Diary

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

Israel plans to turn Gaza’s Rafah into buffer zone

The ongoing Israeli operations in Rafah are expected to further isolate the city from the rest of the Gaza Strip, deepening the division within the enclave and exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

As the expansion of the buffer zone continues, more civilians are likely to be displaced, with approximately 200,000 Palestinians already affected. The Israeli army’s efforts to expand the Morag route will solidify military control and facilitate further operations, while also disrupting Gaza's vital agricultural hub, which the region heavily depends on for food production.

The Israeli army has stated that it will not allow Palestinians to return to Rafah and is considering the demolition of all buildings in the area, a move that could lead to widespread destruction and render large areas uninhabitable.

An infographic providing the informational map of the buffer zones in Gaza, including the newly established one that the Israeli army is working on in Rafah, will be published.

Water crisis, collapse of waste management in Gaza amid Israeli genocidal war

The persistent water crisis in Gaza is expected to worsen, with the destruction of vital infrastructure, including 64 out of 86 water wells. Without immediate access to essential equipment for repairs, such as solar panels and spare parts, the Gaza municipality's efforts to alleviate the crisis remain hindered.

Additionally, the continuing closure of crossings exacerbates the waste management crisis, with over 175,000 tons of waste piling up in the streets, raising the risk of disease outbreaks.

The situation is anticipated to escalate, potentially leading to a public health disaster.

Israeli Air Force pilots, who protest Gaza war, threatened with dismissal

Internal dissent within the Israeli military continues to grow, with 970 Israeli Air Force pilots being threatened with dismissal if they do not retract their signatures from a letter calling for a halt to the Gaza war, stating that it serves political rather than security interests.

Efforts are underway within the Israeli Air Force to prevent further escalation, with Commander Tomer Bar engaging in discussions with senior officers and former Air Force leaders.

The situation is expected to develop further, potentially affecting military readiness.

These tensions within the ranks may intensify, especially with court rulings and ongoing protests over government policies, particularly regarding the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and the attorney general, as well as military operations in Gaza.

ICJ to hear Sudan's lawsuit against UAE

The International Court of Justice in The Hague will begin hearing the lawsuit filed by Sudan against the UAE, accusing it of involvement in genocide against the "Masalit" ethnic group in Darfur, western Sudan, by supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

US attacks on Yemen to continue as Houthi military operations intensify

More US attacks on Yemen are likely to continue following the Houthi announcement of downing an American MQ-9 drone over Al-Jawf province, marking the third of its kind in 10 days and the 18th since Nov. 2023.

Additionally, the Houthis declared two military operations: the first targeted an Israeli military site in Tel Aviv, while the second targeted US warships in the Red Sea, including the Truman aircraft carrier.

In response, the US warned countries and companies against engaging with ports under Houthi control in Yemen or providing any support to them. The situation is set to escalate, with potential implications for international relations and further military confrontations.

Algerian foreign minister’s visit to Tunisia

The second and final day of the visit by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, at the invitation of his Tunisian counterpart Mohamed Ali Nafti, aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.

US energy secretary’s Middle East tour

The second day of a Middle East tour began with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in the UAE. The tour also includes visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

On Wednesday, the UAE announced that Wright would meet with a number of officials and leaders in both the government and private sectors to enhance cooperation and support economic growth.

More reactions expected over Israeli massacre against humanitarian workers in Gaza

More reactions are expected over Israel’s massacre of 15 humanitarian workers in the Gaza Strip, including Civil Defense personnel, while they were carrying out a rescue mission for Palestinians who issued a distress call after the Israeli siege on the city of Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

These Israeli actions have drawn widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.

Ukraine meeting at NATO headquarters

The UK and France will host a defense ministers' meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The coalition includes nations planning to provide security guarantees and contribute to a potential future reassurance force in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal in Brussels

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen 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.

UK National Health Service statistics

NHS England publishes seven monthly datasets covering its most important areas of care: A&E, referral to treatment times, cancer, diagnostics, ambulances, NHS111 and delayed transfers of care.

WHO briefing in Geneva

The World Health Organization to hold a press briefing on global health issues, which will be chaired by its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Developments in 2nd Russia-US consultations in Turkiye

Developments as Istanbul is scheduled to hold the second consultations between Russia and the US on normalizing their relations. The talks, which will take place at the Russian Consulate, will not include any discussion of political or security issues, including Ukraine, according to officials. Moscow will be represented at the meeting by Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev, while Washington will be represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary Sonata Coulter.

Meeting of defense ministers of ‘coalition of willing’

The UK and France to host a defense ministers' meeting of the "coalition of the willing" at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The coalition includes nations planning to provide security guarantees and contribute to a potential future reassurance force in Ukraine. Simultaneously, the Belgian capital will host the 10th EU-Ukraine Association Council meeting, during which 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.

Turkish, Indonesian presidents to meet in Ankara

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Following bilateral and delegation meetings, the two leaders to hold a joint press conference.

Pakistani prime minister to pay 2-day visit to Belarus

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to embark on a two-day official visit to Belarus, at the invitation of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation and investment opportunities, with particular attention to the development of Pakistan’s tractor industry and related sectors.

Spanish premier pays visit to China amid US’ global tariff fury

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pays an official visit to China. He is expected to meet with China’s President Xi Jinping. Both sides are expected to discuss US-initiated tariffs, trade relations and bilateral ties.

North Korea likely to react to NATO chief’s trip to Japan

Pyongyang is likely to react to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s visit to Japan. Tokyo and NATO agreed to step up defense industry cooperation amid security challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war and China's “growing assertiveness.”

South Korean parties likely to nominate presidential candidates

South Korean political parties are likely to announce their presidential candidacies. Main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, a deemed front-runner, announced his bid to run for the June 3 snap polls.

Government news conference in Tokyo

Japanese government holds news conference in Tokyo. The government spokesman is expected to deliver comments on US tariffs as well as other developments at regional and global levels.

Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold media briefing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on US’ tariffs, the Ukraine-Russia war as well as other global or regional issues.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to hold weekly news conference in the capital Islamabad. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on the deportation of Afghan refugees, US sanctions on Pakistani firms as well as the Israeli war on Gaza. It may also speak about the outcome of the minerals forum held in Islamabad, which was attended by foreign officials as well as international firms.

Trump to attend 3 events

US President Donald Trump to participate in three events currently listed as closed press on his daily schedule, including a meeting of his Cabinet, a swearing-in ceremony for his solicitor general and a bill signing. The White House may open any or all of these events to the press ad hoc.

UN Security Council meeting on Israel’s attacks on Syria

UN Security Council to convene emergency meeting on Israel's attacks on Syria, including its increasing occupation of Syrian territory following the ouster of deposed President Bashar Assad.

Rubio to meet Saudi foreign minister

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

China’s inflation figures

China will release inflation figures for March. It was at minus 0.7% in February but a 0.1% rate is expected for March.

Türkiye's industrial production

Turkish Statistical Institute will release industrial production figures for February. In January, the production expanded by 1.2%.

US inflation figures

The US will release inflation figures for March. It was at 2.8% in February on a yearly basis while the market expects 2.6% for March. The country will also release weekly jobless claims data.

Tariff issue

Developments after US raised tariffs on imports of goods from China to 125%. On Wednesday, the EU approved to implementation of countermeasures against Trump’s tariffs.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Environmentalists demand ‘real transparency’ as Norway rocket crash threatens Arctic ecosystem

Report on criticism from Norwegian environmental groups following the crash of a German-built rocket off the coast of Andoya, with activists warning of pollution risks and a troubling lack of regulation around commercial space launches in ecologically sensitive Arctic waters.

The story includes comments from Ruben Oddekalv, head of the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature (NMF), who accuses the rocket developer, Isar Aerospace, of downplaying the March 30 crash and withholding key information. He and other experts, including Chatham House’s Patrick Schroder, stress that debris, fuel residues, and jet emissions pose serious threats to marine life and air quality.

Both call for long-term monitoring and the implementation of marine spatial planning, while Schroder also urges stronger international laws to regulate private space activity. They warn that ongoing launches without safeguards could cause irreversible harm to one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems.

Canada election: Referendum on who can best stand up to Trump?

Report exploring the outsized impact of President Donald Trump on Canada’s April 28 election, with Liberal leader Mark Carney gaining momentum by positioning himself as the most capable candidate to handle tense Canada-US relations.

The story features insights from political scientist Elizabeth Goodyear-Grant, who credits the Liberals’ turnaround to Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Carney’s economic credentials, and the electorate’s desire for stability amid a Trump-fueled trade war.

Goodyear-Grant explains how opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has lost focus by failing to adapt his strategy post-Trudeau, and delves into the possible scenarios that could play out over the coming weeks.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Ruben Oddekalv, head of the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature, about the recent crash of a German-built rocket off the coast of Andoya and the potential harm to ecologically sensitive Arctic waters.