ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, November 16, 2023 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
MIDDLE EAST
PALESTINE
Day 41 of the devastating Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the killing of 11,500 Palestinians, including 4,710 children and 3,160 women, in addition to 29,800 others injured. The official death toll in Israel stands at 1,200, amid continuing international calls for an immediate cease-fire and the provision of health services and protection for civilians.
Movements of Israeli forces in the north and inside Gaza City, while Israeli raids continue to target many areas of the Gaza Strip, especially the south and the West of Gaza City.
Following up on the situation in Al-Shifa Hospital after the Israeli forces stormed it, besieged it, and blew up parts of it, while hundreds of patients and injured face the risk of death as a result of not receiving treatment. According to Gaza’s government media office, there are around 1,500 medical staff, 700 patients, 39 premature babies, and 7,000 displaced people inside the complex. Also monitoring regional and international reactions to the situation in Gaza's largest medical facility.
Following the tragic humanitarian conditions in northern Gaza, Gaza City, and in the South as the majority of Gazans suffer from a lack of basic necessities such as water, electricity, food, and communications.
WEST BANK
Continuing security tension through arrests and raids carried out by Israeli army in various governorates of the West Bank. At least 195 Palestinians have been killed and over 2,500 others injured by Israeli army fire in the occupied territory since Oct. 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
ISRAEL
Following Israeli position and regional efforts to conclude a deal to exchange Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages. Hamas says Israel is procrastinating on implementing a deal to release 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for a humanitarian truce and the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners.
LEBANON
Tense situation on the southern border as confrontations and intermittent exchanges of bombardment continue between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.
US
CALIFORNIA - President Joe Biden to deliver remarks at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco.
CALIFORNIA - Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expected to meet on margins of APEC summit.
NEW YORK - UN Security Council to hold consultations on Yemen.
EUROPE
THE NETHERLANDS
THE HAGUE - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue ruling on request for provisional measures in a case brought by Canada and the Netherlands against Syria. Canada and the Netherlands claim Syria has committed countless violations of international law, beginning at least in 2011, with its violent repression of civilian demonstrations as the situation devolved into a protracted armed conflict. They say Syrian violations include the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
SPAIN
MADRID - Spanish lawmakers expected to continue debate, followed by a vote, on a PSOE-led government led by Pedro Sanchez.
SWITZERLAND
GENEVA – French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit continues on second day.
GENEVA - UN human rights chief Volker Turk to brief delegates on his recent trip to Middle East in a meeting open to journalists. Following the informal meeting he will hold a press stakeout.
GENEVA - UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini to hold press conference at UN office on unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and agency's response.
EURASIA
MOLDOVA
CHISINAU — President Maya Sandu to hold separate meetings with Austrian counterpart Alexander van Der Bellen and Slovenian counterpart Natasa Pirc Musar.
RUSSIA
MOSCOW — Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to meet Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil.
TÜRKİYE
ANKARA – Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to meet Elmedin Konakovic, Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations, as well as regional developments.
ASIA-PACIFIC
INDONESIA
JAKARTA - Meeting of defense ministers of Southeast Asian Nations continues for second day in Indonesia. The regional bloc of ASEAN will have summit-level meetings with partners from outside the region.
CHINA
BEIJING - Monitoring aftermath of summit-level meeting between China’s President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden in San Fransisco.
SPORTS
EUROPE - UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round matchday 9 to start as this week sees international break in football. Qualifiers to go through to Nov. 21. Spain, Scotland, France, England, Türkiye, Belgium, Austria, Portugal already qualified for next summer's EURO 2024 to be hosted by Germany.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Nakba, identity and tragedy: Edward Said’s daughter reflects on Gaza crisis
By Muhammad Enes Calli
ISTANBUL – Interview with Najla Said, daughter of eminent Palestinian thinker and activist Edward Said, about the Israel-Palestine issue and the ongoing Gaza crisis. She speaks about a wide range of issues, from Western perceptions of the issue to the horrors being inflicted on the people of Gaza by the Israeli military. Said shares her personal experiences and gives insights into her father’s understanding of the matter, explaining how ideas that he propagated decades ago are resonating in the narratives of pro-Palestine groups. She also speaks about how communities in the US are supporting the Palestinian cause, helping frame the issue in the wider lens of an anti-colonial struggle.
Will this winter be the warmest on record?
By Rabia Ali
ISTANBUL – Interview with Mathew Barlow, an American climate scientist, about this year’s winter season in the context of global warming. Barlow warns that it is extremely probable that the world will experience the warmest winter on record, explaining the various factors for this likelihood. Among the primary reasons he cites are global warming-related shifts, as well as the return of the El Nino weather phenomenon, saying this will lead to fewer cold waves around the world. Barlow also explains how warm winters should be a cause of concern, particularly delving into the impact on agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Tanzanians seek more than words after Germany’s apology for colonial atrocities
By Kizito Makoye
SONGEA, Tanzania – Report about the sentiments in Tanzania over Germany’s recent apology for the atrocities committed during its colonial rule, specifically against the Maji Maji Rebellion between 1905 and 1907. The story delves into the history of the rebellion and its key figures, as well as details of the brutalities committed by German forces. It includes interviews with descendants of those who suffered at the hands of the Germans, who speak about the calls in Tanzania for justice and reparations. In his comments, Yusufu Lawi, a history professor at the University of Dar es Salaam, explains how the rebellion sowed the seeds for future movements against colonial rule, fostering a sense of identity and solidarity among the local population.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEOS – Latest developments in Israel-Palestine conflict
Reports covering developments in Israel-Palestine conflict, including packages from correspondents on the ground, updates about the overall situation, and other major developments.