Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israeli violation of Gaza ceasefire

The Israeli army killed 63 Palestinians, including 24 children, in the Gaza Strip since Tuesday evening, violating the ceasefire agreement. Ceasefire includes the transfer of hostage remains amid challenges to relocate the places of more bodies due to mass destruction in Gaza as a result of the devastating war.

Situation in Sudan

The developments in El-Fasher, capital of North Darfur, after the Sudanese army withdrew from the city Monday, their last stronghold in Darfur, leaving it under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces amid mass displacements and a worsening humanitarian crisis for the 260,000 civilians trapped inside, half of them children.

⁠Illegal Israeli settler attacks on West Bank

The sharp rise in illegal Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian farmers and properties and lands during the ongoing olive harvest season across the occupied West Bank under the protection of the Israeli army.

US deputy envoy to Middle East visiting Lebanon

Morgan Ortagus, deputy US envoy for the Middle East, is expected to attend a meeting of the committee overseeing the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire mechanism on her second day in Beirut, local media reported. The duration of her visit has not been disclosed.

UNGA president, Qatari envoy to brief on upcoming social development summit

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and Qatari UN Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani will brief media on the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development, set to be held next week in Doha.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi will later hold a separate briefing, followed by another by Tom Andrews, special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, following his presentation to the UN General Assembly Third Committee.

Week 4 of US federal government shutdown

Following press briefings by Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the ongoing US government shutdown as it enters its fourth week with no end in sight. On Tuesday, the Senate failed to pass a Republican-backed bill passed through the House of Representatives for the 13th time since the shutdown began.

US Senate hearing on pressure on big tech to censor speech

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee's Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness holds a second hearing to discuss claims that under former President Joe Biden, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency pressured social media companies to censor views. Witnesses include Google Government Affairs and Public Policy Vice President Markham Erickson, Meta Public Policy Vice President Neil Potts, and Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Legal Director Will Creeley.

Trump’s South Korea visit, last leg of 3-nation Asia trip

US President Donald Trump is in South Korea, which is hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Trump has spoken at the APEC CEO Summit.

He will be holding a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and later take part in a US-APEC leaders’ working dinner.

CIS meetings and expert events in member states

In Moscow, Minsk, Manas, and Tashkent, meetings and expert events of the CIS member states will be held to discuss cooperation in border control, security, construction, and deradicalization within the CIS, CSTO, and SCO frameworks.

Türkiye celebrates Republic Day with nationwide events

Türkiye marks 102nd anniversary of Republic Day with nationwide celebrations as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye.

Tanzania to hold general elections

Tanzania to hold presidential and legislative elections, voting for the president, 264 National Assembly members, and local councilors. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office after former President John Magufuli’s death, is seeking her first full term.

The main opposition CHADEMA was barred after refusing to sign an electoral code, with its leader detained on treason charges, while another opposition candidate was disqualified over alleged nomination irregularities.

ECONOMY

Fed interest rate decision

US Federal Reserve to announce its interest rate decision. Markets expect the central bank to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to target range of 3.75%-4%.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - What to expect from Netherlands’ snap general elections

Report on the Netherlands’ snap general elections on Wednesday, following the collapse of Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s right-wing coalition – the country’s shortest-lived government in modern history.

The story examines how migration and housing shortages have dominated the campaign, fueling support for far-right leader Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom, which leads polls but faces isolation in coalition talks.

It also explores how the outcome of the election could influence EU migration policy and political balance.

Experts see new chapter in German-Turkish ties as Merz visits Ankara

Report on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s upcoming visit to Türkiye on Thursday, which experts say could mark a new era in bilateral relations amid shifting global dynamics.

The story examines how geopolitical tensions are driving Berlin to deepen cooperation with Ankara as well as Germany’s renewed interest in strengthening EU-Türkiye ties and expanding collaboration in energy, economy, security, and defense.

The report features insights from foreign policy expert Ewald Koenig and former German Ambassador Eckart Cuntz, who both emphasize Türkiye’s rising strategic importance for Europe.