ANKARA (AA) — Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, June 30, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip amid deadlocked efforts to reach cease-fire that would end Israel's relentless attacks. Since last Oct. 7, Israel has killed more than 37,800 Palestinians and injured over 86,800 others.
Military operation in Gaza
Israeli military operations taking place in different areas across Gaza Strip, including Rafah and Shejaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, with airstrikes and artillery shelling in areas across enclave.
Exacerbated humanitarian situation, looming famine in Gaza
The humanitarian situation across Gaza Strip continues to decline day after day amid continued Israeli attacks and closure of Gaza's crossings.
Recent days have seen reports of Palestinians struggling with famine, eating tree leaves in northern areas of Gaza Strip to ease their hunger.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugess (UNRWA) said Saturday that hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are deprived of adequate shelter, food, medicine and clean water, adding that the number of crossings into the Gaza Strip remains far too limited.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank have killed at least 553 people and injured 5,300 others, with 9,430 taken into Israeli custody since Oct. 7, 2023.
Protests against Israeli government
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.
Israel-Hezbollah escalation
Daily border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah amid warnings of escalation into potential full-blown war.
Iran presidential elections
Iran's snap presidential election heading to run-off on July 5 after no candidate managed to secure 50% of vote, according to initial results released Saturday.
Final count indicates that reformist and former Health Minister Masoud Pezeshkian was top candidate with 10.4 million votes. His closest competitor, conservative candidate Saeed Jalili, who served as lead nuclear negotiator and head of a top security body, came second with 9.4 million votes.
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan
Deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Sudan amid ongoing clashes between Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum, El Fasher in North Darfur State, as well as in states of Sennar and Al-Jazira.
Clashes have resulted in continued waves of displacement from conflict zones, amid international warnings of humanitarian catastrophe facing civilians due to food shortages and lack of access to humanitarian aid.
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 group's positions in Yemen.
French parliamentary election
Voters in France to go to polls to elect new members of the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron had dissolved parliament and announced early polls following results of the European Parliament election in France.
Early results of Mauritania's presidential polls
Early results of Mauritania's presidential elections expected to be announced. Citizens cast ballots Saturday to choose new president among seven candidates, including incumbent Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
Delayed Cabinet in South Africa
Cyril Ramaphosa yet to announce new cabinet of his national unity government as bargaining continues for portfolios to be given to Democratic Alliance, second-largest in 10-party alliance.
Kenya forms committee to solve financial woes
Kenyan government announced committee of 100 members to engage young people towards solving financial woes after violent protests rocked the East African nation, leaving 30 dead.
Doha hosts 3rd summit on Afghanistan
Afghan Taliban administration delegation led by chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid to attend two-day UN conference on Afghanistan in Qatari capital Doha. This will be third such UN conference as international community is yet to recognize Afghan interim administration since Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Officials from Pakistan and other neighboring countries also to attend.
Vietnamese premier pays 4-day visit to South Korea
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to arrive on four-day visit to South Korea. He will hold bilateral talks with his South Korean counterpart Han Duck-soo and also be received by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Red alert for downpour in China
China has issued red alert for heavy rains, highest warning on its weather warning system. Rainstorms are expected to hit several areas including in Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guizhou provinces. Over 60 people died due to rains and floods in southern China over past few weeks.
North Korea vows to protect sovereignty amid US-Japan-South Korea military drills
Condemning first trilateral all-domain military drills by the US, Japan and South Korea, Pyongyang vowed to protect its sovereignty. Ruling Workers Party of North Korea also holding a major Plenum with leader Kim Jong-un attending.
SPORTS
UEFA EURO 2024 to continue with Round of 16 in Germany
England to face Slovakia at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen
Spain to take on Georgia at Cologne Stadium in Cologne