ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
Israel’s genocidal war continues unabated against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, despite calls by the international community to halt it and save millions of Palestinians facing the threat of daily attacks and crippling siege conditions.
At least 23 Palestinians were killed on Friday when the Israeli army targeted homes in the northern and southern Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army's demolition of homes, buildings, and residential squares continues in numerous areas across Gaza, pushing people out of their land, homes, and shelters.
Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip
Israel's two-month siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.
On Friday, the Israeli army raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital, after heavily strikes on surrounding areas, and forcibly evacuated the patients and medical staff. The army also detained several people from inside the hospital.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said hospitals in northern Gaza are facing relentless attacks and crippling shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and blood.
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Day 11 of cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.
The Israeli army claimed on Friday that it had carried out airstrikes on targets near border crossings between Syria and Lebanon. It said the attack targeted Unit 4400, a Hezbollah armament unit accused of transporting weapons intended for attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.
According to an Anadolu tally sourced from Lebanon's official news agency, the Israeli army violated the cease-fire agreement with Lebanon eight times on Thursday, bringing the total number of breaches since the deal went into effect to nearly 150.
Israel’s reaction to ongoing developments in Syria
Israel is closely following the rapidly developing situation in Syria as anti-regime and opposition forces continue to make advances.
The Israeli army announced on Friday that it has reinforced its forces in Syria’s occupied Golan Heights in response to ongoing developments.
The army also announced on Friday the start of military exercises in the southern Golan Heights and northern Jordan Valley.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Hamas and Israel, as indirect talks resumed.
On the talks, Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli defense minister, said on Friday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not interested in a comprehensive cease-fire agreement to end the war in Gaza, which has killed some 45,000 people.
On Thursday, Israeli Channel 12 reported that Egypt has floated a new Gaza cease-fire proposal that includes a cessation of fighting for 45-60 days and opening the Rafah border crossing.
The proposal also includes a gradual release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and an increase in the number of aid trucks into Gaza to some 350 per day. However, the Egyptian proposal has not been officially announced.
West Bank raids
Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settlers' violence against Palestinians and their properties.
Illegal Israeli settlers on Friday carried out a series of attacks against Palestinians and their properties across multiple West Bank areas, according to official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Israel has killed at least 804 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 11,800 taken into custody.
Latest in fighting between armed opposition groups and regime forces in Syria
Developments in Syria, including the Syrian opposition's taking control of Daraa from regime forces, ongoing fighting in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces under the control of armed groups opposing the regime, and the opposition Syrian National Army's Operation Dawn of Freedom liberating the Tel Rifaat district center from terrorist PKK/YPG forces.
Doha forum
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to take part in 22nd Doha Forum, hold meetings.
Notre Dame reopening in Paris, with President Macron and US’ Donald Trump to attend
Iconic cathedral to reopen some 4 1/2 years after April 15, 2019 fire. Reopening ceremony to be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, representatives of Paris parishes, and other invited officials. Representing the British king, Prince William is also expected to attend, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen representing the EU.
Political developments in Paris following resignation of Barnier government
Political developments in motion following the collapse of French government led by Michel Barnier after a motion of no-confidence passed parliament on Wednesday. The motion came after Barnier bypassed parliament to legislate his now-defunct budget. President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said he would nominate a new prime minister within days.
Lawmakers vote to oust South Korean President Yoon over martial law
South Korean lawmakers are set to vote in an impeachment motion to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law. Yoon, however, issued apology for causing public anxiety and said his fate would be decided by his party as the six-party opposition bloc needs the support of at least 200 lawmakers to oust him. It remains to be seen whether anyone from the ruling People Power Party joins 192 opposition lawmakers to fill the required numbers. The police are also probing Yoon over alleged treason and insurrection for imposing martial law. Interestingly, North Korea has maintained silence over developments in Seoul.
Monitoring developments in Taiwan Strait
Monitoring developments in Taiwan Strait after island’s President William Lai Ching-te returned home after his first overseas trip. Taipei has expressed concern Beijing may launch Joint Sword-2024C military exercise around Taiwan to express anger over Lai’s trip to three of Taipei’s diplomatic allies.
Operations to rescue trapped miners continues in South Africa
Operations to bring to surface hundreds of trapped illegal miners expected to continue at two abandoned gold mines in South Africa’s northwest and the northeast Mpumalanga province. Hundreds of illegal miners who have been hiding for nearly three weeks at Stilfontein gold mine in the northwest fearing arrest have finally asked authorities to help them come out. Several dead bodies of miners have also been pulled out. Rescue workers brought out 60 illegal miners at the Sabie mine in Mpumalanga on Friday and 80 others remain trapped. Illegal mining is common in South Africa, where unemployed nationals and foreigners from neighboring countries risk their lives to enter disused mines seeking gold and other minerals.
Protests against Mozambique’s election results expected to continue
Protests disputing Mozambique’s Oct. 9 presidential election results expected to continue across major cities. Thousands of people have been protesting the election results that gave the ruling party candidate a win extending the party’s rule to more than a half-century. Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) got a commanding 71% of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos opposition party, who got just 20%. Mondlane rejected the results, alleging widespread vote-rigging, and called for protests. At least 70 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since the start of protests.
Mali issues arrest warrant for Barrick CEO
Authorities in Mali have issued an arrest warrant for Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow and Abbas Coulibaly, who heads Barrick’s Loulo-Gounkoto gold mines.
Malian authorities and Barrick Gold have been battling over a tax dispute in the West African country.
SPORTS
Week 15 of English Premier League (Football)
Everton vs. Liverpool
Manchester Utd vs. Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
Week 16 of Spanish LaLiga (Football)
Girona vs. Real Madrid
Real Betis vs. Barcelona