ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Developments in Syria after Assad regime collapse
Recent developments and updates in Syria after the appointment of Mohamed Al-Bashir as head of the transitional government and his assumption of power following the overthrow of the Baathist regime of Bashar Assad.
Russia said it has established contacts with the new authorities in Syria.
Israel’s actions following Assad's downfall in Syria
Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in neighboring Syria.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israeli army on Friday to remain stationed in the buffer zone on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon during the winter months following its occupation of the area on Dec. 8.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
Israel continues to wage unabated genocidal war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, defying calls by the international community to cease hostilities and alleviate dire conditions faced by millions under daily attacks and a crippling siege.
The Gaza-based Government Media Office said on Friday that the death toll from an Israeli overnight airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip has risen to 40, with 84 others injured and missing.
In separate incidents, 14 more Palestinians were killed and several others injured on Friday in several Israeli airstrikes targeting various areas of the Gaza Strip.
In a related topic, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to assume control of the territory.
Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip
The escalated Israeli siege, incursion, and bombardment of northern Gaza Strip continues into its third month, exacerbating shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine and leaving most of the population on the verge of famine.
The Israeli army blocked a UN convoy carrying fuel and medical supplies meant to support the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza amid ongoing hostilities, according to the hospital's director.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is in the Middle East to push forward Gaza cease-fire efforts. His schedule includes visits to Israel, Egypt and Qatar.
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Day 17 of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.
On Friday, the Israeli army committed more violations of the Israel-Lebanon cease-fire including an Israeli drone raid on the Tebna area near Al-Baisariyeh in southern Lebanon.
According to an Anadolu tally based on information from the Lebanese Ministry of Health and news agency reports, the total number of Israeli violations reached more than 215 that left 29 people dead and 32 others injuries since the cease-fire took effect on Nov. 27.
West Bank raids
Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.
Another Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces on Friday in the southern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
A ministry statement said that Mohammad Ahmad Suleiman, 32, shot by Israeli forces in the town of Beit Awwa, was taken to Dura Governmental Hospital south of Hebron.
Israel has killed at least 812 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,000 taken into custody.
Deteriorating security situation in Sudan
The dire security situation continues in the North African nation amid intensified clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Sudanese authorities on Friday said nine people were killed and 20 others injured in a drone attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that targeted a hospital in the Al-Fashir city in northern Darfur in western Sudan.
Russia’s reaction to developments in Syria
Statements and media reports from Moscow concerning the Russian perspective on ongoing developments in Syria and the fate of Russia's military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim will be followed.
Russia has said that the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority. Moscow announced it has established contacts with the new authorities in Syria, during which both sides, first and foremost, touched on ensuring the security of Russia’s diplomatic mission and its citizens in the country.
Presidential election to be held in Georgia
Georgia to hold a presidential election amid rising domestic tensions between the government and opposition, including incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili. The election will be the first during which the president is elected through a 300-member electoral college rather than a direct vote. Lawmaker and former football player Mikheil Kavelashvili, who was nominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party, stands as the sole candidate.
South Korean lawmakers to hold 2nd vote to impeach President Yoon
South Korean lawmakers are set to vote for a second time on an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol over the short-lived martial law. Support of 200, or more, lawmakers are needed to pass the bill to impeach Yoon, who has defended his move to impose martial law which was lifted within six hours on the night of Dec. 3. It remains to be seen whether ruling party lawmakers join the opposition bloc’s motion to move against Yoon, whose term normally ends in 2027.
Japan hosts top diplomats from Caribbean
Tokyo is hosting foreign ministers and other senior officials from the Caribbean Community for eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference.
Volcano eruption displaces thousands in Philippines
The Philippines government is struggling to move people to safer places after a volcano eruption displaced thousands of them. The volcano on Mt. Kanlaon in central island of Negros has displaced over 45,000 people and government is preparing to make arrangements for around 84,000 individuals.
Timor-Leste president visits Bangladesh
Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta to visit Bangladesh. During his 4-day trip, he will attend Victory Day celebrations as well as hold talks with head of the interim government Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.
Kyrgyzstan’s foreign minister in India
Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich to hold talks with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi. Moldokanovich is on his three-day visit to India.
South Sudan battles cholera outbreak as death toll rises
Health officials in South Sudan are battling an outbreak of cholera which has killed 60 people and infected 6,000 others. South Sudan and UN agencies Wednesday launched mass vaccinations in response to the outbreak. The country with nearly 2 million displaced people is currently facing an influx of both refugees and returning citizens fleeing the conflict in neighboring Sudan which has exacerbated the humanitarian and health situation.
Turkish foreign minister to attend meeting on Syria in Jordan
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a high-level ministerial meeting of Arab and international leaders to be held in Jordan on developments in Syria following the fall of Assad’s regime.
Several African countries brace for Cyclone Chido
Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall in parts of Eastern Africa where it could leave a trail of destruction. About 2.7 million people in six countries in the region including Mozambique, Malawi, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles are projected to be affected by the cyclone. Last year, Cyclone Freddy hit Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar, killing hundreds of people and causing huge infrastructural damage.
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French Ligue 1 (football)
Olympique Marseille vs Lille