Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 (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 Baathist regime.

On Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Syria’s new administration, and with his new Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani, during a visit to the country’s capital Damascus.

Qatar sent two cargo planes carrying technical and humanitarian aid to Syria as part of its airlift for the country.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya arrived in Damascus accompanied by Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, leading a high-ranking delegation.

The new administration appointed Maysaa Sabreen as the governor of the Central Bank of Syria.

Sabreen became the first woman to lead the country’s central bank.

French ministers visit Lebanon for UNIFIL engagement, cease-fire discussions

The second day of French ministers of the armed forces and foreign affairs, Sebastien Lecornu and Jean-Noel Barrot, visits to Lebanon to meet French soldiers serving in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The visit started on Monday and will last till Wednesday.

Lecornu is scheduled to meet Gen. Edgar Laundos, Lebanon's representative to the cease-fire monitoring committee, on Tuesday.

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.

On Monday, seven displaced civilians, including six children, froze to death due to extreme winter cold after being forced to live in unhealthy conditions in tents amid the ongoing Israeli onslaught.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to nearly 45,550, with over 108,300 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 Monday, the Israeli army detained four Palestinian patients while they were being transported from northern Gaza to Gaza City for treatment.

The army also heavily shelled the northern Gaza areas, including the Al-Saftawi and Jabalia areas.

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 Monday, the Israeli military carried out a forceful demolition operation in the town of Taybeh, located in the Marjayoun district of southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s official 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 Monday, illegal settlers carried out attacks on citizens' lands in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron.

In a separate incident, Israeli forces closed roads near Aqabat Jaber Refugee Camp in Jericho, erecting dirt mounds to block access.

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 Monday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen threatened to assassinate Yemeni Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. “If he continues with his actions, he will end up exactly like (Hamas leader Yahya) Sinwar and (Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan) Nasrallah.”

UK Avanti West Coast railway staff - strike

Avanti West Coast train managers who are members of the RMT union go on strike in a dispute over rest day working. Disruptions expected on trains between Birmingham and Glasgow with the company offering limited services for the day.

Emily Thornberry live on LBC radio

Foreign Affairs Committee chair guest hosts LBC mid-morning show. She is expected to be asked questions about foreign affairs, questions may include latest situation in the Middle East.

Crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight near Kazakh city of Aktau

An Azerbaijan Airlines flight with 67 people on board traveling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia crashed on Wednesday near the Kazakh city of Aktau, on the Caspian Sea coast. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations into the incident. While the definitive reasons behind the incident remain unclear, senior Azerbaijani officials confirmed to Anadolu media reports suggesting the plane was struck by a Russian air defense system. Kazakhstan said on Monday that the black boxes found at the crash site had been sent to Brazil for decoding.

Russia on developments in Syria

Moscow's reaction to developments in post-Assad regime Syria. Assad and his family have received asylum in Russia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he plans to meet with the ousted leader. Moscow says the inviolability of its facilities in Syria is a priority, and it has established contacts with new authorities in Syria.

Russian, Ukrainian presidents expected to make New Year address

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to make New Year address to their respective nations. The two leaders are expected to share their assessment of the past year and their outlook on the coming year, including with regard to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Relative calm expected in Mozambique as protests are temporarily halted

Relative calm is expected to return in Mozambique this week as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane says he is calling off protests for five days to allow entry of international organizations to investigate alleged human rights abuses by police. The Southeast African country has witnessed weeks of violent protests since late October, when the electoral authority declared 47-year-old Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo the winner of the presidential elections with 71% of the vote, defeating Mondlane with 20%. At least 277 people have died since the protests started in the country, with most deaths caused by gunfire from security personnel, according to local elections monitoring group Plataforma DECIDE.

South Africa to intensify border patrols to combat illegal immigration, other crimes

South African border officials and security personnel to launch campaign to curb illegal immigration by patrolling border lines with chopper flights and drone monitoring. Thousands of migrants enter the country annually both legally and illegally in search of opportunities. The increased security and patrols come at a time when neighboring Mozambique is experiencing increased post-election protests. Officials are expected to brief reporters on the outcomes.

South Korean President Yoon likely to be arrested

Monitoring developments as court issues arrest warrant against South Korean suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. Arrest warrant issued after he defied at least four summons by investigators over short-lived martial law.

Seoul continues probe in air crash which killed 179

South Korean government continues its probe into a deadly air crash involving a Boeing 737-800 plane which killed 179 people on Sunday. Investigators from the US and the giant airliner are also likely to join the probe. The crash is said to have been possibly caused by a bird strike while flight recorder has been damaged and may take weeks to decrypt it. Seoul is also investigating all Boeing planes in service.

China’s President Xi delivers New Year message

China’s President Xi Jinping to deliver New Year message.

Students announce 'July Proclamation' after ouster of ex-Premier Hasina's government

Students who led uprising to oust government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to announce “Proclamation of July Revulsion” in capital Dhaka. Students have called for mass gathering to support the proclamation. Hasina fled to India on Aug. 05 after mass uprising and a transitional government is running state affairs until new elections are held.

Pakistan to launch 5-year national economic transformation plan

Pakistan to launch five-year national economic transformation plan. Pakistan is focusing on using resources to promote exports, boost e-commerce like automation, nanotechnology and artificial technology to push forward the $338 billion economy.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's int'l trade

The Turkish Statistical Institute to release foreign trade figures for November. The country's exports totaled $23.5 billion in October, with a foreign trade deficit of $5.91 billion.

US house prices

The US will release house prices index for October. House prices rose by 4.4% in September on a yearly basis. A similar increase is expected for October.

SPECIAL REPORTS

International support critical to rebuild Syria, its economy: Aid group chief

Interview with Ali Demir, CEO of humanitarian aid charity Islamic Relief Türkiye, about rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Syria.

Demir explains the monumental needs for rebuilding efforts in Syria, sharing details of the economic conditions and identifying key areas of focus.

He also speaks about the pressing need for international aid and support, breaking down the main obstacles and offering suggestions for a path forward.

Pakistan braces for bumpy diplomatic path in 2025

Report on Pakistan’s diplomatic path ahead in 2025, focusing on the challenges the country is facing as it balances ties with the US and China.

The story details Pakistan’s key engagements with both superpowers, examining how ties with Washington and Beijing were reshaped by developments in recent years.

The report includes comments and anlysis from former Pakistani ambassadors Asif Durrani and Abdul Basit, and Ishtiaq Ahmad, an international relations expert based in the capital Islamabad.

‘Can’t imagine how things can get any worse’: Doctors back from Gaza share horrors of Israel’s genocide

Interviews with Mohamed Ashraf and Mahim Qureshi, two doctors who have recently returned from humanitarian missions in the Gaza Strip.

Ashraf, who volunteered at the Al-Shifa and Kuwaiti hospitals in Gaza, and Qureshi, a British-Pakistani vascular surgeon, speak about the harrowing conditions of Palestinians who continue to suffer through Israel’s genocidal war.

They share details of the worsening humanitarian situation for millions of displaced Palestinians, and reiterate calls for international action to put an end to Israel’s deadly assault.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with Mohamed Ashraf and Mahim Qureshi, two doctors who have recently returned from the Gaza Strip, where they share their firsthand experiences and the harrowing conditions created by Israel as it continues its genocide against Palestinians.