ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
- Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new administration following the overthrow of the Baath regime.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia dispatched its first aid plane to Damascus as part of a relief airlift to the country.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani received a phone call from his Omani counterpart, Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi, to discuss Syria’s rebuilding efforts and bilateral cooperation.
More Arab and international officials' political and diplomatic visits in Damascus and their meetings with Syrian officials.
- Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
Israel continues its relentless genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, disregarding international calls to end hostilities and address the severe hardships endured by millions under constant attacks and a devastating blockade amid heavy rainstorms.
On Wednesday, at least eight Palestinians were killed, including two women and children, in Israeli attacks on Gaza City and the Bureij refugee camp.
The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to over 45,550, with nearly 108,400 others injured.
- Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip
The ongoing Israeli military operations, displacement, and blockade in northern Gaza which resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians trapped in the areas since Oct. 5 and claimed the lives of more than 4,800 people.
On Wednesday, at least 15 people were killed and several others were injured, including children, in an airstrike on a house in the northern town of Jabalia.
- Israeli ministers meet to discuss post-war Gaza
Statements from Israeli ministers who are set to meet on Thursday to explore Gaza's post-war governance and alternatives to Hamas, as negotiations over a cease-fire remain stalled.
According to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Defense Minister Israel Katz will hold a meeting with other ministers to address “the day after the war and potential alternatives to Hamas rule in Gaza.”
- Gaza cease-fire talks
Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli media claimed late Tuesday that Hamas has proposed a week-long cease-fire during which it would provide a list of Israeli captives.
According to the report, Hamas would provide the list of captives on the fourth day of the cease-fire, as requested by Israel, after which Israeli authorities would decide whether to extend the truce or resume hostilities.
The movement has not yet commented on the report.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Arab mediators, said that the indirect negotiations have reached an impasse, making a resolution unlikely before US President Joe Biden’s term concludes.
- Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Over one month 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 Wednesday, Israeli drones flew over Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, and the southern city of Tyre, constituting two new violations of the cease-fire agreement in place since the beginning of the new year, 2025.
These incidents bring the total number of Israeli violations since the truce began 36 days ago to 338, according to Anadolu count and data from Lebanon’s state news agency.
Since the cease-fire was declared on Nov. 27, the Israeli army has committed at least 330 violations, resulting in 33 deaths and 37 injuries, according to Lebanese authorities.
- 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.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces conducted raids across several towns and villages in Ramallah and Al-Bireh, detaining two young men in the town of Idhna, west of Hebron.
Simultaneously, hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli police, stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Witnesses reported that the settlers performed religious rituals and engaged in provocative tours within the sacred site.
Israel has killed at least 835 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,100 taken into custody.
- Red Sea tensions and Houthi-Israel attacks
Israel, its US-UK allies, and Yemen's Houthi group intensified their attacks on each other's positions. The Houthis increased their attacks on Israeli military targets, as well as cargo ships associated with Tel Aviv in the Red Sea.
On Wednesday, the group claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone over Marib province in central Yemen.
EU Artificial Intelligence Act comes into force
Under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, a ban on AI systems that pose an unacceptable risk comes into force from today, the first major prohibition under the Act. While the full details have yet to be published, companies will be banned from bringing to market AI systems that can subliminally influence or purposely manipulate people, systems that create or expand facial recognition databased through untargeted scraping, and those that aim to materially distort behavior of vulnerable groups. Further provisions are due to come into force on August 2, 2025 and August 2, 2026.
Turkish foreign minister's meeting with Belgian counterpart
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to meet with his Belgian counterpart Bernard Quintin in the capital Ankara.
Developments after New Orleans attack, Las Vegas explosion
Developments following the pickup truck attack in New Orleans that killed at least 15 and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. President Joe Biden said authorities are investigating potential connections between the two incidents.
UN Security Council - Algeria briefs on presidency during January
Ambassador Amar Bendjama to hold a press conference to discuss Algeria's presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of January.
South Korean President Yoon imminent arrest
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing imminent arrest while his senior aides are expected to resign. The resignations may come as acting President Choi Sang-mok appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court which is hearing impeachment motion against Yoon.
Probe into air crash continues in South Korea
Probe into air crash continues in South Korea as authorities decided to send damaged flight data recorder from crashed Jeju Air flight to the US for analysis. All 179 victims of the deadly crash have been identified.
Pakistan ruling alliance to commence negotiations with opposition
Representatives from Pakistan’s ruling alliance to meet main opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party leaders to find ways for ending political deadlock in the South Asian Country. Opposition to submit its demand before the government committee as its demands included release of under trial political prisoners including former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold News conference in Beijing.
Southern African regional bloc to announce plans to restore peace in Mozambique
The Southern African regional bloc SADC is expected to announce mediation plans to end weeks of violent protests in Mozambique that have led to the deaths of 278 people.
The main opposition Pedoms party started protesting alleged fraud in presidential elections in late October after the electoral body declared Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of election with 71% of the vote defeating Venancio Mondlane who got 20%.
Refugees from Mozambique flock to neighboring Southern African states
Countries neighboring Mozambique are expected to give updates on the number of Mozambicans who entered their countries to seek refuge. Last week, Malawian migration officials said 3,000 Mozambicans fleeing post-election violence had sought refuge in the country. Neighboring Eswatini said it had recorded 900 Mozambican refugees.
SPORTS
Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 19 (Basketball)
ALBA Berlin vs. AS Monaco
Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Olympiacos
THE ECONOMY
US jobless claims
The US will release initial weekly jobless claims figures. It rose by 219,000 at the previous week and a similar figure is expected for the last week.
SPECIAL REPORTS
EXPLAINER - Wolves in Europe: Why EU suddenly favor culls over protective measures?
The story discusses the EU's decision to ease wolf protection rules, drawing criticism from conservationists over biodiversity risks while farmers highlight growing livestock challenges.
While environmental groups like WWF criticize the lack of updated scientific data, pointing out wolves’ crucial role in ecosystems and the minimal livestock impact, rural advocates and farmers highlight growing challenges in protecting livestock, particularly in mountainous regions.
Conservationists urge coexistence measures, such as electric fencing and guard dogs, to prevent a rollback of years of successful conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to wait for updated data in 2025 before making drastic changes.
Türkiye’s gaming ecosystem emerges as new powerhouse in global industry
The story discusses Türkiye’s rapid rise in the global gaming industry, as the country is solidifying its position as Europe’s second-largest gaming hub and a global leader in mobile game development.
The growth is driven by high-profile acquisitions such as Peak Games by Zynga, robust investments, and the dominance of mobile gaming with 44 million players.
Industry leaders highlight the country’s strategic location, cultural adaptability, and young talent pool as key growth drivers, projecting the gaming market to exceed $2 billion by 2025.