ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, July 15, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas
The unfolding developments in the Gaza Strip regarding a potential cease-fire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas.
Hamas denied reports about suspending Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap talks following an Israeli airstrike on a "humanitarian zone" for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip.
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip amid stymied efforts to reach a cease-fire that would end Israel's relentless attacks, which have killed nearly 38,600 Palestinians and injured nearly 88,900 others since Oct. 7.
At least 12 people were killed, dozens were injured in Israeli bombardment of a UN-run school sheltering displaced Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to medics. Sunday's school attack came one day after at least 90 people were killed and nearly 300 others injured in an Israeli strike on a "humanitarian zone" for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip.
Dire humanitarian situation, looming famine in Gaza
The humanitarian situation across the Gaza Strip continues to get worse every day amid ongoing Israeli attacks and the closure of Gaza's crossings.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated Sunday that residents of the Gaza Strip queue for hours under the burning sun to obtain drinking water.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 574 people and injured 5,350 more, with nearly 9,700 taken into Israeli custody since last Oct. 7.
Palestinians staged a general strike in several cities in the occupied West Bank on Sunday in protest of a deadly Israeli strike on a "humanitarian zone" in the southern Gaza Strip.
Protests against Israeli government
Mounting protests in Israel to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to either negotiate the hostage-prisoner swap deal with Hamas or resign.
Israel-Hezbollah escalation
Daily border clashes between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah amid warnings of escalation to potential full-blown war.
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.
US and British warplanes launched a fresh airstrike in the Hajjah province in northwestern Yemen on Sunday, the Houthi group said.
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan
Sudan's humanitarian and security situation is deteriorating as clashes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces continue in Khartoum, El Fasher in North Darfur State, and the states of Sennar and Al-Jazira.
Remembering the July 15 defeated coup in Türkiye
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend anniversary of July 15, 2016 defeated coup attempt at Presidential Complex in Ankara.
Türkiye’s Communications Directorate to hold a panel on the 2016 defeated coup attempt in Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.
Commemorations to be held in Bosnian and Serbian capitals Sarajevo and Belgrade. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency to inaugurate newly renovated and modernized library in Serbia’s Novi Pazar city as part of July 15 commemoration events.
An event on the occasion of July 15 defeated coup attempt to be held at the Turkish Embassy in Greece with the participation of representatives of Turkish diplomats and institutions in Athens.
Start of Armenia-US joint military exercises in Caucasian country
Armenia, the US to hold joint military exercises the Eagle Partner 2024 on July 15-24, according to the Armenian Defense Ministry. The ministry noted that the drill will focus on tasks related to peacekeeping missions.
People cast ballot to elect new lawmakers, president in Rwanda
Millions of people head to the polls to elect a president and members of parliament for a five-year term. Three candidates are in the race for president, including incumbent Paul Kagame, who is seeking a fourth term.
2nd batch of Kenyan peacekeepers flies to Haiti
Second batch of Kenyan troops flies to the Caribbean nation of Haiti on peacekeeping mission. Some 400 officers are already in Port‑au‑Prince since June 25th. The Special Forces' mandate is to assist Haitian police in securing critical infrastructures and fighting criminal gangs.
Attempted assassination of former President Trump
Developments regarding attempted assassination against former President Donald Trump on Saturday. Also, the Republican National Convention will gather this week in state of Wisconsin, where Trump will be officially nominated as the Republican party's candidate.
July 15, 2016 defeated coup attempt in Türkiye
Events that mark the eighth anniversary of July 15 defeated coup attempt by FETO terror organization in Türkiye in 2016. A series of events, including photo exhibits, are planned in New York.
UN official briefing on Gaza
Scott Anderson, UN's deputy humanitarian coordinator and director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, to brief media virtually regarding the situation in the Palestinian enclave amid Israeli attacks.
China’s ruling party opens 3rd plenum in Beijing
Communist Party of China opens third plenum in Beijing where comprehensive deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization will be discussed. President Xi Jinping will attend the four-day event, outcome of which indicates policy direction of the world’s second-largest economy.
THE ECONOMY
China's GDP
China to reveal GDP figures for Q2. The Chinese economy grew by 5.3% in first quarter and is expected to grow by 5.1% in second quarter. Country will also release industrial production, retail sales, and unemployment figures.
Eurostat's industrial production
Eurostat to share industrial production figures for May. Industrial production in euro area has been narrowing for last four months and downward trend is expected to continue in May.
Germany's retail sales
Germany to reveal retail sales figures for May. Since May 2022, retail sales have been posting negative figures, except one month, and markets expect negative figure for May.
SPECIAL REPORTS
‘Unity dead and buried’: What next as key Sahel states ditch West Africa bloc?
By Hassan Isilow
Johannesburg - Report focusing on the implications of the new confederation announced by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as the three military-run states cemented their split from the regional bloc ECOWAS.
The story gives details of their recent agreement and what it entails, particularly in terms of increased military and security cooperation between the three Sahel countries that have been moving away from traditional Western powers.
The report includes comments from political analysts Buchanan Ismael and Ahmed Jazbhay, who share their assessments on the impact on West Africa in terms of security, trade, and stability, as well as the wider region and global geopolitics.