Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Expected Gaza cease-fire, hostage swap deal

Latest developments in an expected Gaza cease-fire and hostages exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.

On Tuesday, Hamas said that the agreement is in “its final stages,” while Qatar stated that the negotiations are in their “final details” and that announcing an agreement is “imminent.”

“A draft agreement has been handed to both Hamas and Israel and major obstacles on key contentious issues between the two sides have been addressed,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a news conference in Doha.

A delegation from the Islamic Jihad Movement arrived in Doha to participate in discussions on the “final details” of the Gaza cease-fire agreement.

The expected deal will unfold in three phases, each lasting 42 days. However, Israel is reportedly negotiating to limit the agreement to two phases, according to a draft obtained by Anadolu.

Palestinian sources earlier said that a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner exchange deal is “nearly ready” and could be signed by Friday.

US CENTCOM commander visit to Israel

Head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Michael Kurilla’s visit to Israel to hold urgent meetings with Israeli officials following reports on serious progress in the Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.

On Monday, The Israeli public broadcaster KAN said Kurilla arrived on Monday afternoon, but did not provide further details on his schedule or meetings with Israeli officials.

Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new administration following the overthrow of the Baathist regime more than a month ago.

On Tuesday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has ramped up its humanitarian efforts in Syria, extending its reach to areas that were previously off-limits under Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Syrian security forces announced the killing of two personnel, the injury of several others, and the capture of seven members of a patrol in rural Qardaha, Latakia Province, in northwestern Syria. The attack was attributed to remnants of the ousted regime.

More Arab and international officials' political and diplomatic visits in Damascus and their meetings with Syrian officials.

⁠Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza

Israel persists in its unrelenting attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, ignoring global appeals to halt aggression and alleviate the immense suffering of millions facing relentless bombardment and a crippling blockade.

On Tuesday, a medical source in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, the central Gaza Strip, told Anadolu that nine Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on an apartment, a tent and a cafe that shelter displaced people in the city.

In the southern Gaza Strip, 12 more Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in two Israeli airstrikes on two homes in the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, according to a medical source.

In Gaza City, a woman was killed and others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a home in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, according to a statement by the Civil Defense.

The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 surged to over 46,600, with more than 110,000 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 has led to devastating humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians trapped in the areas since Oct. 5, 2024 and claimed the lives of more than 4,800 people.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces have forcibly disrupted the operations of civil defense teams due to persistent shelling. This has deprived remaining residents of even the most basic humanitarian and medical services.

At least 5,000 Palestinians have been killed and missing in Israel’s ongoing offensive in northern Gaza since Oct. 5, local authorities said.

⁠Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon

Monitoring the November 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 Israeli army violated the ceasefire in Lebanon 16 times.

The violations were concentrated in Beirut, the municipalities of Bent Jbeil, and Marjeyoun in the southern Nabatieh Governorate.

The breaches included incursions into areas, explosions, house raids, drone attacks, road blockages, and combing operations with machine guns, as well as the throwing of sound grenades.

Israel had committed more than 520 violations of the cease-fire agreement, resulting in 37 deaths and 45 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.

Spanish foreign minister visit to Lebanon and Syria

Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares’s significant diplomatic trip between Jan. 15 and 16 to Lebanon and Syria.

In Beirut, Albares is expected to hold high-level political meetings to address Lebanon's challenges and strengthen bilateral ties. He Is also set to meet with UN officials Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and Imran Riza to discuss the regional humanitarian situation, as well as with Gen. Aroldo Lazaro of UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun.

Albares will then visit Damascus to engage with the new Syrian administration, minority leaders, civil society women, and humanitarian organizations. His trip includes a symbolic visit to Sednaya prison to honor victims of Assad regime repression and a visit to the Spanish Embassy in Syria, where he will preside over the raising of Spain’s flag for the first time since the ambassador’s departure in 2012.

⁠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 Tuesday, the Israeli army detained at least 35 more Palestinians in military raids targeted Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarem, Jenin, and Salfit.

Israel has killed at least 848 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Deteriorating situation in war-torn Sudan

A dire security situation continues in the North African nation amid intensified clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

On Tuesday, Sudanese activists reported the deaths of 120 civilians in a random shelling of the Dar al-Salam area in Omdurman, west of Khartoum.

The Emergency Room in Imbada stated in a report that “the initial toll of victims from the random shelling on Monday evening in the Dar al-Salam area was 120 martyrs.”

The Emergency Room, however, did not specify the responsible party or the type of shelling. As of 12:00 UTC, neither the Sudanese Army nor the RSF had commented on the incident.

Biden farewell address from White House

Outgoing US President Joe Biden to deliver a final farewell address before he steps down on Jan. 20. He is expected to address his 50-year public service and actions he took during his presidency.

Nominee to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio - confirmation hearing

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold a hearing to consider the nomination of Marco Rubio by President-elect Donald Trump to be next secretary of state.

CIA Director nominee John Ratcliffe - confirmation hearing

Senate Intelligence Committee to hold confirmation hearing for John Ratcliffe to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Desk will monitor for key remarks from the hearing.

Nominee to be US Attorney General Pam Bondi - confirmation hearing

Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing to consider the nomination of Pam Bondi by President-elect Donald Trump to be US attorney general. Hearing begins on Jan. 15 and continues Jan. 16.

UN General Assembly - Antonio Guterres briefs on priorities for 2025

UN General Assembly to meet to receive a briefing from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on his priorities for 2025.

UN Security Council - Yemen discussed

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing and consultations on Yemen.

Trudeau to meet with premiers in Ottawa

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to convene a meeting with Canada’s premiers in Ottawa to discuss economic threat from US when Donald Trump assumes presidency. The meeting will be the first between Trudeau and the premiers since he announced he plans to resign after a new Liberal leader is chosen. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.

US removing Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism

Developments after the US said it will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba said it would free 553 prisoners held for "diverse crimes". The country was put on the list in January 2021 during Trump administration and it remains unknow if incoming Trump administration reverses the decision by Biden administration.

Turkish president to attend AK party's parliamentary group meeting

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend parliamentary group meeting of Justice and Development Party in Ankara.

Turkish foreign minister to meet Syrian counterpart in Ankara

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to meet with Asaad Al-Shaibani, foreign minister of the new Syrian government, and the accompanying delegation in Ankara.

Haiti gang violence forces people from home

Monitoring situation in Haiti where more than 1 million people have been forced from their homes, according to the UN. More than half of those internally displaced people are children while many people had been displaced repeatedly due to ongoing violence in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince and beyond.

NATO chiefs of defense and partners – meeting in Brussels

NATO allied chiefs of defence to meet with over 20 of their counterparts from NATO Partner nations. Meeting to be presided by Admiral Rob Bauer, chair of the Military Committee and supported by General Christopher Cavoli, supreme allied commander Europe (SACEUR), and Admiral Pierre Vandier, supreme allied commander transformation (SACT). NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joins for the opening session. The meeting is expected to focus on security issues and preparedness to threats.

Global Alliance for implementation of 2-state Solution - Norway hosts meeting

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eid speak at latest meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

John Healey and Japanese defense minister - London meeting

Defense secretary hosts his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani for bilateral talks. Agenda is expected to include discussions on GCAP and this year’s Carrier Strike Group deployment.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

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

Keir Starmer and Anwar Ibrahim – London meeting

UK Prime Minister hosts Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for a bilateral meeting. Discussions are expected to focus on growth and trade and investment.

Iraqi prime minister - Chatham House event

Think tank to host discussion with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. He is expected to address the current state of affairs and share his projections for the future of both Iraq and the Middle East.

French Senate - Bayrou policy address and start of debate on 2025 budget law

Lawmakers in French upper house meet to hear and debate Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's statement to lawmakers outlining his vision for the new government. Later, from 5:45pm CEST, they begin debating the 2025 budget law. A vote is planned on Jan. 23.

Gendered Islamophobia - select committee session in London

Women and Equalities Committee session on gendered Islamophobia with Muslim Women's Network UK Baroness Shaista Gohir, Maslaha director Raheel Mohammed and Nottingham Trent University associate professor in criminology Dr Irene Zempi.

WHO Emergency appeal

The World Health Organization (WHO) will launch its Health Emergency Appeal 2024. The event will be online.

⁠Iranian president to visit Tajikistan

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit neighboring Tajikistan. During the visit, talks will be held on a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation. In addition, following the meetings, a number of new documents on cooperation will be signed.

Mozambique to swear in President-elect Daniel Chap amid tensions

President-elect Daniel Chapo is expected to be inaugurated amid opposition protests disputing the Oct. 9 presidential elections which the Constitutional Court said he won with 65% of the vote cast, defeating his closest challenger Mondlane who got just 20%.

Mondlane, who returned last week from self-imposed exile has called for a three-day strike to protest the result of highly disputed elections. The opposition leader has also vowed to install himself as the president on the same day Chapo takes his oath of office.

Rescue efforts to save illegal miners trapped in South Africa to continue

Rescue operations are expected to continue at a disused gold mine in Stilfontein in South Africa’s Northwest province where hundreds of illegal miners went into hiding late last year during a police operation. Government on Monday deployed a company specializing in mine rescue efforts to bring the illegal miners to surface after reports claimed 109 illegal miners had died underground. At least 91 miners have been brought to surface alive and 34 bodies retrieved.

UK undersecretary of state for Africa to hold talks with officials in Botswana

The UK's parliamentary under secretary of state for Africa, Lord Collins, is expected to hold talks with officials in Botswana on his second day of a working tour aimed to strengthen the strategic relationship between Botswana and the UK.

Humanitarian situation, conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo

Since January, more than 100,000 people have been displaced by escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo between government forces and the M23 rebels and other militia groups. The conflict has disrupted the delivery of food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid to affected areas.

Impeached South Korean president under detention faces questioning over martial law

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol remains under detention and is facing questioning over his short-lived martial law. He was detained from his residence after refusing to entertain summons from investigators and blocking first attempt of arrest.

India to launch naval combat ships

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch three naval combat ships, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vagsheer, at a function in the financial capital Mumbai. Officials say the commissioning marks a significant leap forward in defense manufacturing and maritime security.

North Korea likely to release details of missile fire

North Korea is likely to release details of its firing of short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea. It was second missile fired by Pyongyang this year.

Foreign Ministry to hold news briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing.

THE ECONOMY

UK’s inflation

The UK’s statistical bureau ONS will reveal the consumer inflation figures for December. It was at 2.6% annually and no change is expected by markets for December. The ONS will also release producer prices.

Germany’s wholesale inflation

Germany’s Destatis to release wholesale prices for December. Wholesale prices dropped by 0.6% year-on-year and were stable month-on-month.

US consumer inflation

The US will release consumer prices index for December. It was at 2.7% in November and market expected that it will increase by 0.2 percentage points in December. Inflation figures are important for the Fed’s future stance.

SPORTS

Stage 10 of 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

Round 2 of Australian Open, 1st Grand Slam of the season, to be played in women's and men's

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 21

Crvena Zvezda vs. Fenerbahce Beko

Bayern Munich vs. Monaco

Barcelona vs. Panathinaikos

English Premier League week 21

Arsenal vs. Tottenham

Italian Serie A week 19

Inter Milan vs. Bologna

SPECIAL REPORTS

As Trump seeks end to Ukraine war, what terms could Russia accept and why?

Report on Russia’s expectations for incoming US President Donald Trump’s expected push to end the war in Ukraine.

The story details the reported proposals being considered by the incoming US administration, and presents the possible Russian stance on the negotiations, specifically what terms could be viewed as favorable by Moscow.

The report includes interviews with Sergey Markov, director of the Moscow-based Russian Institute of Political Studies, and Russian columnist Andrei Sitov.

Droughts, floods, destruction: Extreme weather rattles Zanzibar’s Tumbatu island

Report about the growing impact of climate change on Tumbatu, an island part of the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzania.

The story presents an overview of the increasing effects of climate change being felt on the island, including rising sea levels, dwindling fish stocks, and energy insecurity.

The report explores the islanders’ innovative solutions to climate adaptation and resource sustainability, and includes interviews with Mariam Said Ali, head of the Tumbatu Women’s Collective, and climate scientist Mary Khatib.