing one person, according to the Health Ministry.

According to an Anadolu tally based on information from the Lebanese Ministry of Health and news agency reports, the total Israeli violations are over 225, including 29 deaths and 32 injuries since the cease-fire took effect on Nov. 27.

⁠West Bank raids

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

Israel has killed at least 812 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.

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

Political uncertainty intensifies in South Korea

South Korea enters a period of intense political uncertainty after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by parliament paving way for a trial by Constitutional court which may take up to 6 months. Yoon May face arrest over treason and insurrection charges. While prime minister has been named as caretaker, the top court will meet to begin trial.

Moldovan foreign minister to visit India

Moldavan Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi to hold talks with Indian counterpart in New Delhi.

Pakistan’s ex-Premier Khan’s party to hold ‘homage’ gathering in Peshawar

Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party to hold a gathering in Peshawar, capital of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, to “pay homage to those workers who lost their lives” during a party protest held last month in capital Islamabad. The government has denied any fatalities among protesters.

Angolan president to host DR Congo, Rwandan presidents for peace talks

Angolan President Joao Lourenco to host President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Angola’s capital Luanda.

The leaders will discuss peace prospects in the eastern DR Congo. Angola has been mediating between the two neighbors to resolve political tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali.

SPORTS

French Ligue 1 (football)Paris Saint-Germain vs. Lyon

English Premier League (football)Manchester City vs. Manchester United