Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
TÜRKİYE
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz to attend funeral of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, Turkish American activist killed by Israel in occupied West Bank last week, in Türkiye’s Aydin province.
President Erdogan’s meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina leader
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet with Denis Becirovic, chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for talks in Istanbul.
MENA
Israeli onslaught on Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza, where Israel has killed over 41,100 Palestinians and injured more than 95,100 since Oct. 7 incursion by Palestinian group Hamas. Situation is deteriorating as Israeli attacks continue and aid grows more scarce in besieged enclave.
Seven Palestinians, including two children, were killed early Friday in Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling on homes in Gaza Strip, as Israeli army continues destruction of residential buildings in territory.
Israeli army on Friday claimed that it had "dismantled" Hamas brigades in Rafah, and also claimed to have destroyed 13 kilometers (8 miles) of underground tunnels in Rafah. There was no response from Hamas to these claims.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in occupied West Bank since last October have killed more than 700 people and injured 5,700 others, with over 10,400 taken into custody.
The Israeli army on Friday raided several areas across occupied West Bank and arrested at least six Palestinians.
Israeli forces also blocked Palestinians from reaching Mount Sbeih near town of Beita, near city of Nablus, to perform Friday prayers. Area is threatened by illegal Israeli settlers expropriating it for nearby settlements.
On Friday, local media quoted senior Israeli security officials warning an intensification of military offensive in occupied West Bank could result in a serious security situation within Israel, and voicing fear of hundreds of casualties.
Cease-fire talks between Israel, Hamas
Latest on Israel-Hamas talks on possible cease-fire in Gaza and hostage swap.
No breakthrough in negotiations expected as Israel continues to delay progress, obstructing talks by introducing new conditions.
US recently accused Hamas of “changing some of its conditions” on possible deal. Hamas denied these claims, asserting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the one adding new conditions.
Hamas on Wednesday reaffirmed its readiness to implement immediate cease-fire in Gaza Strip based on plan presented by US President Joe Biden earlier this year.
The group reiterated its refusal to add any new conditions to Biden’s proposal.
Protests against Israeli government
Mounting protests in Israel to put pressure on government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to either negotiate hostage-prisoner swap deal with Hamas or resign.
On Friday, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza blocked streets in Tel Aviv, demanding hostage exchange deal for release of their loved ones.
According to Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, families closed two streets and Namir Road in Tel Aviv during protests, urging government to negotiate hostage exchange deal.
Hezbollah-Israel escalation
Continued border clashes between Israel and Lebanese group Hezbollah.
Official Lebanese National News Agency reported several Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon including strikes on towns of Kfarchouba, Majdal Zoun, Jebbine, and Naqoura.
On Friday, Hezbollah said in a statement that it targeted with drones Israel’s Filon base, headquarters of 210th Division, and its storage facilities in northern Israel.
Earlier, Hezbollah reported that its fighters targeted Israeli military positions along border, including Marj, Bayad Blida, and Zebdine barracks in occupied Shebaa Farms, using rocket weaponry.
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.
Deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Sudan
Humanitarian and security situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate amid clashes between army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
EUROPE
NATO meeting in Czech Republic
NATO defense chiefs to meet in Prague to discuss military strategic developments within alliance. Czech President Petr Pavel and Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Karel Rehka to deliver speeches at meeting.
EURASIA
BRICS Media Summit starts in Moscow
Day one of BRICS Media Summit in Moscow. Panel sessions at summit to include discussions of role of BRICS media community in bolstering stability in multipolar world, as well as technological aspects of information interaction between BRICS countries.
Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops continue in Kursk, Donetsk
Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in border region of Kursk, where Kyiv began incursion last month, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues claiming advances on multiple fronts. Eurasia desk will follow ongoing developments in both conflict areas based on official and media reports.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Ordeal of Rohingya on hunger strike in India
Dozens of displaced Rohingya community members on hunger strike in detention center in India seeking release and transfer to third nation.
Southeast Asia nations ravaged by rains, floods
Heavy rains and floods have ravaged Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Philippines in Southeast Asia. Hundreds have died and hundreds of others injured.
Chinese security conference
High-level Beijing Xiangshan Forum security conference concluding in Beijing after three days of deliberations. Over 700 participants from more than 100 countries attended security summit addressed by Defense Minister Dong Jun, who called for peace and negotiations to end wars in both Gaza and Ukraine.
Japan expects dangerous storm
Japan is bracing for Typhoon No. 13, a powerful and dangerous storm which is expected to hit southern Okinawa and Amami regions over weekend. Meteorological agency has urged people to avoid unnecessary outings.
AFRICA
Devastating floods wreak havoc in northeastern Nigeria
Emergency responders continue to search for people trapped following floods in northeastern city of Maiduguri. At least 37 people have been confirmed dead and around 400,000 others displaced. UN resident coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Malick Fall to hold media briefing.
South Africa’s top diplomat continues working visit to US
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola continues his week-long working visit to US amid reports that Israeli diplomats are lobbying members of Congress to pressure South Africa into dropping its genocide case against Tel Aviv at International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Senior officials from Alliance of Sahel states meet in Mali
Senior diplomats of military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to meet in Mali’s capital Bamako ahead of Monday’s foreign ministers meeting. Trio of states, which recently broke away from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, announced new confederation of three Sahel states.
SPORTS
European football excitement set to continue this weekend with matches in five top leagues of Europe: English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, and French Ligue 1.
La Liga: Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid at Anoeta Stadium
Premier League: Manchester City vs. Brentford at Etihad Stadium, Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest at Anfield stadium
Bundesliga: Holstein Kiel vs Bayern Munich at Holstein-Stadion