Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 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 ouster of the Baath regime.

On Tuesday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Amman for his first visit to Jordan.

International flights resumed at Damascus airport on Tuesday for the first time since last month’s fall of the Assad regime.

More Arab and international officials' political and diplomatic visits to Damascus and meetings with Syrian officials are expected.

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 Tuesday, four Palestinians were killed and others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a home near the Shati refugee camp in western Gaza City, the Civil Defense Service said.

Two more people were killed and others injured in another strike on a home in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, a medical source said.

A Palestinian was also injured in an Israeli airstrike on a tent for displaced people in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, according to a local source.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023 surged to nearly 45,900, with more than 109,200 others injured.

Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip

Ongoing Israeli military operations, displacement, and blockade in northern Gaza which has resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians trapped there since Oct. 5 and claimed the lives of more than 4,800 people.

On Tuesday, three Palestinians lost their lives when fighter jets shelled a group of civilians in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, a medical source said.

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 Tuesday, the Lebanese army announced the commencement of its deployment in five towns in Tyre and Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from these areas.

Israel has so far committed over 409 violations of the cease-fire agreement, resulting in 32 deaths and 39 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.

West Bank raids

Near-daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank and illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.

The Israeli army launched a military operation in the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, the military said on Tuesday.

The announcement came shortly after two Palestinians were killed in an airstrike in the town of Tubas in the northern West Bank.

Israel has killed at least 843 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.

Backlash to Israeli map claiming ‘historical territorial rights’ for Israel

International and regional backlash as Israeli accounts published map claiming that parts of Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon are part of Israeli territory.

On Tuesday, Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh called the Israeli map "a blatant violation of all international legitimacy resolutions and international law."

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called the map “provocative and baseless” and “falsely claims historical territorial rights for Israel."

Kaja Kallas and Jordanian foreign minister meeting in Brussels

New EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to host Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. They are likely to discuss peace efforts in the Middle East.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will take questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include situation in the Middle East, the latest in Syria, as well as UK support to Israel and the war in Ukraine.

Turkish foreign minister to visit Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will pay a working visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Greek premier visits Cairo

Greece’s Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis set to travel to Cairo on Wednesday for tripartite summit with Egypt and the Greek Cypriot Administration. Greek media stress the major issue will be implications of a potential maritime agreement between Türkiye and Syria.

Report on demographic changes in Britain

The median age in Britain has risen by more than seven years since 1974, though aging in the country is being driven by rural and coastal regions, according to a new report. It says most of Britain's large cities have been getting older, with London the major exception, due to Brexit and a “baby bust.”

Expected meeting between incoming President Trump and Senate Republicans

President-elect Donald Trump expected to meet with Senate Republicans as he visits Washington, DC to attend services for late President Jimmy Carter.

UN Security Council to discuss Syria

UN Security Council members to meet for briefing followed by consultations on political and humanitarian situation in Syria. Desk will monitor for key outcomes.

Doctors Against Genocide visiting Congress

Members of Doctors Against Genocide (DAG) coalition to visit US Congress to advocate for the release of detained medical personnel, including Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, and restoration of health care in Gaza.

Canadian Liberal MPs’ national caucus meeting

Liberal members of parliament to meet following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement of plans to resign ahead of elections this year. Trudeau said he would remain premier and Liberal leader until his successor is chosen. Desk will monitor key outcomes from the meeting.

Gang violence in Haiti

Monitoring situation in Haiti where more than 5,600 people were killed and thousands more injured or kidnapped in 2024 due to soaring levels of gang violence, according to the UN.

Pacific Palisades fire in Los Angeles

Monitoring developments after a fast-moving brush fire that erupted Tuesday in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles threatened homes, triggered thousands of evacuations, and prompted officials to declare a state of emergency.

China's top diplomat visits Republic of Congo to bolster relations on Africa tour

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi continues his Africa tour in the Republic of Congo aimed at reaffirming China’s commitment to Africa relations. Wang Yi arrived in the capital Brazzaville late Tuesday and is expected to meet President Denis Sassau Nguesso. He started his annual New Year’s tour of four Africa nations in Namibia and will also travel to Chad and Nigeria, all friendly cooperation partners of China.

Rights group in Mozambique files complaint over killing of 33 prisoners

The Center for Democracy and Human Rights is expected to give an update on a complaint they filed against the Interior and Justice ministries for the murder of 33 prisoners killed during a prison break on Dec. 25. The group claims 33 prisoners were deliberately killed by police. At least 1,534 inmates escaped from two correctional facilities in Maputo on Christmas day.

Police likely to execute arrest warrant for South Korea’s impeached president

South Korean police and investigators are likely to execute arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law. On Monday a court granted extension of the warrant. Earlier, presidential security had blocked investigators from detaining Yoon.

Search, rescue continues after powerful earthquake hits China's Tibet region

Search and rescue operations continue in southern China after a powerful 6.8 magnitude quake struck Tibet. So far, 126 people have been declared dead while more than 130 others were injured besides damage to private and public property. Beijing also deployed military as natives and rescuers battle freezing temperatures searching through the rubble to look for any survivors.

Maldives defense chief to meet his Indian counterpart

Maldives Defense Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon to hold talks with Indian counterpart in New Delhi. During the talks, the two diplomats will review bilateral defense cooperation.

Human metapneumovirus in China

Monitoring spread of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) situation in China. The World Health Organization has said the respiratory virus has seen rise in cases in Chnia but the increase in number aligns with winter circumstances.

ECONOMY

Germany factory orders

German statistical office Destatis to announce factory orders and retail sales for November. Factory orders dropped 1.5% in October and a slight decline is expected for November too. Retails sales fell also 1.5% in October.

Türkiye’s cash balance

Türkiye’s Treasury and Finance Ministry to announce cash balance for December.

SPORTS

Spanish Super Cup semifinals

Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona

2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

Dakar Rally's fourth stage to be held between Al Henakiyah and Alula.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Want action from our government’: UK lawmakers demand release of Gaza hospital director in Israeli custody

Interviews with independent British MPs John McDonnell and Richard Burgon about Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza and continuing attacks on its health care system and medical professionals.

The lawmakers call on the British government to press Israel for immediate release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who was taken away by Israeli forces along with others during a raid on the hospital.

McDonnell and Burgon criticize UK government for its “double standards,” urging the Labour administration to take steps to push Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu “into a cease-fire to save lives and end the war crimes.”

‘We’re losing everything’: Battle for Lake Victoria’s survival in Tanzania

Report on growing existential threats to Lake Victoria, a vital water resource for millions of people across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

The story lays out the problems plaguing the vital water source for East Africa, from human waste to industrial runoff and climate change, and charts conservation efforts such as the Lakewide Inclusive Sanitation (LWIS) initiative in Tanzania.

Includes interviews with people from affected areas near the lake, including Esther Masanja, a community leader in Tanzania’s Mwanza region, along with comments from Masinde Bwire, executive secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interviews with independent British lawmakers John McDonnell and Richard Burgon about Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, the UK government’s “double standards,” and the need for greater British pressure for a cease-fire.