Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing / breaking stories):
61 years of Syria’s Baath regime come to an end
Sixty-one years of Baath Party rule in Syria, which began in 1963 with a coup, have ended as opposition forces seized control of the capital Damascus. The collapse marks a dramatic turn in a civil war that erupted in 2011 after the regime violently suppressed pro-democracy protests. The Arab Socialist Baath Party came to power through a coup in March 1963. In 1970, Hafez al-Assad, the father of Syria’s most recent ruler Bashar al-Assad, consolidated power through an internal party coup and assumed the presidency in 1971. Bashar al-Assad succeeded his father after his death in 2000, continuing Baath Party rule. Amid rumors that Assad fled Damascus by plane for the city of Homs, his current fate and whereabouts are unclear.
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 33 Palestinians were killed on Saturday when the Israeli army targeted the northern, central, 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 continues, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Day 12 of cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.
Five people were killed and five injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the town of Beit Lif in southern Lebanon on Saturday evening.
The Israeli army also demolished houses and buildings in the town of Khiam, resulting in massive explosions and plumes of smoke, according to the official Lebanese news agency.
According to an Anadolu tally sourced from Lebanon's official news agency, the Israeli army violated the cease-fire agreement with Lebanon three times on Saturday, bringing the total number of breaches since the deal went into effect to some 158.
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 Saturday that it had decided to deploy additional forces along its border with Syria in response to advances made by anti-regime groups in Syria's civil war.
Separately, the army announced the conclusion of a combined ground and air military exercise in the occupied northern Jordan Valley and the southern sector of the Syrian Golan Heights.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Hamas and Israel, as indirect talks resumed.
Qatar has recommitted to its role in mediating the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, as announced by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the opening of the 22nd Doha Forum on Saturday.
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.
A Palestinian was killed on Saturday by Israeli army fire near the Qalandia checkpoint north of occupied Jerusalem, with Israeli forces alleging the person "set off fireworks” at their troops near the checkpoint.
Israel has killed at least 808 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.
Political developments after Romania’s presidential election runoff scuttled
A runoff had been scheduled today following the Nov. 24 first round of Romania's presidential election. Far-right populist Calin Georgescu had been set to face liberal Elena Lasconi. On Friday the runoff was canceled by the country's Constitutional Court, which annulled the entire electoral process and ordered a rerun of the election; no new date has been set.
South Korea political crisis grows after failure of 1st impeachment motion
The political crisis in South Korea grew after the first impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to pass in parliament due to the lack of a quorum. The motion needed 200 lawmakers' support, but only 195 voted. The opposition parties are expected to file another impeachment motion.
Indian defense minister starting visit to Russia
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is embarking on a three-day trip to Russia on Sunday to witness the commissioning of a stealth warship into the Indian Navy and hold talks with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the expansion of bilateral co-production of military hardware.
Vietnam's top diplomat starts visit to China
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son embarking on Sunday for three-day visit to China. During his stay in Beijing, he will co-chair 16th meeting of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, along with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
SPORTS
Week 15 of English Premier League (Football)
Tottenham vs. Chelsea
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula 1)
Round 24 of the 2024 season to be held at Yas Marina Circuit