Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, July 21, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza’s unprecedented humanitarian crisis amid Israeli blockade

The unprecedented humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip amid striking famine, as many people are at immediate risk due to acute food shortages, widespread malnutrition, and a collapsed health system due to Israel’s ongoing blockade of the enclave. The Israeli army also continues targeting aid seekers near distribution centers.

Gaza ceasefire talks

The developments of the indirect negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap agreement in the Qatari capital Doha, after an Israeli political source familiar with talks told Israeli media that Tel Aviv is, for the first time, conducting talks with Hamas on the possibility of ending the war, unlike previous deals which dealt with the release of the hostages.

⁠Security, humanitarian situation in Syria’s Suwayda amid ceasefire

The security and humanitarian situation in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda following a fragile ceasefire announced by the Syrian Presidency to halt the clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze groups, deploying security forces and sending aid convoys. However, the Druze militants denied the entry of the aid and demanded the withdrawal of all security and army forces from the vicinity of the city.

The Philippines' president visiting US

The Philippines’ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who arrived in Washington, DC on Sunday for a three-day official visit, is set to hold separate talks with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His visit focuses on defense and economic cooperation and talks with US President Trump are scheduled for Tuesday.

US hearing in Harvard lawsuit against Trump administration over federal funding freeze

A motion hearing will take place in the lawsuit filed by Harvard University against the Trump administration over its decision to freeze more than $2.2 billion in federal funding, arguing it violates the First Amendment. Harvard is expected to ask the judge for a summary judgment in hopes of moving the trial forward faster.

US House Rules Committee to discuss Stop Illegal Entry Act

The US House Rules Committee will meet to consider several bills, including the Stop Illegal Entry Act, which would amend federal law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for an illegal alien who has multiple convictions, or a conviction for an aggravated felony.

Ukraine Defense Contact Group's virtual meeting

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will attend a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, under the leadership of the UK and Germany. Military support to Ukraine in the face of the Russian summer offensive will be the meeting's main agenda.

Iranian nuclear talks

Developments and reactions from Europe following an announcement on Sunday by the Iranian sources that Tehran and the European trio of the UK, Germany, and France agreed to resume the nuclear talks.

Ukraine to hold meeting with its ambassadors

Kyiv to hold a special meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors. The meeting is expected to outline clear tasks set for Ukrainian diplomats and several reform steps within the Foreign Ministry, which will be presented by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. Regarding the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is preparing to significantly expand the capabilities of Ukrainian diplomacy.

French foreign minister to visit Ukraine

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to visit Ukraine at the invitation of his Ukrainian counterpart Sybiha. Barrot is scheduled to attend a special meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors on the same day, during which he will reaffirm France and Europe's support for Kyiv amid the ongoing armed conflict with Moscow, now in its fourth year. Potential talks expected between Barrot and Zelenskyy.

South Korea begins delivering cash handouts to stimulate consumption

South Korea rolls out cash handouts as part of President Lee Jae Myung administration’s $23.3-billion supplementary budget to stimulate domestic consumption. All South Korean citizens will receive a one-time payment of 150,000 won ($108). Lee has also wiped off debt of some 1.23 million small-business owners.

Japan braces for uncertain times as election results break ruling coalition majority

Developments as Japan’s ruling coalition is in disarray after weekend elections for 125 Upper House seats, as the ruling coalition of Liberal Democratic and Komeito parties loses majority. The coalition is running a minority government after losing general elections last year so making it difficult for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to implement his policies.

China’s Foreign Ministry news conference

The Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing.

Developments on Thai-Cambodia border

Developments on the Thai-Cambodia border as Bangkok claimed that its southern neighbor laid anti-personnel mines along disputed border, a claim denied by Phnom Penh. Tensions have been running high since May 28 when one Cambodian soldier was killed in cross-border fire.

THE ECONOMY

China's interest rate

The Central Bank of China to announce its interest rate decision. In the last meeting, the main lending rates were kept unchanged. Markets expect no change in the rates for this meeting.

Turkish central government debt stock

The Turkish Treasury to share central government debt figures for June. In May, the treasury's debt was $273.8 billion.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - Why Trump’s MAGA movement is increasingly divided over Israel

Report exploring how six months into President Donald Trump’s second term, deep divisions have emerged within his Make America Great Again, or MAGA, movement over continued US support for Israel, especially after American strikes on Iran.

The story dives into the mix of reasons that have sparked unrest within Trump’s MAGA base, including continued US foreign entanglements despite the administration’s “America First” ideals and allegations involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The report details Trump’s pro-Israel policies, backlash within conservative ranks from figures such as Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, growing public skepticism, and shifting Republican positions in Congress.

FACTBOX - Two decades of Western sanctions on Russia

Report detailing the evolution and tightening of Western sanctions on Russia since the late 1990s, with a focus on major developments following the 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea and the war with Ukraine going on since 2022.

The story outlines two major waves of sanctions, the first targeting Russian elites, banks, and tech sectors after 2014, and then escalating to full financial, trade, defense, and cultural restrictions post-2022. It explains the structure and scope of current measures, from SWIFT disconnections and oil price caps to media bans and sports boycotts.

The story also covers the EU’s latest sanctions package adopted last week, which adds new banking restrictions, expands the blacklist, and cuts Russian access to international oil markets.

In Pakistan’s Karachi, shaky old buildings become ‘ticking bombs’

Report on the issue of old and unsafe buildings in Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan, where a recent collapse claimed dozens of lives.

The story presents an overview of the problem in Karachi, where nearly 600 buildings have been declared unsafe, with at least 50 requiring immediate evacuation due to imminent collapse risk.

The report has insights from urban planners and experts, who warn that many of Karachi’s buildings are “ticking bombs,” along with comments from officials on potential strategies to address the risks.