Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Indirect negotiations between Israel, Hamas on Gaza ceasefire

Developments surrounding the new round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Egypt on Monday on the first phase of the Trump plan for a ceasefire and hostage swap deal in the Gaza Strip.

Lebanese Cabinet to review army’s monopoly on arms plan

The Lebanese Cabinet will hold a session on Monday during which the Lebanese Army will, for the first time, present its detailed report on the implementation of the monopoly on arms plan in the southern country.

New flotilla sailing to Gaza

Latest updates as 11-vessel convoy of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is now off the coast of Alexandria in international waters, approximately 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Gaza.

Syria’s People’s Assembly elections

Developments following Syria’s People’s Assembly elections across all provinces. The counting of ballots is underway.

European Parliament to debate censure motions against EU Commission chief

The European Parliament will debate the motions, with the attendance of Ursula von der Leyen, on Oct. 6, and the vote is scheduled for Oct. 9. In September, two groups submitted motions of censure against the European Commission and its president. While the Left Group’s motive is the EU’s inaction on Israel amid the ongoing genocide, the Patriots accused von der Leyen of undermining Europe’s economic strength and strategic autonomy following a trade deal with US President Donald Trump.

German chancellor to appear on talk show

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will respond to questions about domestic issues, economic policies, and Germany's role in global affairs on news channel ntv's talk show on Oct. 6, moderated by journalist Pinar Atalay.

NATO chief hosts UK foreign secretary

Secretary General Mark Rutte hosts British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Oct. 6. The talks are expected to focus on European security, including supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Turkish President Erdogan to address 11th Energy Efficiency Forum

Following the expected statements from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the 11th Energy Efficiency Forum and Fair at the Istanbul Congress Center.

US federal government remains shut down

The US federal government remains shut down for the sixth day. Senators are scheduled to hold votes on two continuing resolutions that would fund the government beyond September, with both requiring 60 votes to pass.

UN Security Council to hold open debate on women, peace and security

The UN Security Council will hold its annual open debate on women, peace and security (WPS). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to brief the council, along with UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous and two women civil society representatives. Slovenia, as coordinator of the Shared Commitments on WPS, will deliver a statement on behalf of nine signatories, while the US, though a signatory, will not take part in the discussions.

Developments in Georgia following protests amid local elections

Developments in Georgia will be followed as the country's local elections, boycotted by opposition parties, resulted in a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party and led to protests in the capital Tbilisi. During the rally, some attempted to storm the presidential residence. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused protesters of trying to overthrow the government, and demanded that the EU's ambassador in Tbilisi "distance himself and strictly condemn" the rally.

Malaysian premier hosts Pakistani counterpart

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosts his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif in Kuala Lumpur for high-level bilateral talks during which the 2 sides will discuss boosting ties in trade and other areas. The two are likely to comment on ongoing ceasefire talks in Gaza.

China likely to comment on Hamas' response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan

Beijing is likely to deliver its remarks on Hamas' response to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, as well as the Israeli attack on the Sumud Flotilla during its Foreign Ministry news conference. Hamas said Friday that it submitted its response to Trump’s plan via mediators, agreeing to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and deceased.

THE ECONOMY

Eurozone retail sales

Eurostat to share monthly retail sales figures for August. In July, the sales fell 0.5% on a monthly basis.

OECD inflation

The Paris-based economic organization to release inflation data for its area.

SPECIAL REPORTS

2 years of genocide: How Israel pushed Gaza into famine

Report on the unfolding famine in Gaza, which experts and rights groups say is a man-made catastrophe deliberately engineered by Israel through its blockade, siege, and systematic destruction of food sources.

The story traces Gaza’s descent into hunger, from years of “engineered fragility” under blockade to the “complete siege” since October 2023, which cut off food, water, and fuel. It explains how forced displacements, the targeting of farmland, fishing bans, attacks on aid convoys, and the creation of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation all compounded the crisis.

The report cites UN data on child malnutrition and starvation-related deaths, and includes an interview with Ramy Abdu, chair of the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, on the need for global action against Israel.

FACTBOX – 2 years of Gaza genocide: Who arms Israel?

Report detailing the countries and defense firms supplying Israel with weapons for its ongoing genocidal war on Gaza.

The story breaks down how the US and Germany account for nearly all of Israel’s arms imports between 2020 and 2024, while Italy and the UK provide critical components and training systems. It highlights the US’ multibillion-dollar annual aid commitments and emergency shipments of bombs and missiles, and the key role of American defense giants like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon.

The report also shows how Israel’s domestic arms industry relies on US and European inputs while exporting weapons “battle-tested” in Gaza. It also sheds light on smaller suppliers in France, South Korea, and elsewhere, forming a wider global pipeline supplying Israel despite international condemnation.

FACTBOX – 2 years of genocide: Global arms firms reap profits as Israel destroys Gaza

Report examining how major US and European defense companies have seen record-breaking revenues as Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza fuels global arms demand.

The feature details how the deadly Israeli bombardment of Gaza has been lucrative business for companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, RTX, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, and Rheinmetall.

The story outlines specific weapons used and documents company revenue increases ranging from 5% to 58% since 2023, citing SEC filings and analysis showing that Western arms manufacturers have benefited directly from Israel’s assault on Gaza.

FACTBOX – Gaza and Ukraine in global perspective

Report providing a fact-based comparison of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, highlighting both similarities and differences across key dimensions.

The story compares casualty figures, infrastructure destruction, and humanitarian crises in both regions. It also examines the international response, military tactics, and the broader geopolitical implications that distinguish the two wars.

The report also explores international and legal responses, from the ICJ’s rulings on genocide in Gaza to sanctions and aid packages for Ukraine, underscoring a stark double standard in global diplomacy.

Under pressure, over fear: London cafe owners refuse to silence Gaza solidarity

Report on a Palestinian couple whose London cafe has become a grassroots hub of solidarity for Gaza at a time of increasing repression in the UK.

The story follows Faten Sehwail and her husband Mahmoud Ismail, who transformed their Islington cafe into a space of activism and compassion after Sehwail lost dozens of relatives to Israel’s ongoing genocidal war.

The couple speaks about their unique “homemade chocolate for Gaza” campaign and how they are taking a stand for Palestine despite pressure from local authorities to remove Palestinian flags and stickers, and online harassment by pro-Israel activists.

2 years of Gaza genocide: Why pro-Palestine sentiment grew in Australia and New Zealand

Report examining shifting public sentiment in Australia and New Zealand over Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, where mass protests and growing solidarity movements have pressured both governments to act.

The story outlines how mounting demonstrations culminated in Australia’s recognition of Palestine, a move experts describe as “symbolically important” but limited without sanctions or suspension of arms exports. It also explains how New Zealand’s refusal to follow suit has sparked domestic backlash, with analysts saying partisan divides now threaten the country’s traditionally unified foreign policy stance.

The report includes interviews with Ben Saul, an Australian academic who currently serves as a UN special rapporteur, and regional geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller.

2 years of Gaza genocide: EU’s weak shift on Israel remains ‘too little, too late’

Report analyzing the EU’s evolving stance on Israel’s war in Gaza – from early solidarity visits to Tel Aviv to proposals for trade suspensions and sanctions.

The story traces the bloc’s political reversal as EU chief Ursula von der Leyen’s early support in 2023 has given way to unprecedented measures, including reviews of trade benefits, targeted sanctions, and funding freezes. It has insights from experts who remain critical of the EU’s steps and warn that divisions among member states and deference to US policy have dented the bloc’s credibility.

The report includes interviews with Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, Claudio Francavilla of Human Rights Watch, and Niamh Ni Bhriain of the Transnational Institute.

2 years of Gaza genocide: South Africans intensify campaign to isolate Israel

Report on increasing public momentum in South Africa for comprehensive sanctions, trade embargoes, and prosecutions of citizens fighting for Israel as its genocidal war on Gaza enters its third year.

The story presents growing calls from activists and rights groups for South Africa to sever all remaining ties with Israel – from closing embassies to halting coal exports – to build on its previous steps, such as taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The report includes analysis and comments from advocate Ziyaad Patel, activist Muhammed Desai, and Roshan Dadoo, a coordinator for the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement in South Africa.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Palestinian couple Faten Sehwail and Mahmoud Ismail about how they turned their London cafe into a grassroots hub of solidarity for Gaza at a time of increasing repression in the UK.

VIDEO – Interview with Claudio Francavilla of Human Rights Watch about the EU’s shift on support to Israel and how the bloc needs to do more to stop the genocidal war on Gaza.