Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, March 16, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

PALESTINE

Gaza City - Much of the Gaza Strip's population remains on the verge of starvation due to a crippling blockade in the besieged enclave, where relentless Israeli attacks have killed over 31,400 people and injured more than 73,000 others, while efforts are underway to send aid via a new sea route to the Palestinians in the territory.

The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip said Friday that Israel committed five massacres at aid distribution centers and against civilians in the past 48 hours, leaving 56 people killed and 300 others injured.

RAMALLAH - Tensions continue in the occupied West Bank due to escalating Israeli army actions since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Israeli military raids in the West Bank resulted in the death of over 430 Palestinians and the injury of around 4,700 others. The number of arrests has also risen to about 7,600, setting record figures over more than five months compared to previous years.

As Israeli restrictions on Palestinians' access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem remain in place, further escalation and tension are expected to take place between Palestinians and Israeli forces.

ISRAEL

Tel Aviv - Escalating protests in Israel to pressure on Israeli government to reach a prisoner swap deal with Palestinians.

Further reactions by Israeli officials on Hamas' Gaza cease-fire proposal, which was presented to Israel on Thursday through mediators.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Israel and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

LEBANON

Beirut - Cross-border tensions between Lebanese group Hezbollah and Israel amid intensified attacks by both sides. More than 300 people are estimated to have been killed in Lebanon, including 240 Hezbollah fighters, since early October. Nearly 20 Israelis have also been killed, according to Israeli figures.

Israeli warplanes completely destroyed a three-story house in the Alma al-Shaab village on Friday, in addition to other airstrikes across southern Lebanon.

YEMEN

Sanaa - Continuous, escalating tensions in the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel and US retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen amid concerns about a deadly impact on shipping traffic in one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

INDIA

New Delhi - Indian Election authorities to announce schedule for 18th general elections.

NIGERIA

Abuja - In an ongoing security operation, authorities maintain efforts to rescue hundreds of schoolchildren taken hostage by terrorists last week.

SPECIAL REPORT

Turkish charities marshal aid in Uganda, beyond for Ramadan

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) — Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting has begun, and as always, Turkish charities have mobilized humanitarian aid to help disadvantaged communities in Uganda and around the world.