Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, March 3, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

The latest developments after the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which began on Jan. 19, ended on March 2 and was not extended, nor did it move into the second phase.

Israel said Sunday that it agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover, following a proposal by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

But it halted the entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave, hours after the end of the first phase.

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of evading its obligations under the agreement, calling on mediators to start negotiations for the second phase of the deal.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for the immediate launch of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

As of yet, there has been no official statement from the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, or the US—regarding the future of the Gaza agreement or the outcomes of their efforts to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

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

At least four Palestinians were killed and six others were injured by Israeli army fire in Khan Younis and Rafah on Sunday, taking the toll since a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in January to 116, the Health Ministry said.

A ministry statement added that six more Palestinians were injured in Israeli attacks in multiple areas across the enclave, pushing the number of injuries to over 490.

The Gaza media office told Anadolu that that only 50% of the necessary tents have entered the Gaza Strip, while only 15 mobile homes arrived out of the 60,000 required by the Palestinian population.

The overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 has risen to over 48,388, the Health Ministry said.

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.

The Israeli army rounded up at least 10 more Palestinians in military raids in the occupied West Bank, according to prisoners’ affairs groups Sunday.

A university student was among the detainees in the raids that targeted several towns in Ramallah, Nablus, and a village north of Hebron.

The raids came amid a deadly Israeli military onslaught in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing more than 60 Palestinians and displacing thousands.

Israel has killed at least 927 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Reactions to Netanyahu ordering his army to ‘prepare to defend’ Druze in Syria’s Jaramana

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday ordered the military to prepare for the defense of Jaramana, a Druze neighborhood on the outskirts of Damascus.

On Sunday, the former head of the Progressive Socialist Party in Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, said the Druze community in Syria must beware of Israel’s schemes in Syria.

On Friday evening, the city experienced security tensions that resulted in the killing of a Syrian security officer by an armed militia linked to the former regime, known as Jaramana Shield.

Lebanese president expected to visit Saudi Arabia

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday, marking his first official trip abroad since assuming office in January. He will then travel to Cairo to participate in the emergency Arab summit on Tuesday.

Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan

The security and humanitarian situation in Sudan where the Sudanese army in recent days has gained ground against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas and states.

On Sunday, four people were killed and several others injured in an artillery attack by the RSF on the Abu Shok displaced persons camp in the city of Al-Fasher, North Darfur.

Clashes between the two also continue on multiple fronts in the capital Khartoum.

London summit on Ukraine

Developments and reactions after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a summit of European leaders in London on Sunday.

The summit discussed potential peace negotiations to end the Ukraine war and ways to strengthen cooperation among European allies to address security challenges.

The meeting followed a tense exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which has raised doubts about future US support to Ukraine and the US administration's commitment to European security.

Global update by UN rights chief

The UN human rights chief will present his global update on crises across the world at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva

UN nuclear watchdog's meeting in Vienna

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board of governors will convene its regular March meeting in Vienna. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi is expected to hold a press conference to brief media representatives about the board discussions. The meeting is expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program, its accelerated uranium production, nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine.

Pope's treatment in Rome hospital

Latest updates on Pope Francis's health condition as he undergoes treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

The Vatican on Sunday said the pontiff’s “medical condition remained stable” and did not need any mechanical ventilation.

The 88-year-old has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and is being treated for pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

Trump spat with Zelenskyy at White House

Developments after US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy got into a fiery clash during an Oval Office meeting over the war in Ukraine.

Vote on Education Secretary nominee in US Senate

Senate will vote on Linda McMahon's nomination to be secretary of education. The White House is said to be preparing an executive order to eliminate the Education Department.

State of emergency in South Carolina as wildfires prompt mass evacuations

Developments after Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency as a series of wildfires raged across the US state of South Carolina. More than 175 wildfires are currently burning across South Carolina in several counties including Horry, Spartanburg, Union, Oconee and Pickens, affecting a total of 4,200 acres.

UN Security Council program for March

UN Security Council members are expected meet in consultations to discuss the provisional program of work for March. On Saturday, Denmark assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month.

8th orbital test flight of SpaceX Starship

SpaceX's eighth Starship flight test is scheduled for Monday, which aims to catch the Super Heavy booster upon return and achieve a controlled splashdown of Ship 34 in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia.

European Council president to visit Moldova

European Council President Antonio Costa to visit Moldova's capital Chisinau, where he will engage with President Maia Sandu to reaffirm the 27-member bloc's support for Moldova’s government and its European integration process.

According to an EU statement, the meeting will also address Moldova’s progress in implementing reforms necessary for its accession and the next steps in this regard. The two presidents will later hold a press conference.

Rebel control over strategic Goma, Bukavu cities keeps tensions high in eastern DR Congo

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains precarious amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.

The M23 rebel group has intensified its territorial control in eastern Congo since December, recently seizing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Countries including US and UK announced punitive measures against Rwanda. The EU is also reportedly planning to consider sanctions against Rwandan officials.

Fighting in the eastern Congo has led to the deaths of more than 7,000 people this year, Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka said.

Botswana’s president in US for working visit

Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko takes up a working visit to the US through Sunday. He is expected to have high-level bilateral meetings as well as trade talks to attract investment, expand markets, and promote tourism in Botswana. President Boko will also visit various sites, including SpaceX rocket production and Starlink mini-production facilities.

American think tank to host discussion on deteriorating situation in DR Congo

Atlantic Council’s Africa Center to host a discussion on the escalating security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo amid the M23 rebel offensive. Congolese Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya will attend the event.

Students protest in Thailand against alleged privileges to former Premier Thaksin

Authorities have placed containers and barricades to block students' protest in Thailand's capital Bangkok. Students belonging to different organizations have announced protest against alleged privileges state authorities granted to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his detention at a police hospital, legalization of casinos inside entertainment complexes, and legalization of online gambling. Thaksin is the father of Thailand's incumbent Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

China's Foreign Ministry to hold briefing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold a press briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on the Ukraine war, US-Ukraine tensions as well as US tariffs.

Tropical cyclone Alfred continues to pose threat to Australia's Queensland

Some 4 million residents of Australia's Queensland state have been warned that their communities could be “in the firing line" as Tropical Cyclone Alfred is likely to turn toward major population centers in south-east Queensland this week.

Firefighters struggle to douse forest fire in Japan

Firefighters are struggling to put out a fire raging unabated in forested areas of the city of Ofunato in Japan. The blaze has so far killed one person, burned at least 84 buildings and forced 46,00 residents to evacuate

Italian president kicks off visit to Japan

Italian President Sergio Mattarella will kick off his five-day official visit to Japan until March 7. He is set to meet Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

THE ECONOMY

Inflation rate in Türkiye

TurkStat will release consumer price index (CPI) data for February. Annual inflation dipped to 42.12% in January, down from 44.38% in December.

Turkish banking sector figures

Turkish banking watchdog will release sector figures for January. Net profits of Türkiye's banking sector totaled $18.77 billion in 2024 while total assets of the sector were $929.59 billion.

Türkiye's producer prices

TurkStat to release producer prices index (PPI) figures for February. The PPI grew 27.2% year-on-year and 3.06% monthly in January.

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat will release inflation data for February. Consumer prices rose 2.5% yearly in January.

US manufacturing PMI

The US to release manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) index for February. The PMI stood at 50.9 in January. PMI data shows if there is a contraction or growth in manufacturing activity. A reading below 50 means contraction while above 50 means growth in the manufacturing sector.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Shifting priorities: How Trump’s defense cuts could reshape global security

Report on US President Donald Trump’s proposals to slash defense spending, analyzing the implications for both the domestic and global security architecture.

The story explores Trump’s unexpected proposal to cut defense budgets by 50% and its implications for global security, including reactions from China and Russia. It also details the administration’s shifting defense priorities, including increased border security, plans for a domestic “Iron Dome,” and a stronger focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where the administration views China as the primary strategic threat.

The report features insights from US defense analyst Shaun McDougall, former US intelligence officer Glenn Carle, and Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow with Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center.

‘Reclaiming ecological heritage’: Kenya welcomes back repatriated rare mountain bongos

Report on Kenya’s successful repatriation of 17 rare and critically endangered mountain bongos from the US, marking a major step in restoring the country’s lost wildlife.

The story details Kenya’s broader mission to reclaim species lost during the colonial era and combat habitat destruction, poaching, and genetic decline. It examines the historical context of the bongos’ removal in the 1960s, the challenges of their reintroduction, and the potential impact on the species’ survival.

The report includes comments from Patrick Omondi, a senior wildlife conservationist with the Kenya Wildlife Service, and wildlife expert Wanja Nderitu, who emphasize the need for careful acclimatization and breeding management to ensure the survival of the reintroduced population. ​​​​​​​