ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, July 27, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has killed over 39,200 Palestinians and injured more than 90,400 since Oct. 7, 2023. Situation continues to worsen by the day amid attacks and minimal aid.
The Israeli army on Friday made a limited incursion into the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood in southern Gaza City, and reached closer to the Al-Quds Hospital in the neighborhood.
Fierce clashes erupted between the Israeli army and Palestinian fighters, with Hamas's armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades saying it destroyed two Israeli raiding tanks.
Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas
The latest regarding a potential cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed nearly 590 people and injured 5,400 more, with nearly 9,700 taken into Israeli custody since last October.
The Israeli forces prevented hundreds of Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers. The forces assaulted the Palestinians who were trying to enter the mosque including a member of the Turkish public broadcaster TRT.
Protests against Israeli government
Mounting protests in Israel to pressure the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to either negotiate a hostage-prisoner swap deal with Hamas, or resign.
Israel-Hezbollah escalation
Continued border clashes between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah amid fears of a full-blown war.
Hezbollah on Friday said two more of its fighters killed in clashes with Israel, as both continue to exchange fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border since the Gaza conflict.
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.
The Yemeni Houthi group on Friday said four more US-UK raid targeted the Kamaran Island in Al Hudaydah province, western Yemen.
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan is deteriorating as clashes between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue in various parts of the country.
Turkish foreign minister to attend Türkiye-ASEAN meeting
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will engage in discussions in Vientiane, Laos where he is attending the Türkiye-ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership meeting.
Italian Premier Meloni flies to China on first trip since exit from BRI
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to begin official visit to China, first since Rome exited Beijing-funded multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as Premier Li Qiang will host Meloni as the trade volume between the two distant nations has surged past $80 billion.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations expected as ruling party holds conference in Australia
Pro-Palestine demonstrations are expected as the ruling Labor Party holds two-day conference in New South Wales (NSW). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns will be in attendance.
Dhaka expected to lift curfew as normalcy returns to Bangladesh
Bangladesh government is expected to lift curfew restrictions and military deployment as normalcy returned to the South Asian nation after violent protests over quota reforms caused over 200 deaths.
Typhoon Gaemi wreaks havoc in far east with Philippines worst hit
Typhoon Gaemi wreaked havoc in far east with Philippines being the worst hit. Many deaths were reported in the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan while thousands of people were displaced in China. Manila is also battling spread of industrial oil after a massive tanker capsized.
Southeast Asian regional bloc expected to release joint statement
At the conclusion of summit of top diplomats of Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos, the regional bloc is expected to release a joint statement with focus on Myanmar, South China Sea as well as war in Gaza.
Ethiopia starts 3-days of mourning after deadly landslides
Ethiopians are observing three days of national mourning after landslides killed more than 250 people in a mountainous area in the southern part of the country.
South African police to give more details on arrest of 95 Libyan nationals
Police are expected to reveal more details surrounding the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals found at a suspected "secret military camp" in White River, a small holiday town in Mpumalanga province.
SPORTS
Paris 2024 Olympics
The 2024 Olympic Games, the world's biggest sporting event, opened on Friday and will last for 17 days until Aug. 11.
Australia will face Spain, Greece to take on Canada, Germany to play against Japan, while France to face Brazil in men’s group phase in basketball.