Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Developments in Syria under new transitional government

Latest developments and updates in Syria after the transitional government takes over following the overthrow of the Baathist regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, called Saturday for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria during a meeting with a delegation led by Barbara Leaf, the top US diplomat for the Middle East.

Qatar on Saturday officially reopened its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus after nearly 13 years.

The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, affirmed on Saturday the council's full support for efforts aimed at achieving Syria's unity, sovereignty, and security.

Since the fall of the Baath regime in Syria, mass graves uncovered almost every day in various provinces and regions of the country, especially in Damascus, await examination by experts.

⁠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.

⁠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.

Five Palestinians were killed and several others wounded on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes targeting civilian gatherings in western Gaza City and eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The overall death toll due to the Israeli 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 Saturday.

⁠Gaza cease-fire talks

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

On Saturday, Palestinian factions, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, stated that the possibility of reaching a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip and a hostage swap “is closer than ever, provided Israel refrains from imposing new conditions.”

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Day 25 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 committed at least five more violations Saturday of a cease-fire that took effect last month to end the year-long fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.

Since the cease-fire was declared on Nov. 27, the total number of Israeli violations has risen to 280, 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.

A Palestinian man was killed on Saturday by Israeli army gunfire in the northern occupied West Bank.

Israel has killed at least 823 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 the Yemen’s Houthi group from the other side.

At least 20 Israelis were injured on Saturday when a missile launched from Yemen landed in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area in central Israel.

Investigation into car attack at German Christmas market continues

Latest developments and updates on the Christmas market attack in Magdeburg that killed at least five people, and injured 200 others on Friday. The suspect, identified by authorities as a Saudi doctor working in Germany since 2006, remains in custody as investigators work to determine the motive.

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 also arrested some officials under investigation.

⁠Russia on developments in Syria

Moscow's reaction to the ongoing developments in post-Assad Syria. Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with new authorities in Syria.

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

Georgia 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.

SPORTS

⁠Matchweek 17 of English Premier League (Football)

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool

Everton vs. Chelsea

⁠Matchweek 18 of Spanish La Liga (Football)

Real Madrid vs. Sevilla