Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Reactions to Israeli Cabinet's decision to reoccupy Gaza

Reactions to the outcomes of Thursday's Israeli Cabinet meeting to fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip following the breakdown of the indirect talks with Hamas. This potential move, pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has drawn domestic opposition, especially from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who argues that such a plan would endanger the lives of the hostages.

Lebanon’s plan to monopolize weapons, disarm Hezbollah

The latest updates in Lebanon as the government concluded its second meeting to discuss disarming Hezbollah group, as tensions rise over a controversial US-backed proposal to place all weapons under state control by the end of the year. Hezbollah has stated it will treat any disarmament decision “as if it does not exist.”

Protests in Israel demanding Gaza hostage swap

The ongoing demonstrations in Israel, as public outrage continues to demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government reach a Gaza prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas. The protests took another level when a flotilla carrying hostage families set sail from the port of Ashkelon in southern Israel toward the Gaza Strip, protesting their government’s inaction to reach a deal.

US Vice President JD Vance’s UK visit

Vice President JD Vance is reportedly set to begin a stay in the UK with a stop at Foreign Secretary David Lammy's Chevening residence. Vance is then expected to travel on to the Cotswolds, South West England.

Reactions to Trump-Putin summit

Monitoring European reactions to the anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The face-to-face meeting would be the first between sitting US and Russian presidents since Joe Biden met Putin in Geneva in June 2021. According to the Kremlin, both presidents agreed to meet in the "coming days” to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, as Trump's deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sanctions is due to expire today.

Trump to host Azerbaijani president, Armenian premier

US President Donald Trump will hold separate meetings at the White House with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. This will be followed by a trilateral news conference to sign an initial peace agreement between the two countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also attend Trump’s meeting with Aliyev.

Deadline for Russia to reach Ukraine deal

Trump’s deadline for Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine will expire. Trump had announced that if Putin did not reach a deal with Ukraine, the US would impose “secondary tariffs” targeting buyers of the country’s oil.

California governor to host Texas Democrats

California Governor Gavin Newsom to hold a press event with Democratic lawmakers from Texas, where they fled to block state House Republicans from passing redistricting legislation ahead of next year’s midterm election.

Developments surrounding potential meeting between US, Russian presidents

Developments in Moscow and across Eurasia will be followed as President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are set to address the Ukraine conflict. The place and date of the potential presidential summit are yet to be announced.

World's 1st 4S store for humanoid robots opens in China

World's first 4S store for humanoid robots opens in Chinese capital Beijing ahead of 2025 World Robot Conference. Spanning 4,000 square meters over four floors, the sales, service, spare parts and survey store features over 50 models from 40+ top tech firms, including an Einstein bot and drum-playing androids.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER – Why major Asia-Pacific countries are yet to recognize Palestine

Report examining why key Asian nations, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, continue to withhold recognition of Palestinian statehood amid growing international support.

The story outlines how countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have endorsed a two-state solution but stopped short of formal recognition, largely due to US pressure, strategic ties with Israel, and internal political dynamics.

The report includes comments from experts such as Australian academic Jake Lynch and South Korean sociologist Hanjin Eom, who cite Washington’s influence, trade dependencies, and religious or ideological factors as key reasons.

INTERVIEW – UNHCR turns to AI to ease refugee case backlogs, identify processing delays

Interview with UNHCR’s Adriana Rojas Arnaud and UN human rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan about the use of artificial intelligence in efforts to streamline asylum processes.

Arnaud speaks about how AI is helping map bottlenecks in Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures by analyzing data from case management systems. She explains how the project identifies delays in processing times, such as lengthy interviews or assessment stages, and explores factors like resource shortages and training needs.

The story also focuses on ethical concerns about the use of AI in asylum processes and deportation systems, with Al-Kheetan stressing the need for regulations and highlighting the obligations of states under international law.