Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, May 26, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Israeli continues obstructing aid into Gaza amid deepening humanitarian catastrophe

Israel continues obstructing aid into the war-torn enclave, severely restricting the flow of essential supplies like food, water, medicine, and fuel since early March. Over 300 deaths have been linked to starvation and lack of medical care amid warnings of mass famine.

Israel proposed to control aid distribution through US-contracted companies. Israeli media outlets claimed the delivery operation will likely commence on Monday or Tuesday.

More calls are expected for international humanitarian intervention and accountability over the reported use of starvation as a weapon. Aid agencies may escalate pressure on Israel and international actors to open crossings immediately and allow full-scale humanitarian access.

Political turmoil over Netanyahu’s naming of a new Shin Bet chief

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision replacing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar with Maj. Gen. David Zini faces rising opposition backlash.

Statements and actions from opposition leaders rejecting the appointment and demonstrations against Zini’s appointment to be monitored.

Egyptian-US Investment Forum in Cairo

The Egyptian-US Economic Investment Forum concludes in Cairo which started on May 25, with participation from over 50 US companies.

The forum highlights Cairo’s efforts to develop several key sectors, including energy, information technology, industry, and healthcare. It also spotlights reforms in the financial, banking, transportation, and logistics sectors, according to Egyptian media outlets.

Announcements of new investment deals, joint ventures, or policy changes stemming from the forum will be monitored.

Memorial Day in US

President Trump to deliver remarks at wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery as US marks Memorial Day.

Romanian president-elect Nicusor Dan to be sworn in

Nicusor Dan, the liberal pro-EU victor in the May 18 presidential runoff in Romania, is due to be sworn in as president today after his victory was confirmed by the country's Constitutional Court on Thursday.

WHO briefing in Geneva

WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy, along with EMRO regional emergency director and program management, will hold a press briefing in Geneva.

King Charles, Queen Camilla to visit Canada

King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Canada, with King Charles due to deliver Speech from the Throne on May 27. The visit comes a short time after US President Donald Trump’s remarks that Canada should be annexed to the USA as a new state. The king is also head of state in 14 other Commonwealth Realms – independent states which are constitutional monarchies, including Canada.

German Chancellor Merz to speak at WDR European Forum

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will participate in the 27th International WDR European Forum in Berlin. The annual gathering of European politicians and decision-makers will focus on the theme "What now? Europe and the attack on democracy." According to Merz's press office, the chancellor will discuss Germany's responses to European challenges and the future of transatlantic relations in light of current global crises and conflicts.

Friedrich Merz visits Finland

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Finland. On Monday evening, in Turku, he attends a Nordic Summit dinner. On Tuesday, Merz holds talks with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo followed by a joint press conference before meeting President Alexander Stubb at his summer residence.

Finland premier hosts informal summer meeting

Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo hosts gathering of counterparts from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as representatives from Greenland (Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen), the Faroe Islands, and Aland. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joins for dinner in the evening.

Emmanuel Macron's 3-nation Asia visit

French President Emmanuel Macron continues a three-nation visit to Asia (May 25-30). He arrived in Vietnam on Sunday.

Secretary of Russian Security Council to meet with Chinese official

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoygu to meet with Chen Wenqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, secretary of the Political and Legal Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and supervisor of Chinese intelligence services. The meeting is expected to mainly address bilateral issues, as well as regional and global matters.

Putin to hold meeting with Russia's business leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a meeting with Russia's business leaders amid the country's Entrepreneurship Day. According to the Kremlin, the meeting will include executives of the country's enterprises and companies, which ensure its technological sovereignty, create effective substitutes for the brands that have left Russia, create new jobs throughout the country, and tap into external markets.

Türkiye-Russia diplomatic engagement

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Moscow.

46th ASEAN summit opens in Malaysia

The 46th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opens in Malaysia. During the two-day summit, bloc’s 10 member states are expected to discuss various regional and global issues, such as the US "reciprocal" tariffs, Myanmar conflict and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

Election campaign continues in South Korea

Election campaign for June 3 snap presidential polls continues in South Korea. Economy, artificial intelligence, relations with North Korea as well as trade ties with US are among issues that have taken center stage in the campaigning.

Philippines, UK, US, South Korea launch joint drill

The Philippines, the US, South Korea and the UK launch joint military drill Exercise KAMANDAG 9 across the Philippines. The drill is set to run until June 6. The exercise will include events such as maritime key terrain security operations, defensive counter-landing live-fire drills, littoral maneuver, amphibious operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training, as well as expert exchanges on unmanned aerial reconnaissance, marksmanship, air defense, medical readiness, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training, among others.

IAEA visits Japan to review Fukushima nuclear discharge into sea

International Atomic Energy Agency officials and international experts visit Japan to review the discharge of treated water from crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the sea.

South Korean judges discuss opposition presidential candidate’s law violation case

South Korean judges hold nationwide extraordinary meeting to discuss the controversy surrounding trial of leading presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung over alleged election law violation. Seoul High Court postponed the first hearing of Lee's retrial on election law violation charges until after the June 3 presidential election. The Supreme Court is accused of uneven hurry in his case.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Germany’s economy to grow in 2026 if new government policies succeed: Experts

Report on Germany’s economic outlook as leading economists predict continued stagnation through 2025, with a potential rebound in 2026 if the new Merz government’s infrastructure and defense investment plans are effectively implemented.

The story outlines the ongoing challenges facing Europe’s largest economy, including a struggling automotive sector, high energy costs, and lagging innovation. Analysts explain why the new coalition’s success depends on targeted and long-term spending, not short-term consumption, while also emphasizing the urgency of reducing energy costs, boosting green energy infrastructure, and diversifying trade ties.

The report includes comments from Monika Schnitzer, chair of the German Council of Economic Experts; Achim Truger, professor of socioeconomics at the University of Duisburg-Essen; and Martin Werding, professor of public finance at Ruhr University Bochum.

Voices of resistance: Women journalists challenge media silence, redefine narrative on Palestine

Interviews with Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad and Egyptian journalist Rahma Zein focusing on their efforts to raise global awareness about Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza and decades of oppression of Palestinians.

Alaqad, 23, who was named one of BBC’s 100 Women of 2024, says her mission is to ensure Palestinians are not “both killed and silenced,” especially as local journalists are targeted and foreign reporters barred from entry.

Zein, known for confronting Western media over its repeated failure to identify Israel as the perpetrator, stresses the need for ethical journalism and urges people to take action amid global silence in the face of mass suffering.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interviews with German experts Monika Schnitzer, Achim Truger, and Martin Werding about the country’s current economic outlook and future prospects under the new government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

VIDEO – Interviews with Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad and Egyptian journalist Rahma Zein on their work challenging global silence and skewed media narratives on Israel’s Gaza assault and oppression of Palestinians.