ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
MIDDLE EAST
Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas
Latest in potential cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The new round of talks in Doha concluded with a joint statement by the three mediators - Qatar, Egypt, the US - affirming that talks were serious, constructive, and held in positive atmosphere.
A joint statement by the three mediators presented "a proposal that narrows the gaps" between the warring parties, and is consistent with the principles set out by US President Joe Biden on May 31.
The Israeli negotiating team will depart for Cairo on Sunday to continue discussions on the potential deal, the Israeli Channel 12 reported Friday.
US Secretary of State Blinken to visit Israel
According to US news portal Axios, Israeli officials said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will land in Israel on Sunday, and will meet Israel’s Netanyahu on Monday. Blinken is also expected to travel to Cairo and Doha.
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 40,100 Palestinians and injured more than 92,500 since Oct. 7 Hamas incursion. Situation continues to worsen amid continuing attacks and minimal access to aid.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on Saturday that Israel has reduced the so-called "humanitarian zone" in Gaza to just 11% of the territory, causing widespread panic and fear among displaced people.
On Saturday and Friday, the Israeli military ordered immediate evacuation of residents in central and southern Gaza Strip.
Separately, UNRWA Communications Officer Louise Wateridge stated on X: "Once again new evacuation orders: many of the thousands of families affected only recently arrived in the area, after other displacement orders in Khan Younis.”
Military escalation in Mideast
Israel is on high alert for possible military attack from Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and Iranian-backed armed militias in Iraq and Syria, following last month’s assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
International reports suggest that Iran might delay its response to the assassination of Haniyeh if an agreement between the two sides is reached in the light of the new round of negotiations in Qatar.
With no cease-fire deal yet reached after Doha talks, the prospects for Iran's retaliatory response are looming again.
Israel-Hezbollah escalation
Continued border clashes between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah amid fears of full-blown war following Tel Aviv’s July 30 assassination of senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank since last October have killed at least 633 people and injured 5,400 others, with over 10,000 taken into custody.
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 tensions
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 continues to deteriorate amid clashes between army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
EURASIA
Russian President Putin to visit Azerbaijan
Russian President Vladimir Putin to pay a state visit to Azerbaijan. During the talks in the capital Baku, the parties will discuss matters pertaining to further advancement of the Russian-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and alliance, as well as current international and regional issues.
Russia, Mongolia to hold joint military drill
Russia and Mongolia will hold military exercises "Selenga" dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the victory over Japan on the Khalkhin Gol River near the Mongolian city of Dorndod.
ASIA-PASIFIC
Vietnam's leader to arrive in China for 3-day official visit
Vietnam’s top leader To Lam is expected to arrive on his three-day visit to China on Sunday. This is his first international trip since being appointed general secretary of the ruling Communist Party earlier in August.
New Thai premier likely to receive royal assent
Pheu Thai Party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra is likely to receive assent from Thailand’s monarchy after being elected as 31st prime minister of the Southeast Asian nation.
Afghanistan to celebrate independence day
Afghan Taliban administration has declared Sunday, Aug. 18, as a public holiday in Afghanistan, marking the country’s Independence Day.
The Labor Ministry said this day will commemorate the 105th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from British colonial rule and will be observed as a public holiday across the nation.
Fiji prime minister to meet Chinese leaders
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka arrived in Beijing on Saturday for an official visit to China. He is expected to meet President Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang.
AFRICA
Nigerian police launch search for kidnapped students
Police in Nigeria to launch operation to rescue several medical students kidnapped on Thursday. Authorities expected to brief the media on the operation.
SPORTS
Defending English champions Manchester City to visit London’s Chelsea in Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.