ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
MIDDLE EAST
Israeli onslaught in Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip as Israeli attacks continue despite efforts to reach a cease-fire. Israel has killed more than 37,340 Palestinians and injured many more since Oct. 7 of last year.
Israeli attacks on Rafah
Ongoing Israeli military’s oppressive actions in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip.
On Monday, the Israeli army burned down the departure hall on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The army also claimed to have gained “operational control” over approximately 70% of the city.
Raids in West Bank
Almost every day, Israeli forces have carried out raids into towns and cities in the occupied West Bank, resulting in at least 548 fatalities, 5,200 injuries, and nearly 9,200 people in Israeli custody since Oct. 7, 2023.
Expected measures after dissolution of Israel's War Cabinet
Israeli officials and the government expected to take measures after the Israeli prime minister dissolved the War Cabinet, which was formed on Oct. 11, 2023, following Israel's war on Gaza.
Protests against Netanyahu's government
Protests in Israel to put pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reach a hostage-prisoners swap deal with Palestinians.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at reaching a truce deal in Gaza continue.
Israel-Hezbollah clashes
Border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel against backdrop of Gaza war.
Red Sea tensions
Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links to Israel in the Red Sea, as well as US-led coalition forces airstrikes and drone attacks on the group's positions in Yemen.
Eid al-Adha – the Feast of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice in many countries, including Türkiye, began on Sunday and will end on Wednesday evening.
EUROPE
Germany’s annual intelligence report
German domestic intelligence agency BfV to release its annual security report on far-right, foreign terror organizations and the agency’s counter-intelligence activities.
UN agencies’ briefing
The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists.
56th Session of UN Human Rights Council
The UN Human Rights Council is to hold its second of three ordinary sessions this year. The session to begin with the annual report from High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, followed by discussions on Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Sudan.
EURASIA
Russian President Putin visits North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in Pyongyang on a two-day "friendly state visit" at the Chairman of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong Un.
On his way to North Korea, Putin will visit the city of Yakutsk to explore achievements and development prospects for the creative and IT industries of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and meet with prominent workers and public figures who have chosen to work in the Far East of Russia.
US envoy for sanctions visits Kazakhstan
The visit of the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, David O'Sullivan. The official plans to meet with Kazakh authorities to discuss compliance with sanctions against Russia.
US
Biden's announcement on DACA event
US President Biden's administration is expected to announce an executive order that aims to protect undocumented spouses of American citizens from deportation and grant work permits. The announcement will come during the White House event marking the 12th anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.
US Secretary Blinken to meet with NATO chief
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the State Department. Later, the two officials will hold a joint press conference.
UN Security Council
UN Security Council to hold an open briefing and closed consultations on the situation in Sudan. In the afternoon, there will be an open briefing on Ukraine during which UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo is expected to brief members.
Senate hearing on COVID-19
US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to hold a hearing on origins of COVID-19.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Chinese Premier Li to fly to Malaysia
Chinese Premier Li Qiang will fly to Kuala Lumpur from Perth, Australia, for an official visit to Malaysia.
Tensions in disputed South China Sea
Developments after a Chinese vessel and a Philippine ship collided near the disputed Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea.
Important day in Thai politics
The Thai Constitutional Court to decide on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's alleged ethical misconduct case involving the appointment of a convicted lawyer as a minister. The top court will also decide the fate of the Move Forward Party, which has been accused of attempting to amend the lese-majeste law. Furthermore, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be indicted in the same case involving monarchical rule in the Buddhist-majority country.
China to host senior military officers from Arab states
China's Defense Ministry to host a two-week seminar for senior military officers from China and Arab states. Military officers will discuss "Future-oriented China-Arab Security Cooperation" at the People's Liberation Army's National Defense University.
AFRICA
More political parties expected to join South Africa’s unity government
The African National Congress, which ruled South Africa for three decades with a parliamentary majority, is in talks with more political parties about joining the new government of national unity, after another party joined the formation, bringing the total to five.
Online petition seeks to remove South African MP over alleged racism
More than 10,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Renaldo Gouws, a newly sworn-in Member of Parliament, to be removed for past anti-Black South African remarks recorded on video.
SPORTS
UEFA EURO 2024 group matches continue in Germany
Türkiye to face Georgia in EURO 2024 Group F match in Dortmund.
Portugal to take on Czech Republic in EURO 2024 Group F match in Leipzig.