Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, April 9, 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.

The Israeli army launched fresh airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing at least 18 more Palestinians, medics said.

A Palestinian journalist died Tuesday of severe burns he sustained in an Israeli strike on a tent for journalists in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis a day earlier, local media said.

The overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 has surged to over 50,800, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

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.

On Tuesday, an elderly Palestinian man died after Israeli soldiers assaulted him in the occupied West Bank, local media said.

Israel decided to shut down a school run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem, Palestinian authorities said on Tuesday.

The Israeli army rounded up at least 35 more Palestinians in fresh military raids in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to prisoners’ affairs groups.

Tensions have been running high across the occupied West Bank, where at least 945 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, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

Developments related to Yemen's Houthis

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

On Tuesday, the Houthi group said US warplanes launched another 22 airstrikes across war-torn Yemen.

Latest in Syria

The latest developments in Syria, including its efforts to maintain control of all the Syrian territory, as well as Israel's repeated attacks on Syrian territory after the fall of the Assad regime.

On Tuesday, Syria began restructuring its embassies and diplomatic missions abroad, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said.

In a new violation of Syrian sovereignty, Israeli army spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, conducted a tour inside the occupied Syrian territories. He posted photos from the tour on his X account, one of which shows a sign for the city of Quneitra in southwestern Syria in the background.

Israel's violations in southern Lebanon

Developments in Lebanon after incomplete Israeli army withdrawal.

Two people were injured on Tuesday in an Israeli attack targeting residents of the town of Meiss El Jabal in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned Tuesday that Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement threaten stability in southern Lebanon.

Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on Nov. 27, Israel has committed nearly 1,400 violations, resulting in over 120 deaths and more than 360 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official data.

⁠Israeli premier testifying in ongoing corruption trial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to testify on Wednesday before the court in his corruption trial.

The Jerusalem District Court agreed to cancel Monday’s scheduled hearing for Netanyahu’s testimony in his criminal trial due to his trip to the US but refused to cancel Wednesday’s hearing.

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 from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

More than 100 people, including women and children, were killed in attacks by the RSF in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, Sudanese medics said on Tuesday.

Egypt to host 2nd ministerial meeting of Khartoum Process

Cairo is hosting on Wednesday an international ministerial meeting chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, with the participation of ministers responsible for migration from the member states of the “Khartoum Process.”

The process focuses on coordination and consultation regarding migration-related issues from East Africa to European countries.

It was established in 2014 and includes 40 countries from the EU, as well as Switzerland, Norway, countries of the Horn of Africa and East Africa, the European and African Union Commissions, and international organizations. It aims to address the challenges of irregular migration.

Saudi foreign minister’s visit to US

Updates related to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan visit to the United States.

Bin Farhan arrived in the US on Tuesday for an official visit of unspecified duration.

The visit aims to plan for the anticipated visit of US President Donald Trump to the Saudi Kingdom this spring, according to media reports.

US Energy Secretary Middle East tour

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is expected Wednesday to embark on a Middle East tour lasting around two weeks, which will include visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE amid anticipated US-Iranian talks and a decline in global oil prices.

While no official US statement has been issued regarding the details or the first country on the itinerary, media reports suggest the tour may lay the groundwork for President Trump’s expected visit to the region.

Trump's tariffs

Increased reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Trump last week take effect on several major US trading partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and South Africa. The trading partners will face significantly higher export duties above Trump’s 10% baseline tariff.

US president's executive orders

US President Donald Trump to sign unspecified executive orders. The event is currently listed as closed press, but could change.

US Sen. Bernie Sanders to hold town hall

Independent US Sen. Bernie Sanders to hold town hall in Washington, D.C. moderated by CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Sanders has been holding public events across the country in a bid to rally opposition to President Donald Trump’s agenda.

US secretary of state's meeting with Saudi counterpart

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the Department of State. Meeting comes as the Trump administration continues to develop relations with Riyadh, and seeks to forge a normalization pact between the Kingdom and Israel.

German coalition talks

The Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD) are expected to conclude their coalition talks and announce their draft agreement this week. CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei announced Tuesday that the talks had entered their "final stretch," with parties making significant progress on key policy issues. The draft coalition deal will require approval from relevant party bodies and delegates once complete. While the SPD will hold a membership-wide vote, the Christian Democrats will make their decision through a small party conference. If approved, the German parliament could elect conservative leader Friedrich Merz as the new chancellor on May 7.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal in Brussels

European Council President Antonio Costa to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal in Brussels to discuss the EU's economic and military support for Ukraine, and Kyiv's bid to become an EU member.

EU-Ukraine Association Council

The tenth EU-Ukraine Association Council meeting will convene in Brussels. During the high-level gathering, officials will discuss the EU's economic and military support for Ukraine, along with recent developments in diplomatic negotiations for a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will chair the meeting, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas leading the European delegation.

Polish President Duda visits Estonia

On the third and final day of his state visit to Estonia, Polish President Andrzej Duda will visit the Estonian Cyber Security Exercises and Training Centre to receive an overview of Estonian and NATO cyber defense cooperation.

Palestinian solidarity event in Belfast

Sinn Fein is hosting a Palestine solidarity event what the party describes as Israel's ongoing "barbaric actions" against Palestinians and violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot will deliver the keynote address.

WHO briefing in Geneva

The World Health Organization to hold a press briefing on global health issues which will be chaired by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Turkish president to attend parliamentary group meeting of his party

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend his Justice and Development (AK) Party's parliamentary group meeting at the Turkish Parliament.

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.

Reaction to Ukrainian president's claims of capturing 2 Chinese soldiers

Reactions from Russian and Chinese authorities as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Kyiv arrested two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces in its eastern Donetsk region. The claim marks the second of its kind by Ukraine with regards to alleged external involvement in the conflict with Moscow, as Kyiv claimed capturing two injured North Коrean soldiers in Russia's Kursk region back in January, where Kyiv launched an incursion in August 2024.

Spanish premier pays visit to Vietnam

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pays 2-day official visit to Vietnam. Accompanied by foreign and trade ministers, Sanchez will hold talks with Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi to discuss trade and bilateral relations.

Pyongyang expected to react to claims made by South over soldiers crossing border

Pyongyang is expected to react to South Korea firing “warning shots” after Seoul claimed the North Korean soldiers allegedly crossed the border.

S.Korean main opposition leader likely to step down to announce presidential candidacy

Lee Jae-myung, leader of main opposition Democratic Party, is likely to step down from his party position to become eligible for snap presidential elections in South Korea. The presidential polls are due to be held on June 3 after the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed bid to impose martial law. Lee is a popular potential candidate according to pre-election surveys.

Japanese government holds press briefing

Japanese government holds news briefing in Tokyo. The government spokesman is expected to deliver remarks on recent global and regional developments, such as the “reciprocal” tariffs announced by the US.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Activists facing deportation decry Germany’s ‘desperate attempt’ to quash pro-Palestine support

Interviews with two of the four pro-Palestine activists facing deportation from Germany – Irish and American nationals Roberta Murray and Cooper Longbottom.

Murray and Longbottom describe the deportations as a “litmus test” for future repression, accusing German authorities of weaponizing migration law and police violence to intimidate activists. They warn that these actions set a dangerous precedent, particularly for individuals with weaker immigration status.

They also highlight the pattern of escalating crackdowns on pro-Palestinian voices in Germany, but both activists say they remain defiant and committed to their cause, framing their case as part of a wider global struggle for Palestinian rights.

‘Not above the law’: Lawyers push for British nationals to pay for Gaza war crimes

Interviews with the team of UK legal experts that has submitted a 240-page dossier to the Metropolitan Police, accusing 10 British nationals of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Renowned human rights barrister Michael Mansfield emphasizes that the rule of law must apply to all individuals equally, including those linked to government actions abroad. Barrister Franck Magennis, a member of the legal team, points out that the UK already possesses the legal framework necessary to hold perpetrators accountable under domestic law.

The report also includes comments from Ayoub Khan of the UK Parliament’s Independent Alliance, who said the effort fills a void left by the state, calling for strict legal action to pressure UK authorities to uphold international law and pursue prosecutions.

Tesla Takedown: Anti-Musk protests turn global to confront Trump’s ‘fascist regime’

Report on the growing international Tesla Takedown movement, a decentralized grassroots campaign using financial pressure and brand damage to target Elon Musk, whom organizers frame as a symbol of billionaire overreach and a proxy for the Trump administration.

The story explains how the movement is mobilizing protests, boycott calls, and divestment strategies for a bigger objective than just Musk, aiming their efforts at the entire “fascist” Trump government.

The report features interviews with organizers in the US and UK, who lay out the campaign’s major concerns and grievances, and share insights into their possible strategies going forward, underscoring their commitment to nonviolence and long-term political change.

Trump tariffs wreak havoc on US stocks: How long will it last?

Report on the downturn in US stock markets following President Donald Trump’s new round of reciprocal tariffs.

The story gives an overview of the massive losses caused by Trump’s actions and has insights from economists Eugene White, Aris Protopapadakis, and Willem Thorbecke, who explain how the tariffs have undermined investor confidence and increased the risk of a recession.

The experts also challenge Trump’s optimistic rhetoric about a stock “boom,” comparing the current situation to past economic crises, and warn that without political course correction, the fallout could have long-term global implications for growth, stability, and American economic leadership.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with two of the four pro-Palestine activists facing deportation from Germany – Irish and American nationals Roberta Murray and Cooper Longbottom.

VIDEO - Interviews with the team of UK legal experts seeking action against 10 British nationals accused of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, including the team lead Michael Mansfield.

VIDEO - Report on the Tesla Takedown movement featuring interviews with organizers in the US and UK about the campaign’s concerns and objectives.