Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, prisoner swap deal

Day 11 of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as the first phase of the Hamas-Israel deal continues. The phase, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.

On Tuesday, Qatar said that Israeli captive Arbel Yehud held by Palestinian factions in Gaza will be released before Friday.

Israel allowed displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza on Monday after Qatar mediated an agreement between Hamas and Israel under which the Palestinian group agreed to release Yehud and two others before Friday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a press conference in Doha that Qatar is working to create favorable conditions to start negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

“It is not unlikely” that the scheduled date for the start of negotiations could be moved earlier than the 16th day of the ceasefire deal “if conditions allow," he added.

Seven Israeli captives, including four soldiers, have been released in return for 290 Palestinian prisoners since the deal came into force.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip during ceasefire.

On Tuesday, Jordan announced the launch of a humanitarian air bridge for Palestinians in the enclave. Several helicopters will transfer humanitarian aid shipments to Palestinians over eight days, with 18 flights every day.

The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 has reached more than 47,350 with over 111,560 as of Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry in the enclave.

US envoy Witkoff expected visit to Israel

US president’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff’s expected visit to Israel to oversee the Gaza ceasefire.

According to Israeli media, Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss implementation of the first phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal with Hamas, as well as initiating negotiations for the second phase.

“I'm actually going to be going over to Israel. I'm going to be a part of an inspection team at the Netzarim corridor and also in the Philadelphi corridor,” he told US media last week.

Israeli violations of Lebanon ceasefire

Israeli army violations of a ceasefire deal after Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon until Feb. 18.

On Tuesday, Lebanese media reported that an Israeli drone dropped a bomb near a group of Lebanese soldiers and civilians in the border town of Yaroun.

Israeli army destroyed several homes in Houla town and carried out an explosion near a mosque in Wazzani town in southern Lebanon.

Separately, six people were released by the Israeli army after they were arrested while trying to return to their areas in Houla and Markaba towns.

More reactions to Trump's plan to relocate Gazans

More international and regional reactions to US President Trump’s call for the resettlement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to Jordan and Egypt.

On Tuesday, the French Foreign Ministry said that the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip is “unacceptable.”

In response to a question about Trump’s suggestion during a press conference in Doha, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said that the two-state solution remains the “only path” for the Palestinian people to achieve their rights.

Trump on Saturday called to “just clean out” the Gaza Strip and resettle Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt, describing the enclave as a “demolition site.”

Hamas, meanwhile, urged the US administration “to abandon these proposals, which align with Israeli plans and clash with the rights and free will of our people.”

Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Bashar Assad administration.

On Tuesday, A Russian delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Presidential Special Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev, arrived in Damascus, marking the first visit by Russian officials to Syria since the ouster of the Bashar Assad regime last December.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of the new Syrian administration, in Damascus. He said that Palestine “strongly and insistently” supports lifting international sanctions on Syria.

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 expanded its military operation in the northern occupied West Bank, targeting the city of Tulkarem after Jenin, which it has attacked since Jan. 21 and killed 16 Palestinians.

Witnesses told Anadolu that Israeli forces began attacking Tulkarem and its two refugee camps, Nur Shams and Tulkarem, on Monday and turning them into military barracks, forcing dozens of families to leave their homes.

Israel has killed at least 880 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

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.

On Tuesday, the Israeli army transferred and installed military equipment in the demilitarized zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, according to the military.

The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared during a visit to the occupied area of Mount Hermon in the Syrian Golan Heights that Israel will not withdraw from this “security zone” and intends to maintain its presence there for an unspecified period, according to Army Radio.

The Israeli army occupied the buffer zone in the Golan Heights in early December 2024, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria, in a move that expanded Israel's control over the Golan Heights, most of which it has occupied since the 1967 Middle East War.

German chancellor to speak in parliament on immigration

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will deliver a government statement to parliament on immigration and domestic policy. He plans to outline his government's efforts to streamline deportation procedures for rejected asylum seekers and unauthorized migrants. The address follows a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg that claimed two lives, including a child. The suspect, a 28-year-old Afghan national, had a history of violent behavior and mental health concerns. Despite his asylum application being rejected in June, ineffective coordination between state agencies hampered the execution of his deportation order.

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, Gaza cease-fire and latest situation in Syria as well as UK support to Israel and the war in Ukraine.

European Space Conference in Brussels - Kaja Kallas speaks

Annual conference for the European space industry. Speakers today include: UK Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle (11 am CET) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas (2 pm), ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, and Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

Just Stop Oil supporters’ protest at the Court of Appeal in London

Court of Appeal hears applications for leave to appeal convictions covering the cases of Just Stop Oil supporters who were convicted over four different protest acts. The environmentalist group staged many protests, including road blockages and railway station action to disrupt travel to highlight the need to end use of fossil fuels for a better world for next generations.

Trilateral Meeting of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan

Ankara will host the second meeting of the trilateral mechanism among Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which will be attended by the foreign ministers of the three countries, as well as the ministers of trade/economy and ministers of transport. The mechanism aims to enhance the cooperation and coordination of the three countries on foreign policy, trade and connectivity issues, as well as to promote the development of the International Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor.

Eastern regional bloc to hold extraordinary summit regarding situation in Democratic Republic of Congo

Heads of State of the East African regional bloc to convene an extraordinary summit to address the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The meeting comes on the backdrop of the M23 rebels taking over the strategic city of Goma in the eastern Congo. Officials are yet to communicate the venue of the meeting.

Developments in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as rebels seize Goma city

Developments in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as violent demonstrations break out in the capital Kinshasa after the capture of Goma city by M23 rebels. The protesters attacked several embassies, including of France, US, Kenya, Uganda, Belgium, Japan, and Rwanda. They accused the countries of complicity in the ongoing rebel offensive by supporting Rwanda. There are ongoing reactions to the protests and the rebel offensive across the world.

Developments as severe weather disrupts life in South Korea

Developments as heavy snowfall and bad weather conditions led to widespread travel disruptions across South Korea, as millions of people travel for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Mt. Semeru erupts in Indonesia

Situation after the volcano on Mt. Semeru erupted in southern Indonesia throwing ash up in the skies. The government has raised alert to level II, warning residents to be careful and stay away from the volcano. If the situation persists, government may evacuate locals living nearby the volcano.

Trial of impeached South Korea’s president continues

Developments in South Korea amid ongoing trial of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol who was indicted in martial law probe. Yoon has defended his decision to declare martial law which triggered ongoing political crisis. He is facing a case of insurrection and abuse of power over short-lived martial law of Dec. 3.

Casualties feared due to stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh festival

Developments as at least 15 people are feared dead after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival being touted as the world's largest religious congregation, which kicked off this month in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Court decides fate of influencer mother who tortured baby

Australian court decides fate of a Queensland social media influencer accused of drugging her 18-month-old daughter with anticonvulsant medication.

Expected visit to Israel by US special envoy to Middle East

US president’s special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s expected to visit Israel where he meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump earlier invited Netanyahu to visit the White House next Tuesday.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - confirmation hearing

Senate Finance Committee to hold hearing to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be health and human services secretary.

Senator Bob Menendez guilty of bribery – sentencing

US Senator Bob Menendez's is expected to be sentenced after being found guilty in his bribery trial on July 16, 2024. Menendez was tried alongside two businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, accused of aiding Egypt and Qatar in exchange for bribes.

Marco Rubio and Canadian counterpart - meeting

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly are set to meet in Washington DC. The meeting comes amid President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs and suggestion to have Canada as 51st state of US.

Ontario premier - announcement of early election

Monitoring developments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford called an early provincial election, expected on Feb. 27 to get a new mandate from the electorate in order to deal with what he Trump and his tariff threats.

THE ECONOMY

Canada's interest rate

Bank of Canada will release interest rate decision. It is at 3.25% currently and market expects a 25-basis-point decline for this meeting.

US interest rate

The Fed will release interest rate decision. The major bank is expected to keep the rate unchanged at 4.5%.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Extremely serious’: Experts warn against Trump’s proposal on Palestinian displacement

Report on possible scenarios and implementation of US President Donald Trump’s proposal to uproot Palestinians from Gaza and move them to the neighboring countries of Jordan and Egypt.

The story explores the stance of the two countries, as well as potential consequences of such a move and concerns it could result in ethnic cleaning and the long-term displacement of the Palestinians.

It features remarks from Mirette Mabrouk, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, and comments from Waleed Hazbun, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Alabama.

Blocked, delayed, shut down: How UK banks are failing Muslim charities

Story on the findings of a recent study that found widespread financial discrimination against Muslim-led charities in the UK.

The report by the London-based Muslim Charities Forum highlights how banks are disproportionately restricting access to essential banking services to Muslim-led charities, many carrying out life-saving services in conflict zones like Syria, Palestine, and Pakistan.

The study links these practices to overly cautious counter-terror financing measures, structural Islamophobia, and a lack of banking transparenc. Speaking to Anadolu, Abdulsami Arjumand, policy and advocacy lead at the Muslim Charities Forum saying that over two decades, Muslim-led charities have struggled with de-risking, yet, despite the critical nature of this issue, it has not received the attention it deserves.

INTERVIEW - Syria’s changing landscape paves the way for Türkiye’s energy leadership: Chatham House expert

Interview with Karim Elgendy, an associate fellow at Chatham House, about Türkiye’s prime position as the country that could lead the reconstruction of Syria and reshape the energy architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Elgendy speaks about the importance of Türkiye’s existing energy infrastructure, which includes multiple gas pipelines, LNG terminals, and floating and underground storage facilities, and its abilities to navigate the complex geopolitical space.

The expert also shares his assessments on the particular challenges ahead in Syria’s reconstruction and integration into the global diplomatic sphere.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Video on US President Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, with senior Middle East Institute fellow Mirette Mabrouk emphasizing the pressure it exerts on Jordan and Egypt, along with regional risks, and the potential for instability and forced displacement amounting to ethnic cleansing.