ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during fighting in Gaza
Reactions as Palestinian resistance group Hamas confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the head of the movement’s political bureau, in clashes with Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya praised Sinwar as a “hero who fought the Israeli forces until his last breath.”
He said Israeli captives “will not be released until the complete cessation of Israeli aggression in Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.”
Israeli forces continue to carry out genocidal attacks on Gaza
More than a year after Israel launched its genocidal attacks on Gaza, the besieged enclave is still being attacked, with more people killed and infrastructure and buildings destroyed.
Gaza civil defense said about 200,000 residents in northern Gaza, particularly in Jabalia, are facing critical shortages of food, water, and medicine as Israel’s ground offensive continues for the 14th consecutive day.
Israeli attacks killed at least 29 more Palestinians in the latest attacks on the Gaza Strip, bringing the overall death toll to 42,500 since last year, with over 99,500 others injured, according to the Health Ministry in the enclave.
Israeli aggression against Lebanon
Israel continues to pound Lebanon with relentless airstrikes amid border clashes between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.
At least five people were killed and several others injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes that targeted the town of Jwaya in Tyre district.
The Israeli army also issued more warnings to residents of 23 villages in southern Lebanon, ordering them to evacuate their homes and move north of the Awali River.
For its part, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a major missile barrage targeting the Zevulun settlement near Haifa in northern Israel.
The group also said its fighters targeted Israeli soldiers with a drone swarm in Safed area, northern Israel, leading to casualties.
Gaza cease-fire talks may resume
Following the death of Hamas leader Sinwar, Israeli media claimed the Israeli government is considering to resume talks aimed at reaching a prisoner swap and cease-fire deal with Hamas.
Through mediation by Egypt and Qatar, and with support from the US, Israel and Hamas had been engaged in indirect negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage exchange for several months. The talks, however, are said to be suspended for a few weeks.
Potential Israeli military response to Iran’s missile attack
Iran is on high alert in anticipation of an Israeli military response to its Oct. 1 missile attack in retaliation for the recent assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.
Israel says Iran would "pay" for the attacks.
West Bank raids
Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have killed at least 757 people since October of last year, including 160 children, and injured over 6,250 others, with over 11,200 taken into custody.
Red Sea tensions
Red Sea tensions and the possible exchange of attacks between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi group.
Continued Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel in the Red Sea and US-led coalition airstrikes on the group's positions in Yemen.
The Houthi group on Friday mourned the death of Hamas leader Sinwar, stressing that "Gaza and the Palestinian cause are destined for victory, no matter how great the sacrifices.”
Turkish president to meet German leader
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Istanbul and hold a joint press conference.
Turkish foreign minister to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul.
Kyrgyz prime minister to visit Russia
Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Zhaparov to visit Russia to take part in a joint meeting of governments of both countries.
Zhaparov plans to meet his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, and discuss development of economic cooperation and humanitarian ties.
Fighting between Russian, Ukrainian troops continues in Kursk, Donetsk
Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in the border region of Kursk, where Kyiv began an incursion last month, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues claiming advances on multiple fronts.
Pakistan government to propose controversial constitutional amendments
Pakistan's ruling alliance is expected to move controversial constitutional amendments in parliament to bring changes in the appointment of judges, among other issues.
British foreign secretary to meet Chinese leaders
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, on a two-day trip to China, is expected to meet Chinese leaders.
Kenya’s deputy president-elect to take oath of office
Kithure Kindiki, who was unanimously approved by Kenyan parliament as new deputy president, to be sworn at a ceremony in capital Nairobi despite court orders barring the process. He will replace former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached.
South African president to deliver eulogy at funeral of a former anti-apartheid leader
President Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver the eulogy at special official funeral of former anti-apartheid leader and influential economic policy maker Tito Mboweni, who died last week aged 65.
SPORTS
Defending German champions Bayer Leverkusen to host Eintracht Frankfurt
Reigning German Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen to host Eintracht Frankfurt in a week seven game in the German Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt sit at the third spot with 13 points, while fifth-place Leverkusen have 11 points.
Bournemouth to host Arsenal in Premier League
Bournemouth to host Arsenal in English Premier League week eight game at Vitality Stadium. Arsenal lay at the third spot with 17 points, while Bournemouth are at the 13th with eight points.
Juventus to host Lazio in Serie A
Juventus to host Lazio in Italian Serie A week eight clash. Juventus are third to be just ahead of Lazio with goal difference, both with 13 points.
Razgatlioglu to race for 2024 WorldSBK championship
First race of the 12th and final round of the 2024 Superbike World Championship to be held in Spain, where Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlioglu is competing. If Toprak completes the race in the top three, he will declare his championship.
SPECIAL REPORT
As Prabowo Subianto takes the reigns, what next for Indonesia?
By Riyaz ul Khaliq
Istanbul – Report on the presidential transition in Indonesia as Prabowo Subianto takes over from Joko Widodo, who led the Southeast Asian nation for a decade since 2014.
The story focuses on the challenges and significance of Prabowo’s presidential term and how Indonesia, a major regional player, could navigate growing geopolitical rivalries in the wider Asia-Pacific.
It include interviews with Effendi Gazali, a senior researcher on politics and communication in Indonesia; Mardani Ali Sera, spokesperson for the Prosperous Justice Party; and Jakarta-based entrepreneur Franka Soeria.