Diary

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

Israel continues genocidal war on Gaza

Latest developments as Israel continues its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, violating the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian group Hamas.

On Wednesday, the Israeli army killed at least 61 Palestinians on Wednesday in a series of airstrikes across the war-devastated Gaza Strip, as Israel's genocide unrelentingly continues.

Israel announced expanding its military campaign on the Gaza Strip with the aim to seize more territories in the course of its genocidal war on the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday evening that Israel is establishing a new security corridor across Gaza, calling it “Morag” corridor, using the name of a Jewish settlement that once stood between Rafah and Khan Younis, suggesting it would run between the two southern cities.

On the humanitarian front, the UN World Food Program early Wednesday announced that all bakeries it supports in the impoverished and war-devastated Gaza Strip were forced to shut down due to the continued Israeli closure of the crossings, depriving the Palestinians in Gaza of basic food and aid items.

Israeli premier's visit to Hungary despite ICC arrest warrant

The second day of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Hungary, marking his first visit to a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since the court issued an international arrest warrant against him and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

During the four-day visit, he will meet with Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday.

The Human Rights Watch has urged Hungary to arrest Netanyahu if he sets foot in the country.

Theoretically, ICC member states are obligated to enforce the arrest warrant.

Israeli foreign minister's visit to France

The second day of an open-ended visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to the French capital Paris to discuss bilateral relations.

Sa’ar will meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot about regional developments in Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.

The foreign minister will also address the situation in Gaza and the hostages, as well as bilateral relations between Israel and France.

Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout

Developments in Lebanon after incomplete Israeli army withdrawal.

On Wednesday, a Lebanese citizen was injured by Israeli army gunfire, while a drone targeted a prefabricated room in the yard of the town of Yaroun in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.

Israeli raids in West Bank

Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, especially in the northern parts of the territory.

A young Palestinian man was killed early Wednesday by the Israeli army which raided the Old City area of Nablus city in the northern occupied West.

Tension has been running high across the occupied West Bank, where over 940 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 others injured in attacks by the Israeli army and illegal settlers since the start of the Gaza onslaught on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Reactions to far-right Israeli minister's storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

More reactions to far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's raid, along with illegal settlers, into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in the occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday.

Türkiye, Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar condemned the move, describing it as "a deliberate provocation" and a violation of the Al-Aqsa Mosque's historical and legal status quo.

US aggression on Yemen, Houthis' strikes against Israel

Developments in US aggression against Yemen, as well as Houthi military operations against Israel.

The Yemeni rebel Houthi group on early Wednesday said it had targeted the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier and its escorting warships in the northern Red Sea.

At least 50,000 people were left without water in western Yemen on Wednesday after a US airstrike hit a drinking water tank in the coastal Al-Hudaydah province, the Houthi group said.

According to Houthi-run Health Ministry, at least 61 civilians were killed and 139 others injured in US airstrikes across Yemen since March 15.

Outrage in Israel

Public anger against Netanyahu’s government continues, with protests demanding the return of Israeli captives through a cease-fire in Gaza to enable negotiations with Hamas.

Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan

The security and humanitarian situation in the northern African country of Sudan as the army recaptures more areas in the capital Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

At least 12 Sudanese civilians were killed in attacks by the RSF in South Kordofan State, an activist group said on Wednesday.

NATO foreign ministers meet in Brussels

Foreign ministers from NATO countries are gathering at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels on Thursday and Friday for discussions on defense spending and support for Ukraine. Led by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, the discussions will center on raising defense spending targets above the current 2% GDP benchmark, following US President Donald Trump's call for higher commitments. Prior to the meeting, Rutte and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to deliver remarks to the press.

EU defense ministers meet in Warsaw

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will hold a press conference after the conclusion of the EU defense ministers' meeting in Warsaw. The ministers have convened for an informal two-day meeting to discuss Europe's rearmament efforts and plans to strengthen its defense industry in response to current security challenges. Their agenda focuses on continued support for Ukraine and the EU's potential role in securing peace. The ministers are also addressing the broader geopolitical situation and conflicts in the Middle East.

Danish premier visits Greenland

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is on a three-day visit to Greenland to meet with new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Cabinet members. The visit comes amid US-Danish tensions following President Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland for security purposes. Greenland -- the world's largest island -- has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark since the 18th century and gained home rule in 1979. Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, the island possesses strategic importance and rich mineral deposits.

Germany’s Scholz meets Jordan’s King Abdullah

Germany’s acting Chancellor Olaf Scholz will host Jordan's King Abdullah at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin. The leaders will discuss German-Jordanian relations, as well as regional and international issues. A press conference at the chancellery will follow their meeting.

UN Palestinian Rights Committee to hold its 422nd meeting

Speakers include the Permanent Observer of the Observer State of Palestine, and Basel Adra, co-director of the documentary “No Other Land” who was recently beaten by Israeli settlers and arrested by the military.

UN chief's address

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to address the media on the situation in Myanmar after junta-ruled southeast Asian nation was struck by major magnitude 7.7 quake, killing over 3,000 people.

UN Security Council's debate on Palestine

UN Security Council to hold open debate on the situation in Palestine as Israel escalates its war on the besieged Gaza Strip.

US Sen. Bernie Sanders to force votes of resolutions to block nearly $9 billion in new military assistance for Israel sought by the Trump administration. Vote will mark the Independent senator’s second attempt at halting arms for Israel.

Uzbekistan to host inaugural Central Asia-EU Summit

Uzbekistan to host the inaugural Central Asia-EU Summit in the city of Samarkand. The summit, which will last until April 4, will be attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, the EU will be represented by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to the European Council, the summit will affirm the EU's commitment to scaling up cooperation in areas of mutual interests, which include transport and digital connectivity in the region and with the EU, critical raw materials, economic and security cooperation, and energy transition.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy. She will also hold a Q&A session.

Rwanda to host inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa

The first-ever Global AI Summit on Africa to kick off in the Rwandan capital Kigali. The two-day event, held in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, is expected to gather over 1,000 attendees from more than 95 countries, representing a major milestone for the continent.

African health body to hold its weekly press briefing on ongoing outbreaks across Africa

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to hold its weekly press briefing on ongoing outbreaks. Updates from the Africa CDC will cover the mpox outbreak in various countries, cholera outbreaks in Southern Africa, and the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.

Trump’s in-law, newly appointed senior advisor for Africa, to visit Great Lakes region

Senior Advisor Massad Boulos to visit Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda amid talks of a mineral deal between the US and Congo. Boulos, who is Trump’s daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law, has been appointed as senior advisor for Africa, a role he will hold alongside his position as senior advisor to the president on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs.

South Korea beefs up security ahead of verdict in impeachment case against suspended president

South Korea is beefing up security measures ahead of the verdict in impeachment case against suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The country's Constitutional Court is set to issue final verdict on Friday. Many groups have held protests and demonstrations in favor, and against, Yoon’s impeachment. The acting President Han Duck-soo has asked for people to remain calm on the court’s verdict.

Bangkok hosts summit of regional top diplomats

Top diplomats of Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation hold summit in Thailand. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are the seven members of the initiative. The ministers discuss regional relations and cooperation.

Australia likely to file case against US at WTO over tariffs

Australia is likely to drag the US to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the latest tariffs from the Trump administration. Canberra anticipates that all products imported to the US will face tariffs of up to 20%.

Thai premier hosts Indian counterpart Modi

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hosts Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for talks to review bilateral cooperation and chart the way for future partnership between the two countries.

Taiwan likely to react to massive Chinese military drills

Taipei is likely to react to massive 2-day military drills held by China around Taiwan. Beijing has warned the administration of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te over alleged separatist activities and collision with foreign forces.

Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on recent developments on the global and regional dimensions.

Ceasefire takes effect amid devastation caused by earthquakes in Myanmar

Ceasefire takes effect as junta regime battles to overcome challenges mounted by two devastating earthquakes. The junta has declared 3-week ceasefire against rebels. Myanmar is mired into internal conflicts and the situation exacerbated due to earthquakes which have killed over 3,000 people since last Friday.

Türkiye to attend NATO meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's consumer inflation

Turkish Statistical Institute will release consumer inflation figures for March. Consumer prices increased 39.05% yearly and 2.27% monthly in February. The markets expect the monthly inflation to come in at 3% in March.

Türkiye's producer inflation

TurkStat to share producer inflation figures for March. It increased by 2.12% in February.

Eurozone producer inflation

Eurostat to share producer price index for February. Monthly producer inflation was at 0.8% in January. Market expectation is a 0.3% increase for February.

US initial jobless claims

US to share initial jobless claims figures for the last week. The figure decreased by 1,000 to 224,000 in the previous week. Market expectation for the figure is to come in at 227,000 for the last week.

OECD inflation

The Paris-based economic organization will share inflation figures for its member states.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Myanmar quake: Aid groups fear deadly ‘domino effect’ as monsoon looms

Report on the ongoing earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar, focusing on growing concerns over the approaching monsoon season and its potential to exacerbate the already dire situation.

The story highlights warnings from various aid organizations, including the Red Cross and Plan International, about a “domino effect” where the lack of shelter, sanitation, and healthcare could lead to widespread health crises. It details the challenges in relief and rescue operations, as well as the critical needs for humanitarian aid supplies.

The report features insights from Tommaso Della Longa, spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Unni Krishnan, global humanitarian director of Plan International.

Northvolt bankruptcy: Blow to Europe’s EV ambitions?

Report on the bankruptcy of Northvolt, a Swedish battery maker that was once seen as the European electric vehicle sector’s best chance at reducing its dependence on Asian companies.

The story delves into the reasons for Northvolt’s decision to liquidate its assets in Sweden and the US and what this will mean for European efforts to build a robust supply chain for EV batteries.

It includes insights from e-mobility expert Julia Poliscanova, battery analyst Shivangee Chauhan, and researcher Vasileios Rizos, along with comments from European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with IFRC spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa and Unni Krishnan, global humanitarian director of Plan International, about the challenges in ongoing earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar.

VIDEO - Interviews with e-mobility expert Julia Poliscanova, analyst Shivangee Chauhan, and researcher Vasileios Rizos about the bankruptcy of Swedish battery maker Northvolt and its implications for the European electric vehicle battery industry.​​​​​​​