ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, August 23, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas
Latest in potential cease-fire agreement and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The likelihood of an agreement has decreased due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing insistence on continuing the war in the strip and his determination to maintain control over the Philadelphia Corridor and the Netzarim Crossing, which separates the northern and southern parts of the enclave.
The Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer (8.69-mile) demilitarized buffer zone along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, remains one of the major sticking points in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli media and opposition accuse Netanyahu of hindering the negotiations over a cease-fire and prisoner swap deal.
In response to Netanyahu's effort to derail the negotiations, Hamas and Islamic Jihad emphasized that the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the entire Gaza Strip is a fundamental condition for any agreement with Tel Aviv.
They also confirmed their acceptance of the previous proposal, which was presented by Israel and backed by US President Joe Biden.
On Thursday, an Israeli security delegation arrived in the Egyptian capital Cairo to resume talks on a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange with Palestinian factions, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN.
It said the delegation does not include the heads of the Mossad, David Barnea, or the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, without providing further details.
The US, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas have not issued comments regarding the report.
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed nearly 40,300 Palestinians and injured over 93,100 since last Oct. 7 Hamas incursion. Situation continues to worsen amid continuing attacks and minimal access to aid.
On Thursday, the Israeli army orders new evacuation of large areas in Khan Younis ahead of military action.
At least 22 Palestinians were killed and many others injured in a series of overnight Israeli raids on the town of Beit Lahia, the Jabalia refugee camp, the al-Maghazi refugee camp, and Khan Younis.
Israel-Hezbollah escalation
Continued border clashes between Israel and the 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.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported on Thursday several airstrikes in the border towns of Naqoura, Ayta al-Shaab, Kfarshouba, and Khiyam.
Israeli artillery shelling also targeted Ramiya, Markaba, and Labbouneh in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, said its fighters had targeted with anti-tank shells the Israeli army’s Biranit barracks in northern Israel.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry revealed that at least 564 people have been killed and 1,848 others injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since Oct. 8.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank since last October have killed at least 640 people and injured 5,400 others, with over 10,000 taken into custody.
On Thursday, the Israeli army launched a military operation in the Tulkarem camp, killing three Palestinians in a drone attack on a house.
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.
Military escalation in Mideast
Israel is on high alert for possible military attacks 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.
With no cease-fire deal yet reached after Doha talks which ended on Aug. 16, the prospects for Iran's retaliatory response are looming again.
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.
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - UK conclusions issued
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination publishes its concluding observations on the UK following consideration of its report on Aug. 13-14. The committee questioned UK representatives on issues including the anti-immigration riots and disinformation, immigration laws, and Windrush compensation.
French president meets with presidents of parliamentary groups
France has at least one more week to wait for a new prime minister. French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a meeting with the presidents of parliamentary groups in the National Assembly, and party leaders at the Elysee Palace. Macron postponed the forming of a new government due to the Paris Olympic Games.
US comments on developments in the Middle East amid ongoing cease-fire talks, and the prospect of an Iranian reprisal following an attack in Tehran that killed Hamas’ former political leader late last month.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expected to deliver national address in which he is expected to drop out of the 2024 White House race. Reports have suggested that Kennedy will endorse Republican nominee Donald Trump in a move that could have significant impacts for the campaign landscape. Kennedy is rumored to make a special guest appearance later Friday evening with Trump in Arizona.
Fighting between Russian, Ukrainian troops continue in Kursk region
Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in the Kursk region, where Kyiv launched an incursion on Aug. 5-6. Ukraine claims it has captured over 93 settlements since then, particularly the town of Sudzha. Russian authorities have said 31 people were killed and 143 injured, and over 133,000 evacuated since the start of Kyiv’s incursion. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the objective of the operation as the “establishment of a buffer zone.” Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the incursion as a "terrorist attack."
Indian premier to conduct landmark visit to Ukraine
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct an official visit to Ukraine's capital Kyiv. Modi's arrival will mark the first visit by an Indian premier to Ukraine, during which he said he will "share perspectives on the peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict." He also said his trip to Kyiv will be an "opportunity to build on the earlier discussions with him and deepening the India-Ukraine friendship."
US Special Coordinator Helaina Matza continues Africa trip
Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Helaina Matza to continue her week-long visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. The visit which started on Aug. 21 - 28 is aimed to advance ongoing US-led investments.
Suspects arrested at illegal multi-million drug lab expected to appear in court
Two people arrested in Johannesburg Thursday during a police raid on an illegal laboratory are expected to appear in court. Police confiscated narcotic drugs and manufacturing equipment valued at 80 million rand ($4.4 million). Abuse of cheaply available illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, inhalants and sedatives is high in South Africa.
Monitoring mpox situation in Africa
African countries are still waiting for vaccines for mpox virus which continues to spread across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo where more than 1,000 new cases were recorded in in just a week.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations in Japan
Pro-Palestine demonstrations are expected to be held in Japan to demand cease-fire in Gaza.
Taiwan’s president visits frontline islands
Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te makes first visit to sensitive Kinmen islands that sit next to the Chinese coast and have been the scene of stepped-up tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
Brazil’s top diplomat makes 1st visit to the Philippines in 80 years
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira makes first visit to the Philippines in 80 years.
Top diplomats of Indonesia, China meet in Beijing
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi meets her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and co-chairs the 5th Meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between China and Indonesia in Beijing.
THE ECONOMY
Company establishment in Türkiye
Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye to share newly established or liquidated firms’ data for July.
Foreigner arrivals in Türkiye
The Culture and Tourism Ministry to share number of foreign tourists visiting Türkiye for July.
SPECIAL REPORTS
500 days of war: World Food Program urges more global attention to prevent famine spread in Sudan
By Rabia Ali
Istanbul - Interview with Leni Kinzli, the head of communications at World Food Program Sudan, about the famine and “ignored” humanitarian crisis in the country.
Kinzli gives details of the current situation in Sudan, highlighting that the country is experiencing the “first famine confirmed worldwide since 2017,” with several more areas facing “high levels of food insecurity” and at direct risk of famine.
She shares the latest data and figures on the food crisis, such as 8.5 million people facing emergency levels of hunger, which is just one step below famine, and narrates reports of “people eating leaves and grass” to survive.
Kinzli stresses that the only way to prevent famine from spreading is for the international community to be “paying more attention to Sudan.”
American doctor back from Gaza narrates horrors of Israel’s war
By Michael Hernandez
Washington - Interview with Dr. Ahmad Yousaf, an American pediatrician who has recently returned from Gaza.
The interview focuses on his experiences in Gaza during a medical mission with MedGlobal, where he treated scores of children wounded in Israel’s ongoing assault.
Yousaf also speaks about the devastation of Gaza’s healthcare system, the effects of the crippling Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid, and the need for greater international action, particularly from the US, to put an end to Israel’s war.
Modi’s visit: What do India and Ukraine hope to gain?
By Riyaz ul Khaliq
Istanbul - Report about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine, which marks the first time an Indian premier is ever traveling to the country and comes just weeks after he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
The story includes interviews with Lucian Kim and Praveen Donthi, International Crisis Group’s senior analysts for Ukraine and India, who lay out various reasons for Modi’s decision to visit Kyiv and what each side is hoping to gain from the trip.
The experts share their views on the significance of the trip and outline the potential objectives for both countries, such as “better optics” for India and “a small victory” in Ukraine’s bid to woo support from non-European countries.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Dr. Ahmad Yousaf, an American pediatrician who has recently returned from Gaza, about his experiences on the ground, the toll of Israel’s war on Palestinian children, and how the enclave’s healthcare system has been devastated by the ongoing assault and the crippling Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid.