Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, prisoner swap deal

Day eight of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as the first phase of the Hamas-Israel deal continues.

The phase, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.

On Saturday, Palestinian resistance group Hamas handed over four female Israeli soldiers under a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Israel.

Some 200 Palestinian prisoners were also released on Saturday in exchange for the four freed Israeli soldiers, bringing the total number of Palestinian prisoners released since the ceasefire began on January 19 to 290.

However, Hamas accused Israel on Saturday of "procrastinating" in implementing the current ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement as the Israeli army is keeping al-Rashid coastal street closed, preventing displaced Palestinians from returning from southern part of Gaza to the north.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to block prevent Palestinians from returning to northern Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching the ceasefire agreement by failing to release Israeli captive Arbel Yehud.

Hamas announced Saturday that a senior delegation from the group, led by the chairman of the Shura Council, will head to Cairo for an official visit.

The delegation will also receive exiled prisoners expected to arrive as part of the second phase of the exchange process, Qassem added.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza during ceasefire from Israeli genocidal war

The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip during ceasefire from Israeli genocidal war

A displaced Palestinian was killed and several others were injured on Saturday by Israeli army gunfire on Salah Al-Din and Al-Rashid streets in central Gaza, in a violation of the ceasefire agreement that went into effect over a week ago.

The overall death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has surged to nearly 47,300, with more than 111,100 others injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

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 Saturday, a Palestinian toddler was killed by in the southern West Bank city of Jenin.

The Israeli military operation in Jenin refugee camp continues, ongoing since last Tuesday, accompanied by the camp's siege, closure of its entrances, and ongoing clashes with Palestinian fighters inside.

Israel has killed at least 873 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Assad administration.

On Saturday, Syria’s Military Operations Command launched a security operation in Qardaha, the hometown of the recently ousted ruling Bashar Assad family, in the coastal province of Latakia.

Syria’s new administration leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Damascus on Saturday with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.

Saudi Arabia sent a new aid plane to Syria on Saturday as part of the kingdom’s relief bridge to the country following the fall of the Assad regime.

Deadline for Israeli presence in southern Lebanon under ceasefire deal

Latest developments as the deadline for Israeli presence in southern Lebanon expires early Sunday in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

Under the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, it was stipulated that Israeli forces withdraw within 60 days, starting from the agreement's commencement on November 27.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed on Friday that the wording of the withdrawal timeline in the agreement "can be interpreted as allowing for more than 60 days."

The Lebanese army, in a statement, emphasized the importance of citizens exercising responsibility and adhering to the guidance of the army leadership and instructions from deployed military units to ensure their safety.

Israel has carried out over 640 violations of the ceasefire deal, killing 37 people and injuring an additional 45, according to Lebanese official data compiled by Anadolu.

Turkish foreign minister's visit to Iraq

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will discuss regional security and bilateral relations with top Iraqi officials, including President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, during his official visit to Baghdad.

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).

More than 70 people were killed in a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in El Fasher city in western Sudan, a Sudanese governor said on Saturday.

South Korea’s impeached president likely to be indicted in martial law case

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is likely to be indicted by prosecution in a case of insurrection and abuse of power over Dec. 3 martial decree. The likely indictment comes after a court in capital Seoul refused twice to extend arrest period of Yoon who remains in jail since Jan. 15 but could be released by Monday if prosecutors decide against indicting him.

Reactions after North Korea tests cruise missile

Reactions and statements following test of cruise missile by North Korea. It is first missile test by Pyongyang since return of Donald Trump as president of the US. It is also third missile test by North Korea this year, so far.

India celebrates 76th Republic Day

India displays its military might as the South Asian country celebrates its 76th Republic Day. Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto is chief guest at the main function to be held in the national capital New Delhi.

Indian top official to visit China

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to begin his two-day visit to China. The visit comes amid mutual efforts by two Himalayan neighbors to stabilize ties.

Presidential election in Belarus

The main day of presidential election during which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko will seek a seventh term in office. Lukashenko, who was first elected as president during a 1994 vote, has been Belarus' sole head of state since the establishment of the country's presidency.

UN relocates non-essential staff from DR Congo as clashes intensify

The UN is expected to start relocating its non-essential staff from Goma city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as government forces continue to battle with the M23 rebels advancing toward the city. The UN says the move is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding its staff, while ensuring the UN's vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted.

African heads of state travel to Tanzania for continental energy summit

Several African heads of state will travel to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit to be held Jan. 27-28. The summit, hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, aims to advance Mission 300, an initiative to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

South Africa’s DA party to announce details after declaring dispute with ruling coalition

South Africa’s second largest political party in parliament, Democratic Alliance (DA) is expected to give more details after it declared a formal dispute with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government of national unity (GNU). The DA is part of the GNU.

Ramaphosa this week signed into law a bill allowing expropriation of land by the state without compensation in the public interest. The GNU consists of 10 political parties including Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party- the largest in parliament.

SPORTS

Men's final of Australian Open, 1st Grand Slam of the season, to be played.