Diary

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

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

Developments in phase one of Gaza ceasefire agreement. The phase, which includes prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to end on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Hamas called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to “immediately intervene to halt Israel’s violations of the ceasefire agreement, enforce compliance with the associated humanitarian protocol, and ensure the entry of shelter supplies, heating materials, and urgent medical aid for the people of Gaza.”

Israel was scheduled to let go 620 prisoners on Saturday in return for six captives freed by Hamas in the seventh exchange, but is still delaying the release, citing “humiliating hostage handovers.”

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ceasefire

Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to violate the ceasefire.

Six newborn babies froze to death in the Gaza Strip amid cold weather in the war-torn enclave, a Palestinian health official said on Tuesday.

Gaza’s death toll from Israel’s destructive war since October 2023 has reached 48,348, according to the Health Ministry.

⁠Israeli raids in West Bank

Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank with the army deploying tanks in the northern parts of the territory for the first time in over two decades.

On Tuesday, the Israeli army staged a new military raid in the West Bank city of Nablus hours after withdrawing from the area, witnesses said.

It also demolished three more Palestinian houses and two mobile homes in the northern West Bank and East Jerusalem.

A disabled Palestinian was stabbed by illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, medics said.

Last month, the Israeli army launched a military offensive on the northern West Bank, which has resulted in more than 60 fatalities and thousands of displacements.

Israel has killed at least 923 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Syrian president visits Jordan

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to visit Amman on Wednesday.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II will meet Sharaa in Amman, the Jordanian news agency Petra said. It will be Sharaa’s first visit to the kingdom since the overthrow of the Bashar Al-Assad regime in December.

Reactions to Netanyahu’s calls for demilitarization of southern Syria

Reactions on Israeli prime minister’s calls for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria in the provinces of Quneitra, Daraa and Suweyda.

The final statement of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference condemned on Tuesday the Israeli incursion into Syrian territories and demanded an immediate withdrawal. It also denounced Netanyahu’s recent statements regarding disarmament in southern Syria.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Syrians demonstrated in the southern Daraa province on Tuesday against Netanyahu’s call.

Protesters gathered at the March 18 Square in Daraa city, calling Netanyahu’s comments a "blatant interference" in Syria’s internal affairs.

Egyptian President al-Sisi underlined the importance of ending the occupation of the Syrian territories, calling for launching an inclusive political process embracing the entire spectrum of the Syrian people, culminating in the adoption of a constitution and the holding of elections.

2025 Makkah Halal Forum in Saudi Arabia

The second day of the Makkah Halal Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia, which kicked off on Tuesday and will last till Thursday, Feb. 27.

Organized by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, the forum is being held under the theme “Sustainable Development Through Halal” at the Makkah Chamber's conference and exhibition center with broad international participation.

At the opening session, speakers explored ways to boost production to support “sustainable halal practices,” foster collaboration, and promote sustainability to protect the environment and reduce pollution, the state news agency SPA reported.

This year’s edition features international exhibitions with over 150 exhibitors from 15 countries, including Türkiye, to foster trade collaboration and expand global partnerships.

Trump to hold first Cabinet meeting

US President Donald Trump convenes his Cabinet for the first time since inauguration in January. Elon Musk is confirmed to attend.

Trump is also expected to sign a series of executive orders.

US secretary of state to meet EU foreign policy chief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. Rubio and Kallas are expected to discuss efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Guidance on Trump executive order on DEI programs

Under President Donald Trump’s executive order, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem must issue guidance by today to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from their departments.

Hearing of Adnan Syed motion to reduce sentence to time served

Hearing to address a motion for a sentence reduction to time served for Maryland resident Adnan Syed under the state's Juvenile Restoration Act. He was convicted in 2000 of the murder of Hae Min Lee, his ex-girlfriend, but was released on Sept. 20, 2022 after a Baltimore judge overturned his conviction.

UN briefing and consultations on Sudan

UN Security Council will receive a briefing on the situation in Sudan. Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Edem Wosornu is expected to brief in the open chamber, while Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra will brief in consultations.

US House committee hearing on Federal Bureau of Prisons oversight

House Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will hold a hearing with Federal Bureau of Prisons Acting Deputy Director Kathleen Toomey.

Human Rights Experts' report launch on Nicaragua

Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua will release a latest report in Geneva.

Power outage in Santiago

Developments after a massive power outage left capital Santiago without power and disrupted major copper mines in northern Chile. The government declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in affected areas.

UN Human Rights Council meeting

The third day of the UN Human Rights Council’s high-level segment. Representatives from Spain, Italy, Finland, Russia, European Union, ASEAN will address.

International Health Regulations Emergency Committee meeting

The third meeting of the Emergency Committee on the mpox upsurge, convened by the WHO director-general under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), will be held.

Following the meeting, the Emergency Committee will advise Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as to whether the mpox upsurge still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. The decision of the director-general following the advice will be shared after the meeting.

German party groups discuss coalition possibilities

Political party leaders are preparing for coalition talks following Sunday's election. German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, whose Christian Democrats won the vote, announced plans to begin talks for a coalition government with the Social Democrats (SPD) by next week.He aims to form a coalition government before the Easter holiday (April 20-21). His Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) secured 28.5% of votes in the general election — leading all parties but lacking the absolute majority required to govern independently.

SPD’s co-leader Lars Klingbeil said on Tuesday the party is prepared to take responsibility but needs CDU leader Merz to “change his course and also his tone,” pointing to how his backing of anti-immigration legislation with the support of far-right AfD ahead of the elections increased tensions between the parties.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.

Turkish foreign minister to receive Georgian counterpart

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet his Georgian counterpart Maka Botchorishvili in Ankara.

Pope's treatment in Rome hospital

Pope Francis's current health status, as his treatment for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis continues at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

On Tuesday, the Vatican issued a brief statement saying the pontiff's health had slightly improved.

Russia's Federation Council speaker Valentina Matviyenko to visit Türkiye

Head of the Russian upper chamber of parliament, Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko, to visit Türkiye. Ahead of the visit she said the Russian side is interested in building up inter-parliamentary cooperation so that it corresponds to the level of interaction at the highest political level.

Russia-Ukraine peace initiative

Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in Russia’s border region of Kursk, where Kyiv began an incursion in August, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues to claim advances on multiple fronts. Developments to be followed on recent Russia-US contacts and the US-Ukraine tension as well as other related events and comments.

South Korea's political crises reaches final stage

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has completed its 11th and final hearing of the impeachment trial of imprisoned President Yoon Suk Yeol over his Dec. 3 martial law decree. The court will now review the collected evidence and testimonies followed by judges vote, draft of majority opinion and announcement of verdict. The verdict is likely to be announced in mid-March.

If the impeachment motion against Yoon is upheld, fresh presidential elections are due within two months from the date the verdict is announced. In case, the top court votes against impeachment, Yoon will be reinstated to his office.

New Zealand’s deputy premier's China visit

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is on a three-day visit to China until Feb. 27. He will hold talks with Chinese leadership to discuss bilateral as well as regional issues.

New Zealand’s premier visits Vietnam

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon continues his official visit to Vietnam until Feb. 28. In Hanoi, He will meet his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh to discuss bilateral issues as well as regional developments.

Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on China, Russia relations, Ukraine war as well as US tariffs.

Poland’s foreign minister pays visit to Japan

The foreign minister of Poland pays an official visit to Japan from Feb. 26 to March 2. Radosław Sikorski is expected to meet Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and others.

ICC prosecutor in DR Congo to assess situation

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan arrived in conflict-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo to have talks with President Felix Tshisekedi, Congolese government, and UN Special Representative of Secretary General Bintou Keita.

As M23 rebels urged all foreign forces to leave the Goma region, the EU decided to review recent critical raw materials agreement with Rwanda.

The US last week announced economic sanctions against Rwandan Minister James Kabarebe due to alleged Rwandan support to the M23 rebel group.

The M23, one of dozens of armed groups active in eastern DR Congo and that resurfaced in late 2021, last week captured the city of Bukavu, after seizing Goma in January.

THE ECONOMY

US home sales

The US will release new home sales figures for January. In December, there were around 700,000 sales.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW – Israel now acting on threat to expel Palestinians, annex West Bank: Palestinian ambassador

Interview with Ibrahim Khraishi, Palestine’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, about Israel’s expanding military operations in the occupied West Bank, with a focus on its long-term strategy, including the expulsion of Palestinians and potential annexation.

Khraishi warns that Israel is actively pursuing its long-standing goal of expelling Palestinians and annexing the West Bank, explaining how eradicating Palestinian refugee camps and undermining UNRWA is part of this nefarious strategy. He also speaks about Israel’s refusal to allow displaced Palestinians to return and the broader implications of its actions.

The diplomat also shares his views on the situation in the Gaza Strip and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy to torpedo the current ceasefire and prolong the war for his political gains.

‘Loss we cannot afford’: Brazil’s Lula under fire over Amazon oil drilling

Report on the growing backlash in Brazil against President Lula da Silva’s decision to support new oil exploration in the Amazon, raising concerns about his climate commitments.

The story details how the steps taken by Lula’s administration are raising concerns among environmental groups, and the potential implications that oil drilling could have for the world’s largest forest ecosystem.

The report includes interviews with various environmentalists and experts, including Claudio Angelo, international policy coordinator at the Observatorio do Clima in Brazil.

Future of sports officiating: Will AI replace human referees?

Report on the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports officiating, focusing on the latest developments and the pressing question of whether it could eventually replace human referees.

The story details the ways in which AI-powered tools, such as goal-line technology, semi-automated offside detection, and Hawk-Eye in tennis, have reduced errors. It also sheds light on the persisting challenges with accuracy and subjective decisions, such as fouls and penalties, where human judgment remains essential.

The report also explores concerns over fan acceptance, AI accuracy, and the ethical implications of job displacement in sports, with insights from sports physicist and researcher John Eric Goff.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Report on AI’s growing role in sports officiating, focusing on the major question of whether it could eventually replace human referees, including an interview with sports physicist and researcher John Eric Goff.