Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Jan. 11, 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 Baathist regime.

The leader of Syria’s new administration Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani received on Friday a visiting Italian delegation led by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, meanwhile, called for the suspension of economic sanctions on Syria, saying they hurt the common Syrian people.

Following political and diplomatic visits in Damascus and their meetings with Syrian officials.

Israel’s actions following Assad's downfall in Syria

Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria as it monitors unfolding developments in the neighboring country.

The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Friday cited unnamed Israeli officials as saying that Israel is planning to establish a "control zone" extending 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) into Syria and an intelligence "influence area" reaching up to 60 km.

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.

Four Palestinians were killed on Friday in different Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis in the southern Gaza, according to the civil defense service.

According to a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the number of people killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has been underreported by approximately 41% as 3% of the population has died due to violence.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 surged to over 46,000, with nearly 109,400 others injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

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 Friday, Mohamed Saleha, director of Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, raised alarms over the life-threatening conditions faced by patients and medical staff due to targeted attacks by the Israeli army.

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.

According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, illegal Israeli settlers on Friday set fire to farmland and sprayed racist graffiti in the village of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah, in the central occupied West Bank.

Israel has killed at least 847 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.

Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Monitoring 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 Lebanese state news agency NNA said an Israeli drone targeted a car in the town of Tayr Debba in southern Lebanon, killing two people and injuring two others.

Israel has committed over 400 violations of the cease-fire agreement, resulting in 34 deaths and 41 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.

Reactions to Joseph Aoun's election as Lebanon's president

More local, regional and international reactions after election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president, ending a power vacuum that lasted for more than two years.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday emphasized the need to remove weapons from southern Lebanon, saying the country is embarking on a new phase that should be marked by the return of stability.

Red Sea tensions and Houthi-Israel attacks

Red Sea tensions and the exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition on one side and Yemen’s Houthi group on the other side.

On Friday, Israel, the US, and Britain carried out their first coordinated attack on Houthi targets in Sanaa and Al-Hudaydah in western Yemen.

Police mobilize 1,000 investigators to detain South Korea's impeached president

At least 1.000 investigators have been mobilized to execute a fresh arrest warrant against South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The mass mobilization of cops comes after presidential security services blocked authorities from detaining Yoon who faces charges of insurrection and treason over his short-lived martial law declaration. His chief security officer has resigned while police are pursuing at least 26 presidential security staff over their involvement in blocking the execution of first arrest warrant on Jan. 3.

Japanese premier to visit Indonesia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pays official visit to Indonesia for high-level talks with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.

China, UK hold economic and financial dialogue

Officials from Beijing and London hold the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue in Chinese capital. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to lead the two sides.

Pakistan hosts education summit

Pakistan hosts a two-day education summit which will see participation by at least 56 delegates including ministers from 29 Islamic countries. It aims to advance girls education, promote awareness on women empowerment, and uphold their rights. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai to attend and address the summit.

Grenada premier to visit China

Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell to pay week-long official visit to China to hold talks with Premier Li Qiang among other engagements.

Indigenous Maori debate idea of establishing assembly in New Zealand

Around 200 indigenous Maori leaders are holding debate to establish an assembly representing the community that could promote a collective response to government challenges in New Zealand.

South African president to address ANC’s 113th anniversary

South Africa’s largest political party, the African National Congress (ANC), to hold celebrations marking its 113th anniversary. President Cyril Ramaphosa will address supporters in Cape Town and is expected to show solidarity with Palestinians and other oppressed people of the world. The ANC, which lost its majority in parliament in May 2024, elections will use the event to rally support for the upcoming local government elections.

More protests expected in Mozambique after officials seize passport of opposition leader

Fresh protests are likely to erupt in Mozambique after an official announced that the passport of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who returned from self-imposed exile, had been confiscated by immigration officials to stop him from leaving the country.

Meanwhile, three people were shot dead as they congregated to welcome Mondlane and dozens were injured.

Mozambique has been gripped by weeks of protests since Oct. 21, when 47-year-old Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party was declared winner of the Oct. 9 presidential election. Chapo got 71% of the vote, defeating Mondlane who got only 20%. But Mondlane insists he won the polls.