ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
MIDDLE EAST
Israel-Hezbollah escalation
Military clashes between Israel and Hezbollah on the border occur almost daily, with warnings that they could escalate into a full-fledged war between them.
The Israeli army and Hezbollah continued to exchange fire on Tuesday. Hezbollah said it used missiles to target the Israeli site of Birkat Risha, the Zabdin site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms, and the Al-Ramtha site in the occupied Lebanese hills of Kafr Shuba. It also used drones to target the 91st Division's brigade headquarters in the Nahal Gershom area of northern Israel, resulting in many casualties and a fire inside the headquarters.
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip amid deadlocked efforts to reach a cease-fire deal to end Israel's relentless attacks on the Palestinian enclave. Since last Oct. 7, Israel has killed nearly 37,700 Palestinians and injured about 86,100 more.
Israeli attacks on Rafah
Ongoing Israeli military actions in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, Israeli media reported that the Israeli army would declare the "defeat" of Hamas' Rafah Brigade within days, indicating the "transition to the third phase of the war," following the first phase of bombing from outside the enclave and the second phase of ground incursion into the strip.
International warnings about dire humanitarian situation in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the threat of famine becoming increasingly imminent.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s (IPC) report released on Tuesday indicated that 96% of Gazans are facing extreme levels of hunger.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) also said thousands of families are forced to rely on non-potable seawater for their daily needs.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 553 people and injured 5,200 others, with 9,360 taken into Israeli custody since October 7, 2023.
Protests against Israeli government led by Premier Netanyahu
Mounting protests in Israel to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to either negotiate a hostage-prisoner swap deal with the Palestinians or resign.
German foreign minister's regional visit
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to visit Lebanon to meet with Lebanese officials as diplomatic efforts to defuse a border escalation between Israel and Hezbollah continue.
On Tuesday, she arrived in Tel Aviv and met with her Israeli counterpart, warning that the war between Israel and Lebanon would have "disastrous consequences." She also met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah to discuss ways to increase relief efforts in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Red Sea tension
Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel in the Red Sea, as well as US-led coalition airstrikes on the group's positions in Yemen.
EUROPE
Turkish Foreign Minister's visit to Warsaw
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to attend the Türkiye-Romania-Poland Trilateral Cooperation Process foreign ministers meeting.
UN aid chief Griffiths speaks to international media
Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, to interact with the media at an event hosted by ACANU, the Association of Accredited Correspondents to the United Nations.
Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer TV debate
Head-to-head between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Leader Keir Starmer to take place in front of a studio audience in Nottingham.
French President Macron to meet with Hungarian Premier Orban
French President Emmanuel Macron to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to discuss EU and international issues. Hungary to take over the EU’s rotating term presidency in July.
German Chancellor Scholz addresses parliament
Chancellor Scholz to address parliament about the government’s foreign policy ahead of upcoming EU and NATO summits.
EU’s Borrell to host Belgrade-Pristina dialogue
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to host a high-level meeting of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue in Brussels. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti have confirmed their participation.
Greek foreign minister to meet with Jordanian counterpart in Athens
Greek FM George Gerapetritis to meet with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Al Safadi in Athens to discuss bilateral relations and the latest situation in the region.
UN report on drugs
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to launch the World Drug Report 2024 in Vienna.
US
International Religious Freedom report
The State Department will release its annual International Religious Freedom Report, which will describe the state of religious freedom in all foreign countries, as well as government policies that violate religious beliefs and group practices. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will speak at the report's release.
Presidential debate
Biden-Harris campaign plans to hold a press conference with 'special guests' ahead of debate on Thursday. President Joe Biden's key remarks are being prepared at the presidential retreat Camp David for a live faceoff with former President Donald Trump.
UN Security Council
UN Security Council to hold an open debate on children and armed conflict. Event will feature Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
ASIA – PACIFIC
WikiLeaks founder heads home
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is returning home to Australia after attending a hearing at a US Court in the Mariana Islands, a US commonwealth in the western Pacific. He is expected to speak to the media when he returns home after serving a jail sentence in the UK.
Pyongyang-Seoul tensions continue
North Korea sent more balloons carrying trash into South Korea after President Yoon Suk-yeol blasted defense pact between Russia and Pyongyang. Yoon also visited US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ahead of a trilateral military exercise with Japan on the Korean Peninsula. The two sides are expected to make reciprocal moves.
Foreign Ministry to hold news briefing in Beijing
Julian Assange case, tensions in the Taiwan Strait and on the Korean Peninsula, are expected to be explained in a routine news conference by China’s Foreign Ministry in Beijing.
AFRICA
Botswana, US co-host Africa defense chiefs’ conference
A two-day meeting of Africa’s high-ranking military officers co-hosted by Botswana and the US continues in the capital Gaborone to discuss the security and stability concerns faced by the African continent.
Kenya’s anti-tax protests continue
The latest situation after the killing of 10 people during violent protests in Nairobi against parliament's approval of a financial bill to raise taxes.
South Africa border authorities to start screening of Mpox
Travelers entering South Africa to be screened for Mpox, a viral disease which spreads predominantly by skin-to-skin contact. The country has recorded 13 cases and two deaths, so far.
Talks on cabinet allocations in South Africa’s unity gov't continue
Power-sharing talks on cabinet allocations among 10 partners of the national unity government continue. The African National Congress party calls for a National Executive Committee meeting to consider its options. Smaller parties are bargaining for a bigger share in the new government. Breakthroughs are expected during the ongoing negotiations.
SPORTS
UEFA EURO 2024 group stage to continue with Matchday 3 in Germany
Group E competitors Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, all with 3 points each, to play a decisive matchday 3 as Slovakia to take on Romania, while Ukraine to play with Belgium. On the other hand, in Group F, Türkiye to take on Czech Republic, while group leaders Portugal to face Georgia in last week games of group stage.
SPECIAL REPORTS
France snap elections: All you need to know
By Nur Asena Erturk
Ankara – Factbox on France’s snap parliamentary elections, scheduled for June 30.
The story lays out details of the main parties and candidates, along with their stances on key issues such as the economy, migration, ties with the EU and other geopolitical issues.
The story also includes past results and voting trends, and related information such as voter statistics and demographic details.
The human cost of Tanzania’s anti-poaching laws
By Kizito Makoye
Manyara, Tanzania – Report about how anti-poaching laws are affecting women and families in Tanzania.
The report narrates stories of women and men arrested for violations of these laws, with some sentenced to as much as 22 years in prison, and explains how authorities are raising awareness about the issue, while also pursuing initiatives for sustainable livelihoods.
It includes interviews with Maria Ngoda, a woman who was arrested last year, and others who have family members affected by the laws, along with wildlife conservationist Richard Mbeki and Christopher Laizer, a game officer involved in various awareness campaigns.
Mourinho at Fenerbahce: How does this impact Turkish football?
By Emre Asikci
Istanbul – Report about the arrival of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho at Turkish club Fenerbahce, focusing on how the move could have a wider impact on Turkish football.
It includes an interview with Sean Gillen, a sports journalist and writer at a Portuguese football news outlet, who speaks about the various ways in which Mourinho could have a positive influence on his new club and players.
Gillen also delves into the challenges that lie ahead for the renowned tactician and how Mourinho can be expected to navigate his new role.
NEW MEDIA
INFOGRAPHIC – Visualization of key information about France’s snap parliamentary elections, including main parties and contenders, voter information and related data.