Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, May 18, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

New round of Gaza ceasefire talks begins in Doha

A new round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations started on Saturday in the Qatari capital Doha.

Israel insists on the US envoy Steve Witkoff plan, formulated two and a half months ago, which requires Hamas to release 10 living hostages and half of the deceased hostages as a precondition for negotiations and a 45-day ceasefire, without any commitment to ending the war — terms Hamas rejects.

Statements and updates are expected from Israeli, Qatari officials, US and Egyptian mediators along with potential announcements from Hamas.

Growing famine risk in Gaza amid intensifying Israeli aid blockade and fears of expanding offensive

The threat of famine in the Gaza Strip is rapidly increasing as Israel continues to block the entry of humanitarian aid, pushing the enclave closer to a complete humanitarian collapse amid fears that Israel may further expand its military offensive in the besieged territory.

Rates of malnutrition, especially among children, are climbing steeply. Meanwhile, Gaza’s deteriorating sanitation system is increasing the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, particularly among displaced families and children, as clean water supplies become critically scarce.

Romania presidential election

The second round takes place in the re-run of Romania's presidential election following the first round on May 4. Far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians leader George Simion faces centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan.

Poland presidential election

Voters elect a president for a five-year term. Last elections were held in 2020, and saw incumbent Andrzej Duda being re-elected with 51% of the vote in the third round, just ahead of Rafal Trzaskowski. Duda is not eligible to run for a third term.

Early parliamentary elections in Portugal

Voters head to the polls to choose 230 members of the Assembly of the Republic to serve four-year terms. Last elections were held on March 10, 2024, and saw Luis Montenegro's PSD win 80 seats, just ahead of Pedro Santos' PS on 78 seats. Montenegro lost a confidence vote this March linked to Spinumviva, the company he founded before entering politics.

⁠Reactions to Türkiye-Russia-Ukraine trilateral meeting in Istanbul

Reactions will be followed from Moscow, Kyiv, and Western capitals following the conclusion of a trilateral meeting led by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace, where delegations from Russia and Ukraine discussed potential steps toward peace and agreed to conduct the largest prisoner swap since the start of the war.

The nearly two-hour talks involved high-level political, defense, and intelligence officials from all three countries. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that each side agreed to release 1,000 prisoners, while ceasefire prospects were also discussed. Ankara reiterated its role as a mediator, calling for progress “on the path to peace.”

Pakistan-India ceasefire after Kashmir attack

Following developments as India and Pakistan continue the ceasefire, which was extended until Sunday, after the latest escalation following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir.

Chinese Vice Premier pays visit to Switzerland

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong visits Switzerland to attend the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. China has blocked Taiwan from participating in the WHA this year as well. Taiwan was allowed to attend the WHO's top annual meetings between 2009 and 2016 as an observer, but not since 2017. Liu is expected to meet Swiss officials during his visit.

Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council meeting

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Saudi Arabia for the second meeting of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council.