Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, April 11, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

⁠Reactions to Israeli massacre of humanitarian workers in Gaza

Mounting reactions inside Israel and internationally to last month’s killing of 15 aid workers in an Israeli airstrike on Rafah, southern Gaza last March.

On Thursday, hundreds of Israeli medical workers signed a petition demanding accountability for the incident, calling on the government to investigate and take responsibility.

The move marks a rare but significant stand from within the medical community in Israel, highlighting growing unease over the conduct of military offensives and their humanitarian consequences.

Further statements from professional associations or political figures may be expected, and possibly a wider public discussion of the role of ethical responsibility in times of war.

Ahmed Manasra’s release sparks outrage over Israel’s detention of Palestinian minors

Ahmed Manasra, a Palestinian who was arrested by Israeli forces at age 13, was released Thursday after spending nearly a decade in Israeli prisons.

He was accused of attempting to carry out a stabbing in the Pisgat Ze’ev settlement in 2015, during which his 15-year-old cousin was shot and killed by Israeli police.

His lawyer Khaled Zabarqa said Israeli authorities released him secretly in a remote area to prevent his family from receiving him. The case has sparked renewed outrage over Israel’s treatment of Palestinian minors.

More civilian casualties feared as RSF escalates attacks in Sudan’s El-Fasher

More civilian casualties expected to surface as reports emerge from El-Fasher, where Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled Abu Shouk displacement camp and the Neivasha market on Thursday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 25.

Emergency response groups condemned the attack, which targeted areas densely populated by displaced civilians.

RSF also claimed control of the nearby town of Umm Kadada after launching an assault marked by reported violations. As battles intensify in North Darfur’s humanitarian hub, international concern is likely to grow, with new reports and casualty figures expected.

Growing dissent within Israeli air force may heat up Gaza war debate

More backlash expected following publication of letter signed by dozens of Israeli Air Force reservists – including retired senior commanders – calling for an immediate end to the war on Gaza.

The letter accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict for personal and political gain, rather than serving Israel’s security interests.

Despite efforts by senior military officials, including Air Force Commander Tomer Bar and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, to prevent its release, the letter was published Thursday and widely covered by Israeli media.

According to preliminary military assessments, around 10% of the signatories are still active reservists, though several have reportedly withdrawn their names.

The Israeli Air Force has not ruled out the possibility that more active-duty reservists will join the dissent.

With tensions rising and internal fractures widening, Friday may see further statements, disciplinary actions, or resignations – bringing increased public and international scrutiny to civil-military relations in Israel amid the ongoing Gaza offensive.

Arab diplomats to tackle Gaza, peace, and humanitarian crises at Türkiye’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025

Sessions at three-day Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 expected to center Arab voices and urgent regional issues, particularly the war in Gaza and the broader Mideast peace process.

In the high-profile panel “Peace in the Middle East: Time for Two-State Solution,” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa will be joined by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, along with top UN officials including Philippe Lazzarini and Sigrid Kaag.

In another key session, “Reflections from Gaza Contact Group on the Future of Gaza/Palestine,” Arab foreign ministers from Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain will share the stage with Türkiye and Indonesia.

This panel is expected to deliver coordinated regional positions on Gaza’s post-war governance and reconstruction, amid rising international scrutiny.

Sudan will also be represented, with Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Ahmed Al Sharif taking part in the “Humanitarian Response to Complex Crises” panel, drawing attention to the escalating conflict in El-Fasher and the broader crisis across Sudan.

Additionally, Yousef Al Doubaey of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take part in discussions on how to strengthen OIC’s role in conflict resolution and humanitarian coordination.

Panels at the forum promise to offer insight into the convergence of Arab diplomacy, multilateral response, and longstanding regional conflicts, with the Gaza crisis likely to dominate the agenda.

⁠Expected Arab and international reactions to Israeli court ruling on Gaza power cut

Reactions expected following Israeli Supreme Court decision to reject a petition submitted by families of Israeli captives demanding the restoration of electricity to Gaza.

The ruling upholds the government’s March 9 decision to halt all power supply to the besieged enclave.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the court’s stance, sparking outrage among humanitarian and rights advocates.

Arab states, international organizations, and UN agencies are likely to issue statements condemning the move as collective punishment, especially amid ongoing warnings about Gaza’s collapsing health and infrastructure systems.

Following all topics through translation from Arabic wire, official accounts, and relevant websites in addition to giving breakings on related possible important developments.

NATO to discuss military support for Ukraine

UK and Germany to convene Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at NATO headquarters. The primary focus will be discussing additional military aid to Kyiv and evaluating the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms.

Since US President Donald Trump took office, the group – previously led by the US – has been co-chaired by Berlin and London.

EU defense commissioner to deliver remarks

European Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius to deliver remarks on security issues at Brussels conference organized by the New Economy Forum.

He is expected to discuss initiatives for strengthening the EU's collective defense capabilities and address ways to increase military support for Ukraine.

UN briefing in Geneva

UN Information Service to hold bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva. Statements and updates expected on various international issues from key UN bodies and agencies.

Reactions to contacts of Russian, Ukrainian foreign ministers at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Reactions from Moscow and Kyiv as foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine set to take part in three-day Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2025) in Turkish resort city. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov set to speak at the forum and hold bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts.

Ukrainian foreign minister also expected to hold bilateral talks on sidelines of the forum. Other Eurasian officials, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, are also expected to take part in the forum.

Commonwealth of Independent States foreign ministers to convene in Kazakhstan

Foreign ministers of member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to convene in Kazakh city of Almaty. Meeting will focus on current international and regional issues, as well as key areas of integration and cooperation within CIS framework for the year.

Russia to be represented at the event by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who arrived on Wednesday.

South Korea’s ousted president likely to leave presidential residence

Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol likely to vacate presidential residence. Yoon was ousted, two years short of his full term, over his failed bid to impose martial law. Prospective candidates for snap presidential polls also expected to release election manifestos.

Italian foreign minister paying visit to India

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani paying two-day official visit to India where he is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu as well as Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. The two sides are expected to discuss trade relations and review bilateral ties.

Australian political parties fire up election campaign

Political campaign for May 3 general elections in Australia has heated up with rival parties expected to announce platforms to woo voters. Incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing opposition leader Peter Dutton for the top slot. Campaigning comes amid trade war started by the US, close ally of Canberra, triggering cautious approach by political rivals.

Government news conference in Tokyo

Japanese government holds news conference. 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 briefing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. Ministry is expected to deliver statements on US tariffs along with other global or regional issues.

Myanmar in aftermath of massive earthquake

Myanmar faces uphill task in wake of devastating earthquakes. Steady rains have hindered temporary shelters while death toll continues to rise past 3,600.

Turkish trade indexes

Turkish Statistical Institute set to release retail trade and turnover indexes for February.

UK foreign trade

UK statistical authority ONS to release foreign trade figures for February, as well as monthly GDP and industrial production figures.

Germany’s inflation

Destatis to release inflation data for March. After it hit 2.2% year-on-year in February, markets expect no change for March.

US producer prices

US to release producer prices index for March. After it hit 3.2% in February, a slight increase is expected for March.

Tariff developments

Economy desk to follow ongoing tariff issue, with new steps and statements, especially after US postponed the tariffs for 90 days for all countries except China, which faces sky-high tariff rate of 125%. EU also postponed its tariffs against the US for 90 days. China may retaliate by raising its own tariff rate against the US.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Starmer undermining international law ‘to be close to America’: Ex-UK minister

Interview with Clare Short, former British minister of state for development, on her critique of Britain’s role in the Gaza genocide, drawing parallels to Iraq war and accusing current leaders of moral failure and blind alignment with US foreign policy.

Short, who resigned over the Iraq war in 2003, condemns Prime Minister Keir Starmer and wider British political establishment for ignoring international law and failing to oppose what she calls Israel’s campaign of “slaughter and starvation.”

She describes Britain as “worse than it used to be,” accusing it of abandoning any pretense of standing for justice or international norms, and praises global protest movements and urges people to “make a stand” and pressure lawmakers.

Gabon election: What’s at stake in first presidential poll since 2023 coup?

Report on Saturday’s presidential election in Gabon, the first since decades of rule by the Bongo family ended in a 2023 coup.

Story lays out details of key contenders, with Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema – leader of the 2023 coup – the frontrunner in race against seven other candidates, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze.

Report includes interview with Beverly Ochieng, senior associate at the Africa Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, with insights on the significance of the election for Gabon, as well as potential regional and global implications.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Clare Short, minister of state for development, about her critique of the UK’s role in the Gaza genocide and the Labour government’s failure to uphold international law due to blind alignment with US foreign policy.