Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Second-phase negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza

Developments in the negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

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

Early Sunday, the Israeli army withdrew its forces from the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern Gaza from the south, after more than a year and three months of occupation.

Palestinian resistance group Hamas accused Israel on Sunday of hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza under a ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli website Ynet reported on Sunday that an Israeli delegation has arrived in Doha to negotiate the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire.

On Sunday, four Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire agreement in the enclave, a medical source said.

The Israeli army confirmed that its forces had opened fire at “suspects” approaching their location near Nahal Oz east of Gaza City.

Reactions to Netanyahu's proposal to establish Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia

More reactions to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's call to establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia.

Arab countries, including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Yemen, strongly denounced on Sunday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli violations of Lebanon ceasefire

Israeli army violations of a ceasefire deal after Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon until Feb. 18.

The Israeli army burnt down several homes and properties in the town of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, in the latest breach of the ceasefire agreement, local media reported on Sunday, bringing the total number of violations to nearly 880, according to statistics compiled by Anadolu, based on Lebanese reports.

Israeli raids in West Bank, particularly in its northern area

Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, especially in Jenin, accompanied by illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.

Israel has forcibly displaced more than 20,000 Palestinians from the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, a Palestinian official said on Sunday.

The Israeli escalation follows a broader Israeli military offensive that began on Jan. 21 in Jenin and its refugee camp, as well as surrounding towns, killing at least 25 people, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The army expanded its assault into Tulkarem on Jan. 27, killing five more people. On Feb. 2, another assault was launched on the town of Tammun and the Far'a refugee camp in the Tubas city.

Israel has killed at least 906 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Egyptian foreign minister’s visit to US

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty's engagements in United States after he flew on Sunday to Washington for talks with US officials on developments in the Middle East region.

He will meet with senior officials in the new US administrations and Congress members to strengthen bilateral relations and strategic partnership between Egypt and the US.

The discussions will also take up the latest developments in the Middle East region.

Jordanian king's visit to US

The second day of an open-ended visit by Jordan’s King Abdullah to the United States, which includes stops in Boston and Washington, D.C.

On Sunday, Abdullah met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

According to the royal court, King Abdullah is scheduled to meet Monday in Boston with representatives of American companies, higher education institutions, and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

The king is also set to receive Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and members of congressional committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

On Tuesday, King Abdullah will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Developments in Syria under new administration

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with a high-level Greek delegation led by Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis in Damascus Sunday.

The presidency did not provide any details about the content of the meeting, which was also attended by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.

Deteriorating situation in war-torn Sudan

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

On Sunday, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry has announced what it called a "roadmap for preparing for the post-war phase and resuming the comprehensive political process, which will culminate in holding general elections."

This comes as the army continues its advance in Khartoum and expands its control over villages and towns in Al-Jazira State in the center of the country.

France hosts global summit on artificial intelligence

France hosts second edition of global summit on AI safety. The opening day's agenda includes conferences, round tables, presentations on AI solutions. The UK had hosted an inaugural summit in November 2023. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Vice President JD Vance, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are among confirmed participants.

Emmanuel Macron hosts EU leaders in Paris

The French president will host a dinner for EU heads of state and government. The leaders are expected to discuss European matters, including defense and possible reaction to a possible "trade war" with the US.

Macron meets with Chinese vice premier

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting bilateral talks with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, who is visiting France for the AI summit. Later on Monday, Macron will also be hosting bilateral meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Munich Security Report 2025

Annual report published by the organizers of the Munich Security Conference to be discussed.

French National Assembly's likely vote on censure motion against Bayrou-led government

A debate followed by a vote is expected on the latest motions of no-confidence (motion de censure) against the government led by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou triggered by the premier's decision to use the controversial article 49.3 for a third time last Wednesday to pass the second part of the 2025 social security funding bill. Bayrou survived two votes last week after lawmakers decided not to vote in favor of the motion put forward by LFI lawmakers.

UK Defense Ministry to respond to questions in House of Commons

Defense Ministry officials will respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include support for Ukraine and common defensive matters across Europe.

Possible Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

Developments after US President Trump said he would "probably" meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week, suggesting that if a meeting does happen, it would likely take place in Washington, D.C.

Hearing on legal challenge to birthright citizenship order

A hearing in the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups challenging Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. Plaintiffs argue that the order violates the 14th Amendment and seek a temporary restraining order and injunction.

Trump's plan to dismantle USAID

Developments in President Trump's push to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID), with plans to merge it with the US Department of State. Unions are challenging Trump, arguing his recent actions to dismantle the agency were taken without congressional authorization.

UN Security Council to discuss terrorism

The UN Security Council will meet for a briefing on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorism.

Trump's desire for Canada to become 51st US state

Reactions by Canadian political leaders after US President Trump confirmed that he was serious in his remarks that Canada should become his country’s 51st state. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Trump was not joking.

Colombia's president demands resignation of entire Cabinet

Developments after Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his request for his entire Cabinet's formal resignation. Earlier in the day, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad confirmed her resignation and Labor Minister Gloria Ines Ramirez soon followed suit. The resignations come after an intense six-hour Cabinet meeting broadcast live Tuesday.

Russian deputy foreign minister to hold news conference on ties with US

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov will hold a news conference on the current state of the Russian-American relations, as well as topics of arms control and non-proliferation.

Top Russian diplomat to take part in Day of Diplomat event

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend an event devoted to the Day of Diplomat, celebrated in the country on Feb. 10. Lavrov will lay flowers at memorial boards with the names of diplomats who lost their lives while performing professional duties, and address employees of the Foreign Ministry.

South African diplomats to address frosty relations with US

South African diplomats are expected to engage with White House officials explaining their country’s land expropriation policy and other laws favoring formerly disadvantaged racial groups who were victims of the apartheid system and colonialism.

Last week, President Trump issued an executive order freezing Washington's aid to Pretoria, citing the country’s recently passed land expropriation law that would affect white farmers. The order also cites South Africa's involvement in bringing Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and Pretoria's closer ties with Iran as reasons for cutting aid.

Dire humanitarian situation in Goma

International non-governmental organizations are warning that increasing violence and subsequent displacements of people in the North and South Kivu Provinces of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are pushing humanitarian response to the brink of collapse. Hospitals in Goma are struggling to treat hundreds of wounded patients, with some reporting shortages of medicines.

The M23 rebels intensified clashes last month with Congolese government forces over the control of Goma, a city of about 3 million people, causing the deaths of more than 3,000 people, and injuring 2,880. Over half a million people have been displaced in less than a month.

South Africa’s parliament to hold debate following deaths of 14 soldiers in DR Congo

The National Assembly will hold a debate regarding the deaths of 14 South African soldiers last month in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo during clashes with M23 rebels.

South Africa contributes more than 2,000 peacekeepers in the DR Congo as part of Southern African peacekeepers. Twenty peacekeepers were killed during last month’s attack, 14 of them were South Africans.

South Africans have been calling for the return of their troops.

Turkish President Erdogan pays official visit to Malaysia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan begins his three-nation tour of Asia with first stop in Malaysia. Erdogan and the host nation's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will hold high-level talks to boost bilateral ties across all sectors, as well as discuss situation in Palestinian besieged enclave of Gaza.

Trial of imprisoned South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Trial of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol who refused to stand witness at a parliamentary questioning session about the Dec. 3 martial law decree. The Constitutional Court trial is also progressing with expected decision by early March.

Yoon was indicted over Dec. 3 martial law decree but has defended his decision which triggered ongoing political crisis. He is facing a case of insurrection and abuse of power over short-lived martial law. Massive protests against, and in favor of, Yoon have been consistently held in Seoul since he the martial law decree.

Cook Island Premier Brown begins much-watched China trip

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown begins trip to China which has been keenly followed by regional nations, particularly New Zealand. During his visit which concludes on Feb. 14, Brown is expected to sign a joint action plan for a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

Cambodian Premier Hun visits Philippines

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun visits Manila where he will be hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral issues as well as developments in the region. Manila and Phnom Penh are members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations – a regional bloc in Southeast Asia.

Pakistani Premier Sharif to visit United Arab Emirates

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay a two-day official visit to United Arab Emirates where he will participate in World Governments Summit in Dubai.

Chinese Foreign Ministry holds briefing

Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to discuss unfolding developments viz-a-viz ties with the US under President Donald Trump, and regional issues. It may also comment on situation in Gaza.

THE ECONOMY

Turkish Statistical Institute to share industrial production and unemployment figures for December. Industrial production rose by 1% month-on-month in November while unemployment rate was 8.6%.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Is Trump spurring Europe’s pursuit of independence from US?

Report on Donald Trump’s escalating confrontations with Europe, analyzing his aggressive trade policies, NATO spending demands, and controversial push to acquire Greenland.

The story examines Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on the EU, and the economic and strategic stakes of his policies, including the potential fallout of a US-EU trade war, the shifting dynamics of NATO, and the broader impact on global alliances.

The report includes comments from experts including former US ambassador Steven Pifer, who warns of a worsening transatlantic relationship, and analyzes statements made by the leaders of powerhouses such as France and Germany advocating greater European independence from the US.

‘How white supremacist land thieves think of the world’: Academic slams Trump’s Gaza plan

Interview with Burmese academic and human rights activist Maung Zarni’s about Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza, which he asserts constitutes a war crime under international law.

Zarni condemns Trump’s suggestion to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing that international humanitarian and criminal laws prohibit the removal of occupied populations. He asserts that Palestinians have been under occupation for 57 years and cannot be lawfully displaced.

He also shares a broader perspective on US history, describing it as rooted in white supremacist land seizures, shaping how American leaders view global affairs.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with former US ambassador Steven Pifer on Trump’s standoff with Europe, the potential fallout of a US-EU trade war, shifting dynamics of NATO, and how transatlantic ties could have a broader impact on global alliances.