Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, August 3, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
MENA
Aftermath of assassination of Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh
International and regional reactions continued to assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran’s capital Tehran.
On Friday, Haniyeh's funeral was held in Doha, where he was buried amid tight security measures by Qatari authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday hinted at responsibility for Haniyeh’s assassination, saying, “In past few days, we have dealt a crushing blow to each of them,” referring to what he called “Iranian axis of evil: Hamas, Houthis, and Hezbollah.”
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip, where Israel has killed nearly 39,500 Palestinians and injured more than over 91,000 since last Oct. 7. Situation continues to worsen amid continuing attacks and minimal access to aid.
Israel on Friday claimed to have killed a senior military figure from Islamic Jihad movement in Gaza.
Another eight Palestinians were killed as Israeli fighter jets and drone jets targeted areas in central and southern Gaza.
UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) expressed concern over "frightening increase" in hepatitis A cases in Gaza.
Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas
Watching latest development in a potential cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli media on Friday said hostage exchange negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to resume soon, despite assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh.
"We need to let tempers cool after three days of mourning (by Hamas) over his death, then we will resume contact,” Israeli Broadcasting Corporation quoted unnamed Israeli sources as saying.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank have killed nearly 592 people and injured 5,400 more, with nearly 9,700 taken into custody since last October.
Israeli police on Friday arrested Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher Sheikh Ekrima Sabri for hours for mourning Haniyeh.
Protests against Israeli government
Mounting protests in Israel to pressure government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to either negotiate hostage-prisoner swap deal with Hamas or resign.
Red Sea tension
Continued Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel in Red Sea and US-led coalition airstrikes on group's positions in Yemen.
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan deteriorates as clashes between army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue.
AFRICA
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visits Ethiopia
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Ethiopia where he is set to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie to hold bilateral talks as well as discuss regional issues including Ethiopia-Somalia reconciliation process.
Protests over rising cost of living continue in Nigeria
Protests against economic hardships and food crisis expected to continue in Nigeria, despite government imposing curfew in five states. At least 17 people have been killed in clashes with security personnel since protests began on Thursday. Africa’s most populous nation has seen increase in inflation and depreciating currency.
Burundi’s president continues official visit to Zambia
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye continues three-day official visit to Zambia where he will join counterpart Hakainde Hichilema in officially opening Zambia’s 96th agriculture and commercial show, which is set to attract both local and foreign investors.
EUROPE
National March for Palestine
London protest
Coalition of groups including Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop War to hold national march for ceasefire in Gaza.
Far-right protests planned
Far-right groups plan to hold protests in several cities, including Hull, Liverpool, Cardiff, Manchester, and Belfast, following fatal stabbing of three children in Southport. Social media accounts called for gathering in front of local mosques. Right-wing and fascist social media accounts have fed baseless speculation that stabbing suspect was Muslim immigrant.
EURASIA
EU foreign policy chief to visit Kyrgyzstan
Josep Borrell to hold bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Chingiz Aydarbekov as well as President Sadyr Zhaparov.
Visit will be an important opportunity to confirm, in challenging geopolitical context, EU’s commitment to further developing relations with both countries, as well as with Central Asia.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Philippines’s top diplomat to visit Mongolia
Philippines top diplomat Enrique Manalowill to pay official visit to Mongolia to hold bilateral meetings with counterpart Battsetseg Batmunkh.
Hundreds killed in suspected militant attacks in Pakistan
In last seven months, hundreds of civilians and security personnel have been killed during suspected militant attacks across Pakistan.
SPORTS
PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES
Men's singles bronze medal match and women's singles gold medal match in tennis to be played at Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Men's basketball Group C clashes feature Puerto Rico, USA, Serbia, and South Sudan.
Netherlands to take on Dominican Republic while Japan to play Kenya in women’s volleyball Pool C clash
Canada to take on Serbia in women’s volleyball Pool A
Women’s basketball Group A clashes featuring Puerto Rico, China, Serbia, and Spain.
OPINION - Sde Teiman Prison: Torture of Palestinians continues despite documented crimes
By Raed Mohammed Mahmood Amer
The Israeli occupation has continued to carry out crimes and rights violations against people in the Gaza Strip. No one was spared from these violations, including women, children, and young men.