Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) — Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠Gaza cease-fire talks

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

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that the mediators had indeed made progress in the negotiations in Doha.

“Progress was made; we see some progress in the negotiations,” the Israeli minister told the press in Jerusalem along with his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen.

The talks were attended by the head of Israel’s Mossad foreign intelligence agency, David Barnea, and Biden’s top Mideast adviser, Brett McGurk.

A source familiar with the negotiations told the daily Haaretz that both Israel and Hamas are “very, very close to a deal,” without further elaborating.

Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new administration following the overthrow of the Baathist regime more than a month ago.

On Monday, another Qatari aid plane landed at Damascus International Airport carrying 36 tons of food supplies as part of Qatar's emergency response airlift.

The country’s oil minister said Syria has opened the door for oil imports from all international and commercial entities to supply derivatives to the local market.

More Arab and international officials' political and diplomatic visits in Damascus and their meetings with Syrian officials.

⁠Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel persists in its unrelenting attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, ignoring global appeals to halt aggression and alleviate the immense suffering of millions facing relentless bombardment and a crippling blockade.

On Monday, five Palestinians lost their lives and others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a shelter in Gaza City.

Five more people were killed and others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle carrying civilians in central Rafah and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

In central Gaza, three Palestinians, including a young girl, were killed and others injured in a strike targeting civilians.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 surged to nearly 46,600, with over 109,700 others injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

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

The ongoing Israeli military operations, displacement, and blockade in northern Gaza which has led to devastating humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians trapped in the areas since Oct. 5, 2024 and claimed the lives of more than 4,800 people.

On Monday, one Palestinian was killed and others were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of civilians in Jabalia town.

At least 5,000 Palestinians have been killed and missing in Israel’s ongoing offensive in northern Gaza since Oct. 5, local authorities said.

Secretary-general of Arab League to visit Lebanon

Second day of the Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit's visit to the Lebanese capital to meet with Lebanese official following the election of a new president.

On Monday, he voiced optimism about positive developments that could pave the way for Lebanon to tackle longstanding challenges and begin a new chapter during a press conference following his meeting with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the government headquarters in central Beirut.

Later, Aboul Gheit met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri at his residence in Ain al-Tineh, west of Beirut. He congratulated Berri on the successful election of a new president.

Aboul Gheit arrived in Beirut earlier on Monday for an unspecified duration, intending to meet Lebanese officials.

⁠Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Monitoring the November 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 state news agency NNA said that an Israeli reconnaissance plane flew at low altitude over the southern city of Tyre.

Israeli army forces blew up several homes in the town of Aita ash-Shaab in southern Lebanon, the same source said.

Israeli soldiers also staged a large-scale search operation in the town of Khiam, while military vehicles were reported to be advancing into the town of Meiss El-Jabal.

Israel had committed more than 477 violations of the cease-fire agreement, resulting in 37 deaths and 43 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.

⁠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, two residents of Dura, a town south of Hebron, were injured by Israeli forces near the separation wall in the village of Beit Awwa.

In separate incidents, Israeli forces arrested nine Palestinians during raids in Nablus, Al-Ain refugee camp, and the town of Al-Badhan northeast of the city.

Israel has killed at least 847 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.

Deteriorating situation in war-torn Sudan

A dire security situation continues in the North African nation amid intensified clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

On Sunday, celebrations erupted in cities and villages across Sudan after the army recaptured the city of Wad Madani, capital of Al-Jazirah state, from the RSF.

On Monday, the Sudanese Army announced on Monday that the RSF launched a drone attack on the Merowe Dam in Northern State.

The attack caused power outages in some areas, according to a military statement.

Baltic Sea NATO Allies Summit - Finland hosts

Finnish President Alexander Stubb hosts gathering. In addition to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, participants include: Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Latvia President Edgars Rinkevics, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen.

The meeting will focus on security in the Baltic Sea region, in particular measures to protect critical underwater infrastructure and discuss strengthening NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea and responding to the threat of the so-called Russian shadow fleet.

EU Enlargement Commissioner - European Parliament hearing appearance in Brussels

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos appears before the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs to discuss "the state of play and the progress made by the ten enlargement countries."

French National Assembly - Francois Bayrou delivers policy address

Prime Minister François Bayrou delivers statement to lawmakers outlining his vision for the new government. Bayrou was appointed as new premier in December after the collapse of Michel Barnier government following a no-confidence vote.

House of Commons agenda - Foreign Office questions in London

Ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to respond questions from lawmakers. Questions may include situation in the Middle East, latest situation in Syria as well as UK support to Israel and the war in Ukraine.

UN briefing

The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva. Spokespersons of various UN agencies and international organizations meet with reporters to evaluate most pressing issues around the world.

Top Russian diplomat to hold annual conference on 2024 results

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold an annual press conference with local and international media representatives on the foreign policy results of 2024 on the part of Moscow.

Slovak parliamentary delegation to meet Federation Council head

A Slovak parliamentary delegation led by Vice-Speakers Andrej Danko and Tibor Gaspar to hold talks with Federation Council head Valentina Matvienko in the country's capital Moscow. The Slovak delegation arrived in Russia on Sunday, and will depart the country the following day.

UK undersecretary of state for Africa visits Botswana to strengthen ties

The UK's parliamentary under Secretary of State for Africa, Lord Collins, to visit Botswana for a two-day working tour aimed to strengthen the strategic relationship between Botswana and the UK. Collins will hold talks with President Duma Boko on common partnerships in trade, investment and mining, among other issues.

Authorities expected to release number of farmers killed in a terrorist attack in Nigeria

Officials in Nigeria's northeast Borno state are expected to release the official number of farmers who were killed in an attack by suspected terrorists on the weekend. Terrorist group Boko Haram and its breakaway faction loyal to the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group in Borno’s Dumba community are suspected to have killed about dozens of farmers and the where about of many people who escaped during the attack is unknown.

Situation in Mozambique a day before swearing in of new president

The political situation in Mozambique on the eve of the swearing in ceremony of President-elect Daniel Chapo who won the October 9 presidential elections. The country has witnessed deadly protests since Chapo was declared winner of the polls. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane who got 20% of the vote claims he won the election and has vowed to install himself as president on Jan. 15, the same day that Chapo will be inaugurated.

Deadly Los Angeles blazes

Developments regarding ongoing wildfires that killed at least 24 people in Los Angeles as more deaths are feared. National Weather Service warned that winds could gust up to 70 mph, causing extreme fire behavior in the blazes. The total area burned by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires is about 60 square miles, an area larger than Paris. In addition, a lawsuit has been filed against Southern California Edison alleging that the electrical utility for Los Angeles failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards.

Thirty-four arrests were made for a variety of offenses, not just looting, including curfew violations, operating a drone unlawfully, and possession of narcotics and firearms in evacuation zones.

Joe Biden - Chuckwalla and Sattitla monuments announcement

President Joe Biden to host an event at White House to sign proclamations designating and protecting the Chuckwalla and the Sattitla Highlands regions as National Monument in honor of tribal nations in California.

Antony Blinken - Atlantic Council address on the Middle East

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to deliver remarks on the Middle East at the Atlantic Council think tank. Blinken's remarks expected, particularly on Gaza.

US House - Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act vote

House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a legislation that aims at preventing biological males from competing as transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports at schools and colleges.

USIP discussion - Jake Sullivan and Mike Waltz speak

United States Institute of Peace think tank to host an event during which participants include outgoing US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and National Security Advisor-designate for President-elect Trump, Michael Waltz.

Nominee to be Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - confirmation hearing

US Senate Committee on Armed Services to hold a confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be US defense secretary. Hegseth faces questions about sexual assault allegations, alcohol abuse and his competence to oversee a massive bureaucracy.

UN General Assembly president's priorities for 2025

General Assembly to hold an informal meeting to hear a briefing by the President of the General Assembly Philemon Yang on his priorities for 2025.

Restriction of use of smartphones at schools in Brazil

Developments after Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a bill restricting the use of smartphones at elementary and high schools across the South American nation starting in February. Students are allowed to use such devices in cases of emergency and danger, for educational purposes, or if they have disabilities and require them.

Hearing expected against Bolivia's former President Morales

A scheduled judicial hearing against former President Evo Morales in La Paz over accusations that Morales abused 15-year-old girl during his term in 2016. The former leader calls allegations as lie and protests are expected in support of Morales during the hearing.

Impeached South Korean president refuses to attend trial in person

Developments after South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was obliged to attend trial in-person at the Constitutional Court, refused to attend the hearing. His absence comes as a joint team of investigators and police seek to arrest the embattled 63-year-old president who faces charges of treason and insurrection.

Developments in the wake of missile fire by North Korea

Reactions and developments in the wake of short-range ballistic missile fire by North Korea. It is second time this year that Pyongyang has fired missiles.

Japan's top diplomat to visit Manila

Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to visit Manila to meet with his Filipino counterpart. The two will hold talks as Tokyo and Manila move to cement bilateral ties.

Russian Premier Vladimirovich visits Vietnam

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin to pay official two-day visit to Vietnam between Jan. 14-15. He will hold talks with Vietnamese leadership to boost ties.

Sri Lankan president pays visit to China

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, known as AKD, on four-day state visit to China between Jan. 14-17. Chinese President Xi Jinping will host AKD and his delegation for first trip to Beijing since being elected last year.

Chinese, Japanese party officials hold talks in Beijing

Ruling Chinese Communist Party holds discussions with visiting officials of Japan’s ruling coalition. Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama and coalition Komeito party Secretary General Makoto Nishida are on an official visit to China to smoothen ties.

Foreign Ministry to hold news briefing in Beijing

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

6.8 magnitude earthquake in Japan

Aftermath of 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck a southwestern province of Japan on Monday. Weather agency issued tsunami warning with no damages reported, so far.

THE ECONOMY

US producer inflation

The US will release producer prices index for December. It was at 3% in November and market expectation was at the same level with November for December.

SPECIAL REPORTS

California wildfires: Why is the US struggling to douse deadly infernos?

Report on the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, focusing on the persisting challenges being faced in attempts to contain and extinguish the deadly blazes.

The story has insights on the major issues hindering firefighting efforts and their expectations for the coming days as more warnings have been issued, and includes comments from Jennifer Marlon, a senior research scientist at the Yale School of the Environment, Emily Schlickman, an assistant professor of landscape architecture and environmental design at the University of California, Char Miller, WMK Professor of Environmental Analysis & History at Pomona College, and Boston University’s Earth and Environment academic David Demeritt.

The report also looks into the claims of mismanagement and inefficiency of firefighting mechanisms being made by top Republican officials, including incoming President Donald Trump, who has blamed Democrats for the disaster.

Praise and concern as India seeks to control children’s social media access

Report on the recent proposal put forward by India’s government for stricter controls on children’s access to social media.

The story explains the measures proposed under the government’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Rules and draws a picture of the overall situation in terms of legislative steps.

The report presents various views within Indian society, with comments from parents, teachers, and tech rights groups, along with New Delhi-based counseling psychologist Harvinder Saraswat.