Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new administration following the overthrow of the Baathist regime of Bashar al-Assad.

On Monday, top delegations from Jordan and Qatar visited Damascus for talks with the leader of Syria’s new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with al-Sharaa and discussed the recent developments in Syria, prospects for enhancing bilateral relations, and the steps needed to ensure the success of the transitional phase, according to a Jordanian Foreign Ministry statement.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Al-Khulaifi discussed with al-Sharaa ways of supporting Syria’s reconstruction and addressing key issues like operational aid for Damascus International Airport, according to a Qatari Foreign Ministry statement.

Following the meeting with Al-Khulaifi, al-Sharaa told the press that Qatar will have an active and purposeful role in Syria's reconstruction and development process.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said that it has compiled a list of around 16,200 members of the ousted Assad regime accused of committing crimes against civilians.

Israeli actions following Assad's ouster in Syria

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

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.

The Israeli army continues to expand the areas it occupies in the villages of Jamla and Maaraba in the Yarmouk Basin in Daraa Governorate, southern Syria.

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 Monday, the Israeli army killed at least 14 more Palestinians including five guards escorting aid trucks, and injured dozens in several airstrikes and shelling on Rafah and Khan Younis.

The overall death toll due to the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to over 45,300, with nearly 107,800 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 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.

On Monday, the Kamal Adwan Hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya shared a video on his Facebook page showing Israeli army forces placing an explosives-laden box near the gate of the facility as the army continues to target the hospital and its surroundings.

The hospital also said the bodies of four Palestinians and 12 others injured were brought to the facility after an Israeli airstrike on the northern area of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Gaza cease-fire talks

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

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed progress in prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas, according to Israeli media. He noted, however, that he did not know how long the talks would take.

Earlier, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would “strongly oppose” any potential prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, describing it as “harmful,” according to Maariv newspaper.

According to Israeli sources, Tel Aviv is seeking a two-phased agreement with Hamas to allow the release of women, the injured, and elderly hostages, followed by a broader deal to end the war and facilitate army withdrawal from Gaza.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Nearly one month 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.

On Monday, the Israeli army destroyed several homes in the Bustan and Zalloutiyeh areas in the Tyre district, as well as in the town of Naqoura. This occurred alongside the presence of military helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft in the skies, according to official Lebanese media.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said during a visit to a military barracks in the southern city of Marjayoun that the army is capable of assuming its mission in the south after the Israeli withdrawal from the area.

Since the cease-fire was declared on Nov. 27, the total number of Israeli violations has risen to 286, 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 Monday, Israeli forces backed by a bulldozer raided the village of Al-Shuyukh near Hebron and razed a two-story house after vacating its residents.

Local rights group said that Israeli army raided Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tubas and Ramallah, arresting at least 10 Palestinians.

Israel has killed at least 824 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.

Red sea 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.

On Monday, Israel’s military said that it intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it could penetrate the country’s airspace.

In recent days, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israeli military targets. On Saturday, the group claimed responsibility for launching a hypersonic ballistic missile at a military target in Jaffa, central Israel.

The Israeli emergency services reported that the strike resulted in 16 Israeli casualties.

Keir Starmer to deliver Christmas message

The British prime minister will give his traditional festive address on Christmas Eve. He's expected to address current problems affecting the daily lives of citizens and share his hopes for Britain's economic growth in 2025.

Pope Francis Celebrates Christmas Eve Mass

Pope Francis will officially inaugurate the Jubilee, which bears the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” as he will open the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica and kick off over a year of pilgrimage and special events.

Russia on developments in Syria

Moscow's reaction to developments in post-Assad regime Syria. Assad and his family have received asylum in Russia. Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with new authorities in Syria. Most recently, the Kremlin denied media reports about ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's wife seeking to divorce him and the freezing of his property in Russia.

Maia Sandu to be inaugurated as Moldova's president

Maia Sandu to be inaugurated for her second term as Moldova's president after winning the country's presidential election. Sandu emerged victorious against Alexandr Stoianoglo in the presidential election, which went to a runoff vote on Nov. 3, but was originally held on Oct. 20 alongside an EU referendum.

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 has since sparked major protests in the country, including in capital Tbilisi, as well as international and regional criticism. Tensions in Georgia between the government and opposition have escalated further as a result of the situation surrounding the country's presidency.

US

Statements from US officials on political and humanitarian situation in Syria following the takeover of new government after fall of Assad regime.

Call for Trudeau to resign

Developments as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to resign, with more than 50 Ontario lawmakers from his Liberal Party reportedly reaching a consensus urging him to step down.

Panama rejects Trump's threat to retake control of canal

Developments after Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed a threat from US President-elect Donald Trump to retake control of the Panama Canal if transit fees are not reduced, particularly for US vessels.

Protests feared in Mozambique after top court’s ruling on disputed polls

Fresh protests are expected in Mozambique after the country’s top court ruled Monday that Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party was the winner of the Oct. 9 disputed elections. The Southern African country witnessed weeks of violent protests since Oct. 21, when Chapo was declared winner of the presidential elections. Supporters of the opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane are expected to protest the court’s ruling.

Death toll from Cyclone Chido expected to rise

The death toll from Cyclone Chido in affected countries, including Mozambique and Mayotte, expected to rise. The number of those injured could also increase. The deadly storm struck countries in Southeast Africa about a week ago, leaving a trail of damage.

Probe into South Korea’s 17th martial law

Developments as police probe into South Korea’s 17th martial law progresses with investigators pressing President Yoon Suk Yeol to attend the questioning. Police have also exposed alleged plans to trigger a war with North Korea as a cover for martial law.

Developments after Bangladesh asks India to extradite ex-Premier Hasina

Monitoring developments after Bangladesh requested New Delhi to repatriate ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka. Hasina is living in India since August after the fall of her government at the height of a popular uprising which ended her 15-year-rule. Back home in Dhaka, Hasina is facing cases of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Foreign Ministry to hold regular briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing.

SPECIAL REPORTS

2025 and beyond: Can Labour mend post-Brexit damage to UK-EU ties?

Report on the major political changes in the UK in 2024 and how they could shape the country’s domestic and foreign policies in the coming years.

The story specifically explores the question of whether the UK could have a closer relationship with the EU and overcome the rifts created by Brexit, especially with Labour back in power after more than a decade.

The report also examines the reasons for the shifting political landscape in the UK, and has comments from Cevat Giray Aksoy, an associated professor at King’s College London and associate director of research at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Could new faces change Africa’s politics in 2025?

Report charting the major political changes in Africa in 2024, where several ruling parties lost power in elections, and how that could shape the continent’s political landscape in 2025.

The story details the reasons for the changes in Africa’s power centers, including domestic and foreign issues that influenced electorates in several countries, and presents an assessment of their potential political trajectory in the coming months.

The report includes interviews with political researcher and commentator Frederic Golooba-Mutebi and Jenerali Ulimwengu, a political analyst based in Tanzania.

Insurance chief’s murder: ‘Flawed and broken’ US healthcare system has to change, says advocacy group

Report examining how the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by suspect Luigi Mangione has reignited a debate about the problems of the US healthcare system and the role of private insurers.

The story explains the reasons behind the criticism of for-profit health companies, exploring their focus on profit over patient care, the widespread denial of critical medical treatments, and the emotional and financial toll on Americans.

The report includes an interview with Unai Montes-Irueste of People’s Action, who shares insights into how malpractices by healthcare companies affect Americans and presents his assessment for how the industry could change under Donald Trump’s expected policies in his second term.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Unai Montes-Irueste, media strategy director at advocacy group People’s Action, about the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the problems of the US healthcare system, and the role of private insurers.