Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 (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.

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday voiced hope for "a sovereign, stable and peaceful" Syria during a visit to Damascus along with his German counterpart.

Saudi Arabia also on Friday expressed its full support to the Syrian people and the newly formed administration, affirming its readiness to contribute to the country’s recovery and uphold its unity and territorial integrity.

A fourth Saudi relief plane landed in Damascus Friday carrying essential aid for the Syrian people.

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 across the border.

Israel on Thursday bombed a Syrian army air defense base and warehouse in the Al-Safira area southeast of Aleppo city, said local sources.

Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza Strip

Israel continues its relentless genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, flouting international calls to end hostilities and address the severe hardships endured by millions under constant attacks and a devastating blockade, also amid difficult winter weather.

At least 17 Palestinians were killed and others injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes targeting five homes and civilian gatherings in the Gaza Strip.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year has surged to over 45,650, with nearly 108,500 others injured.

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

Ongoing Israeli military operations, displacement, and blockade in northern Gaza, which has resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians trapped in the areas since Oct. 5 and claimed the lives of more than 4,800 people.

The Israeli army on Friday issued an evacuation order to all inside the Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, putting the area almost out of medical service, as already the Kamal Adwan Hospital and Indonesian Hospital were attacked and knocked out of operations.

Gaza cease-fire talks

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

Israeli Channel 12 reported that while there has been some progress in the negotiations, significant gaps remain between the two sides, with no breakthroughs yet.

Hundreds of Israelis took to the streets across the country on Friday, with the largest demonstration taking place outside the Western Jerusalem residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Over one month of Nov. 27 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.

Lebanese authorities on Friday said they counted 12 more Israeli violations of the ongoing cease-fire.

The latest breach brought the number of Israeli violations of the cease-fire deal to 365, according to an Anadolu tally based on figures released by Lebanese authorities.

West Bank raids

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

Several Palestinians were injured by live fire and tear gas during clashes with Israeli forces across the occupied West Bank on Friday, according to local reports.

Confrontations erupted in the towns of Kafr Qaddum east of Qalqilya, Beita south of Nablus, and Jabal Al-Tawil in Al-Bireh, where Israeli forces fired live bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters, according to an Anadolu reporter.

Israel has killed at least 835 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 and attacks by Houthis, Israel

Red Sea tensions and the exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition on one side and Yemen’s Houthi group on the other, which intensified its attacks on Israeli military targets along with hitting Israeli cargo ships or those associated with Tel Aviv in the Red Sea.

With crowds rushing to bomb shelters, at least 12 Israelis were injured on Friday after a missile launched from Yemen entered Israeli airspace.

The Israeli army claimed to have intercepted the missile, but debris reportedly fell in the Modi'in area in central Israel.

The Houthi group later confirmed the attack, saying it had fired a ballistic missile and a drone to attack two vital targets in central Israel.

Monitoring developments amid unfolding developments in South Korea

Monitoring developments in South Korea where impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has resisted police detaining him despite legal warrants. Yoon is facing charges of insurrection and treason over his failed martial law bid last month.

Firefighters continue to battle blaze at Franschhoek Mountains in South Africa

Several firefighters are expected to continue battling a fire that broke out Friday in the Franschhoek Mountains in the Western Cape Province. Fires in the area are known to burn for days or even weeks and can destroy large hectors of land and vegetation.

Impact of volcanic eruption in Ethiopia

Desk to monitor impact of volcanic eruption that struck Ethiopia's central Mount Dofan, a region that has recently experienced frequent minor tremors. Authorities have moved residents to temporary shelters from the affected area, roughly 165 km (102 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa.

SPORTS

English Premier League: (Football)

Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United

Manchester City vs. West Ham United

Portuguese Primeira Liga: (Football)

Benfica vs. Braga