Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, April 14, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Reactions to Israel’s destruction of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza

More Reactions and updates on the aftermath of the Israeli army destroying Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City and the impacts on Gaza’s healthcare system. The hospital is now inoperable.

Two missiles struck the reception department early Sunday, causing fires and severe damage to the emergency ward, laboratory, and pharmacy.

Statements from medical staff or aid organizations on the growing strain are expected to emerge on Monday.

Updates on whether alternative medical facilities can absorb patients, the status of victims from ongoing strikes, and any international response to the hospital’s destruction.

The Israeli army acknowledged that it carried out an airstrike on the hospital, claiming that Hamas was operating a “command and control center” within the facility.

Hamas condemned the strike, calling it “a new war crime” and accused Israel of “acting with impunity under American cover.” Egypt and Jordan decried the attacks as a violation of international law.

Growing calls in Israel to end war on Gaza amid mounting pressure on Netanyahu

A series of petitions have been gaining traction inside Israel since Thursday, calling for the return of hostages.

On Sunday, 200 doctors serving in various units of the Israeli army signed a petition urging the government to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza—even if it requires ending the genocide in the Palestinian enclave, according to Israeli media.

The signatories include Israeli military personnel, both active reservists and retired officers, among them high-profile former commanders. Their demands are fueling a broader national debate that could intensify in the coming days.

Observers expect these internal pressures to grow, especially as Israeli society becomes increasingly divided over the war’s objectives and its human and political costs.

Further statements from Israeli military circles, families of captives, and possibly US officials are expected in the coming days.

Egyptian president’s Gulf tour

An expected meeting between the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the former’s second day of his visit to Qatar, according to Egyptian media. He is also expected to embark on a visit to Kuwait today.

The meeting is expected to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors and discuss mediation efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire.

On Sunday, Sisi arrived in Qatar and was received by Sheikh Tamim Al Thani at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

Syrian president’s UAE visit

The second day of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Abu Dhabi.

On Sunday, he arrived, along with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, in the Gulf country for his first official trip since taking office in January and met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Monday is expected to see Sharaa’s meeting with Emirati officials to boost cooperation in several areas. Announcements for potential agreements or joint initiatives are also expected.

Indonesian president’s visit to Jordan

The second and last day of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Jordan and his expected meeting with Jordanian officials after he arrived in Amman on Sunday.

King Abdullah II received Subianto upon his arrival at Marka Airport in the capital, Amman, a Jordanian Royal Court statement said.

He is expected to meet with the king.

On Tuesday, the Indonesian president departed Jakarta for a regional tour that began in the UAE, followed by Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, and will conclude in Jordan.

During the tour, the Indonesian president discussed economic and regional issues, including the war in the Gaza Strip.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham’s Netherlands visit

A three-day state visit by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman to the Netherlands to bolster bilateral ties, according to the royal court.

He is expected to meet with King Willem-Alexander and other officials for discussions on Middle East developments and global issues.

Jordanian premier’s visit to US

The second and final day of an official, open-ended visit by Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan to the US, during which he will discuss with American officials ways to strengthen relations, particularly economic ones.

The visit is seen as one of the most significant in the history of modern Jordanian governments.

The visit aims to convince the US administration to exclude Jordan from the tariffs, which Jordan sees as having a negative impact on its national exports and local economy, according to Jordanian media.

Lebanese prime minister’s expected visit to Syria

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to visit Syria to meet President Ahmad al-Sharaa with aim to strengthen ties, according to a Lebanese source close to the premier.

Salam will be joined by Defense Minister Michel Menassah, Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji.

Key topics include tightening border controls, combating smuggling, securing official crossings, closing illegal ones, and preventing border clashes. Discussions are expected to cover facilitating the return of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

The talks will explore economic investment opportunities and the issue of Lebanese nationals missing since the Baath regime era.

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 the city and surrounding areas in North Darfur.

On Sunday, the El Fasher Resistance Coordination, a grassroots committee, reported that the Saturday’s RSF shelling has led to a rising death toll and catastrophic humanitarian conditions, especially in Zamzam camp, where medical services have completely collapsed.

The RSF began its latest offensive on El Fasher on May 10, despite international warnings over renewed violence in the city, which serves as a vital humanitarian hub for all five Darfur states.

EU foreign ministers to meet in Luxembourg

Foreign ministers of EU member states will meet in Luxembourg to discuss the Ukraine-Russia war, EU enlargement, the Western Balkans, and developments in Syria and the Middle East. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will chair the meeting.

1st EU-Palestine High-Level Dialogue

The inaugural EU-Palestine High-Level Political Dialogue will take place in Luxembourg. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa will co-chair the meeting. The agenda will focus on bilateral relations, the conflict in Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and potential paths to a two-state solution, according to an EU statement.

EU’s Costa meets Albanian prime minister

European Council President Antonio Costa will meet with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Brussels to discuss regional developments in the Western Balkans, Albania's EU membership process, and political and economic reforms.

Top Russian diplomat to participate in meeting of Group of Friends in Defense of UN Charter

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to join the third meeting of National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter in Moscow.

The meeting’s agenda will address issues such as the elimination of all forms and manifestations of colonialism. Specific attention will be paid to matters of concern to individual countries and regions. Participants will also discuss ways to enhance the group’s effectiveness and expand its geographic reach.

Reactions to EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg

Reactions particularly from Kyiv will be followed amid a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council scheduled to take place in Luxembourg. According to a statement by the 27-member bloc, the meeting, which will be chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, will address multiple issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

It added that an informal exchange of views with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha via videoconference will also take place.

Trump to host Salvadoran president

US President Donald Trump to host Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at White House. Meeting comes as the Trump administration continues to deport individuals it accuses of being violent gang members to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison.

Federal agencies face an end-of-day deadline to submit a plan for downsizing their operations following a Feb. 26 memo from the Trump administration. Plans have to include proposed relocations of some federal agencies outside of the Washington, D.C. area, and confirmation that reviews have been carried out of employees’ job descriptions and performance ratings.

African trade ministers to meet over US tariffs in DR Congo

African trade ministers are expected to convene in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, to discuss the impact of Trump’s new tariff policy, which imposes a minimum 10% tariff on all imports flowing into the US. The meeting will gather key experts and officials to explore how Africa can navigate rising global protectionism.

South Korea's ex-President Yoon faces criminal case

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol stands trial before a Seoul court to face trial on charges of leading an insurrection, 10 days after removal by the Constitutional Court over his short-lived martial law bid in December. If convicted, he could be jailed for life term or sentenced to death.

Government news conference in Tokyo

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

Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing

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

Xi pays first overseas trip to Vietnam

China’s President Xi Jinping pays two-day official visit to Vietnam, marking his first overseas trip this year. During his visit, Xi to meet Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam as well as President Luong Cuong. Two sides are expected to deepen bilateral ties and cooperation.

Situation remains volatile over changes to Waqf laws in India

Situation remains volatile in West Bengal state in India after three people were killed during protests against the changes made to the country’s Waqf laws. India has seen sporadic protests after changes brought to Waqf laws, which govern Muslim public properties donated for the welfare of the community, allowing non-Muslims to be part of decision-making bodies besides other changes.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s current account balance

Turkish Central Bank will release current account balance figures for February.

Tariffs-related developments

Developments after the US postponed tariffs for 90-days for all countries except China and increased its tariff rate to 125% in addition to a 20% levy and China retaliated with raising its tariffs on the US to 125%.

In the latest move, the US excluded electronics – such as phones, computers, and other similar devices – from its reciprocal tariffs applied to other countries, including China.

More exemptions or retaliations may come.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW - ‘No freedom of expression in Europe’: Varoufakis blasts crackdown on pro-Palestine activism

Interview with Yanis Varoufakis, a former Greek finance minister, about Europe’s increasingly aggressive treatment of pro-Palestine activists, following Germany’s move to ban his entry and deport foreign demonstrators.

Varoufakis, a vocal critic of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Western complicity, explains how Europe has lost even the right to speak about freedom of expression, likening the current silencing of Palestine solidarity voices to 1930s-era moral failures.

He emphasizes the need for legal measures to challenge state decisions such as deportations, as well as continued activism to “defend Palestinians from genocide.”

INTERVIEW - Critical times ahead for global humanitarian sector: Red Cross chief

Interview with Pierre Krahenbuhl, director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), about the global humanitarian situation.

Krahenbuhl speaks about the various spiraling crises around the world and their mounting humanitarian costs, while also identifying the major challenges for the aid and development sector, including shifting US policies under the second Trump administration.

The Red Cross official emphasizes the importance for global efforts to support humanitarian operations, calling for better burden-sharing and strategies to ensure support for the most vulnerable.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with ex-Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis about Europe’s increasingly aggressive crackdown on pro-Palestine activists, including Germany’s deporting of foreign demonstrators, and the implications for free speech on the continent.

VIDEO - Interview with Pierre Krahenbuhl, director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, about the global humanitarian situation and the challenges facing the aid sector.