Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Developments in Syria under new transitional government

Latest 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.

On Friday, the UN migration agency chief Amy Pope said that exemptions from sanctions are critical for development and reconstruction efforts in Syria following the fall of the Bashar Assad regime.

Pope said humanitarian needs for Syria range from the most basic such as shelter, food, and clean water, “to the complex task of rebuilding a shattered society.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday reaffirmed his country's commitment to assisting Syria during its transition process following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime earlier this month.

Also on Friday, the US State Department said that three senior US diplomats arrived in Damascus to meet the country’s current leaders and also try to locate journalist Austin Tice and other missing US citizens in the wake of the Assad regime’s fall.

Israeli actions following Assad's ouster in Syria

Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria as it monitors unfolding developments in the neighboring country.

Israel has intensified airstrikes across Syria in recent days, targeting military sites, following the Dec. 8 ousting of the Bashar Assad regime by anti-regime groups.

According to media reports on Friday, Israeli forces have set up a position in an abandoned Syrian army base in the village of Maariyah and prevented local farmers from accessing their fields.

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.

On Friday, at least 19 Palestinians were killed and others injured in Israeli attacks on various parts of the Gaza Strip.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to more than 45,200, with over 107,500 others injured, the enclave's Health Ministry said.

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

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

The army also on Friday intensified its demolitions via bombardment of the Jabalia refugee camp and Beit Lahia, using explosives to destroy homes and entire residential blocks.

Gaza cease-fire talks

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

Discussions are currently held in Egypt and Qatar to halt the 14-month-long conflict in Gaza and facilitate a potential exchange of prisoners.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Day 24 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.

The Israeli army on Friday violated the cease-fire agreement with Lebanon six times.

Since the cease-fire was declared on Nov. 27, the total number of Israeli violations has risen to 259, with 31 people killed and 37 injured during the incidents.

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.

On Friday, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned illegal Israeli settlers’ arson attack on the Bir al-Walidain mosque in the village of Marda in the northern West Bank.

In a statement, the ministry said the attack is a "blatant act of racism" and a direct result of "widespread incitement against the Palestinian people, propagated by key figures within the ruling far-right government" of Israel.

Israel has killed at least 822 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,100 taken into custody.

Israel-Houthi 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 Friday, Yemen's Houthi group said that it carried out multiple drone strikes on central and southern Israel, including a joint attack with an Iranian-Iraqi military group.

The announcement comes after the Houthis claimed three military operations against Israeli positions on Thursday, coinciding with Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's cities of Sana'a and Al Hudaydah.

Investigations continue into car attack at German Christmas market

Latest developments and updates on the Christmas market attack in Magdeburg that killed at least two people, and injured 60 others. The suspect, identified by authorities as a Saudi doctor working in Germany since 2006, remains in custody as investigators work to determine the motive.

Finland hosts North-South Summit

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will host a summit from Dec. 21 to 22, bringing together leaders from northern and southern Europe to discuss key issues facing Europe in a tense geopolitical climate. Prime Minister Orpo has invited EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to participate in the summit.

Turkish parliament speaker's visit to North Macedonia

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus will meet with North Macedonian Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi for talks followed by a joint press conference. Kurtulmus is also scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.

Biden administration's reaction to developments in Syria

Monitoring reactions from Biden administration regarding the developments in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime and formation of a caretaker government.

US Senate passes pivotal short-term spending bill to avert shutdown

The US Senate passed early Saturday morning pivotal legislation to fund the government through March 14 and avoid a government shutdown, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk to sign it into law. White House said Biden will sign short-term bill Saturday, no government agencies will shut down.

UNSC Syria buffer zone meeting

UN Security Council to convene to discuss Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ report on the peacekeeping force that monitors the buffer zone between Syria and Israel after Tel Aviv occupied the area in the wake of Bashar Assad’s ouster. The UN has condemned the expanded occupation of Syrian territory as a violation of the 1974 agreement that officially ended hostilities between Damascus and Tel Aviv.

Calls for Trudeau to resign

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to resign following the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland this week. Freeland criticized Trudeau's approach to handling President-elect Donald Trump’s tariffs threat.

Likely reactions to possible trial of deposed Syrian ruler Bashar Assad

Regional governments, humanitarian and advocacy groups are likely to react to developments in Syria and issue statements on possible trial of deposed ruler Bashar Assad. Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of the capital Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the rule of the Baath Party, which had been in power since 1963.

Political developments in South Korea hit by failed martial law

Developments in South Korea amid a prolonged political turmoil triggered by a failed martial law imposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Investigators have issued fresh summons to Yoon but his office has refused to entertain the notices. Opposition parties have also added pressure on acting president and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo after he rejected 6 bills adopted by lawmakers.

Russia on developments in Syria

Moscow's reaction to developments in post-Assad Syria. Assad and his family have received asylum in Russia. In his first statement since ouster, former regime leader said he was evacuated to Russia on Dec. 8. Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with new authorities in Syria. President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 19 offered the use of Russian bases in Khmeimim and Tartus for delivery of humanitarian aid.

Situation in Georgia after suspension of EU accession talks, presidential election

Georgia is facing mounting political tensions after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Nov. 28 announced suspension of country's EU accession talks until 2028. The move sparked major protests, including in capital Tbilisi, as well as international and regional criticism.

Diphtheria outbreak in South Africa causes worry

Health authorities in South Africa are expected to give an update on the latest outbreak of diphtheria in the Western Cape region. The Prisons Department confirmed on Friday that seven diphtheria cases were detected at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape. One death and three cases of diphtheria were also reported in a local community.

Cyclone-hit countries' rebuilding

Countries hit by Cyclone Chido, including the French overseas island of Mayotte, northern Mozambique, Comoros and Southern Malawi, are expected to start announcing rebuilding plans days after the devastating storm killed dozens and left a trail of destruction.

SPORTS

Matchweek 17 of English Premier League (Football)

Aston Villa vs. Manchester City

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal

Matchweek 18 of Spanish La Liga (Football)

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid

Matchweek 15 of German Bundesliga (Football)

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Freiburg

Matchweek 17 of English Premier League (Football)

Aston Villa vs. Manchester City

Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal

Matchweek 18 of Spanish La Liga (Football)

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid

Matchweek 15 of German Bundesliga (Football)

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Freiburg​​​​​​​