Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, prisoner swap deal

Day 16 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 Sunday, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called on Israel and Hamas to begin work on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Sheikh Mohammed said negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza deal were scheduled to start on Monday.

“(But) there are no clear details about the arrival of delegations and the start of negotiations, and we look forward to seeing some movement in the coming days," he added.

According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to delay sending his negotiating team to Qatar until he meets US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.

Netanyahu and US envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff "agreed that negotiations on the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal would begin during their meeting in Washington on Monday, which marks the 16th day of the agreement, as part of discussions on Israel’s positions regarding the deal,” said the Israeli prime minister’s office on Saturday.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

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

On Sunday, the Gaza media office said at least 61,709 Palestinians were killed in Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023.

Only 47,487 bodies were transferred to hospitals, while 14,222 remained missing under the rubble, added the office.

Despite a ceasefire agreement in the enclave, seven Palestinians, including a child, were injured Sunday in two Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, a medical source said.

Palestinian medics recovered nine more bodies from under the rubble in Gaza, pushing the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war on the enclave since October 2023 to 47,498, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Besides, some 46 sick and injured Palestinians left the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt on Sunday for treatment, a medical source said.

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.

The Lebanese army announced late Saturday that its military units were deployed in the south amid escalating Israeli attacks.

The Lebanese army reaffirmed its commitment to "continuing efforts to implement UN Resolution 1701 and carrying out necessary field operations in several locations south of the Litani River."

At least 26 people have been killed and 221 injured by Israeli gunfire since Jan. 26, as residents attempt to return to villages in southern Lebanon, according to local health authorities.

The latest breaches bring the total number of ceasefire violations to 830, according to data compiled by Anadolu based on announcements from NNA.

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 Sunday, an elderly Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Jenin, the Health Ministry said.

A Palestinian freed in a prisoner swap deal with Israel last year was killed by an Israeli airstrike in the town of Qabatiya of the occupied West Bank, local reports said on Sunday.

On Jan. 21, the Israeli army launched a military assault on Jenin city and its refugee camp, killing at least 25 Palestinians. The offensive was later expanded to include the city of Tulkarm, where three Palestinians were killed.

Israel has killed more than 900 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Developments in Syria under new administration

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

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday during his first overseas trip to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Sharaa said he sensed a “genuine desire” to support Syria during his meeting with Saudi crown prince.

US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China

US President Trump on Saturday implemented tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Repercussions of Trump's new policy. The US president said he will talk to Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday.

Trump to halt funding to South Africa

Developments after Trump said he is cutting future funding to South Africa over alleged land confiscation and mistreatment of "certain classes of people." He said funds be halted until a full investigation of this situation has been completed.

Netanyahu and Witkoff - Washington DC meeting

Israeli Premier Netanyahu, who is visiting Washington, DC for talks with Trump at the White House, meets Monday with US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The pair are due to discuss next steps regarding negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Marco Rubio - Central America visit continues with El Salvador

Marco Rubio continues his first visit abroad as the US secretary of state. Rubio is in El Salvador on Monday where he meets with President Nayib Bukele. Trip lasts until Feb. 6.

China assumes presidency of UN Security Council

China's Ambassador to UN Fu Cong to hold a press briefing as China takes over presidency of the Security Council for the month of February.

Mexican president - daily press conference

Mexica's President Claudia Sheinbaum to hold daily morning press conference. She is expected to respond to US President Trump's move to go ahead with tariffs on Mexican goods as of Feb. 1.

Canadian reactions in response to Trump's tariff

Reactions in Canada in response to Trump's announcement to implement 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Prime Minister Trudeau said Canada will respond with a 25% tariff.

EU leaders - informal meeting with participation of Mark Rutte and Keir Starmer

European Council President Antonio Costa hosts informal gathering of EU leaders. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte joins leaders for lunch, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends for a working dinner. The main issues expected to be discussed include Europe’s defense, defense industries, and budget. A press conference takes place at the conclusion of the event.

Rutte and Starmer - meeting and press conference

NATO chief Rutte hosts UK Premier Starmer. Joint press conference to be held following the meeting.

Germany’s opposition CDU holds key pre-election convention

Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) will convene a party convention in Berlin. CDU delegates will vote on a 15-point “immediate action program” focused on boosting the economy and enhancing domestic security, which the CDU plans to execute directly after forming a government. The program includes controversial migration policies that propose turning away irregular migrants and asylum seekers at Germany's borders. The convention takes place three weeks before the Feb. 23 parliamentary elections.

Greek foreign minister visits Israel, Palestine

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to meet with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar and Palestinian counterpart Mohammad Mustafa. Greece, one of the closest allies of Israel, is still seeking to maintain its relations with Palestine to be able play a role after the cease in Gaza.

Greenland Ice Sheet cracking more rapidly - Durham University report

UK’s Durham University publishes report on the effect of climate change on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Using 3-D surface maps, it finds the sheet is cracking open more rapidly as it responds to climate change. Researchers say crevasses are also getting bigger and deeper where ice is flowing more quickly due to climate change, and this could further speed up the mechanisms behind the loss of ice from Greenland.

Belarus to sum up results of 2025 presidential election

Belarus' Central Election Commission to sum up the results of the country's presidential election held on Jan. 26, during which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured a seventh term in office by receiving 86.82% of the vote.

Top Russian diplomat to hold working breakfast with CIS ambassadors

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold a traditional working breakfast with the ambassadors of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, accredited in Russia. During the meeting, Lavrov is expected to review the results of multifaceted cooperation within the CIS, which Russia chaired in 2024, and to discuss priority cooperation spheres in 2025. Lavrov will also brief his colleagues on Russia’s stance on the key issues on the international and regional agenda, including the situation around Ukraine.

Hamas delegation to visit Russian capital

A delegation of the Palestinian group Hamas to visit Russia’s capital Moscow. According to Russian state news agency RIA, the delegation headed by senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk is planning to have talks at the Russian Foreign Ministry. One of the topics expected to be on the agenda is the release of two Russian citizens currently hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Turkish Cabinet meeting

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to chair Cabinet meeting.

Africa’s largest mining investment summit kicks off in South Africa

The continent’s largest mining investment summit to kick off in the South African city of Cape Town, bringing together investors and mining professionals from across the world. The annual summit known as the mining Indaba started 30 years ago and has been the leading place for deal sourcing and corporate matchmaking for the African mining industry.

As fighting eases in eastern DR Congo, humanitarian crisis deepens

After days of heavy clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces life is slowly returning to the restive city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. However, humanitarian organizations are warning of worsening conditions as hospitals are overwhelmed, essential supplies dwindle, and bodies remain in the streets, raising fears of disease outbreaks.

Zambia’s president embarks on official working visit to Japan

President Hakainde Hichilema embarks on a weeklong visit to Japan aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, will hold a summit meeting with the president and host a working dinner for him. Aside from strengthening bilateral ties between the two states, Hichilema’s visit is also expected to translate into a number of agreements to benefit Zambia across a diversity of economic sectors.

South Africa's health minister, US diplomats to discuss health funding cuts

South Africa’s Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi to meet with US Embassy officials to discuss US' withdrawal of funding for some health projects in the country. Over 15,000 health workers in South Africa face job losses due to Trump’s freeze on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief fund the global health program launched by former US President George W. Bush that is credited with saving more than 25 million lives worldwide.

Trial of incarcerated South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Trial of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol progresses amid his incarceration. He was indicted over Dec. 3 martial law decree but Yoon has defended his decision which triggered ongoing political crisis. He is facing a case of insurrection and abuse of power over short-lived martial law of Dec. 3. Massive protests against, and in favor of, Yoon have been consistently held in Seoul since he the martial law decree.

China likely to file complaint at WTO against US tariffs

Beijing has said it will file a law suit with the World Trade Organization over imposition of 10% tariff on Chinese imports by Trump administration. It has also warned to take countermeasures to safeguard its interests.

Reactions from Asian countries to Trump's tariff move

Reaction from Asian nations in the wake of tariff hike by Trump administration. Japan has opposed Trump’s move against US’ longtime rival China, fearing inflation risks. Asian economies, including South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Pakistan are expected to react as well.

Japan battles Tokyo sinkhole, residents moved to safer places

Evacuation process as Japan’s struggle to rescue a driver, 74, from a sinkhole entered sixth day. People living around the sinkhole have been evacuated outside the risk zone. The truck driver was swallowed last Tuesday by the cavity which has since expanded to 40 m across - almost the length of an Olympic swimming pool.

India's parliament panel to submit report on controversial amendments to Muslim endowments law

A committee of lawmakers to submit report to parliament on the controversial amendments to law on Muslim endowments, or Waqf, which has raised concerns among Muslims in the country. The amendments seek to give more control to government on Muslim endowments.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s inflation rate for January

Türkiye's annual inflation rate decreased for the seventh consecutive month, reaching 44.38% in December, lowest reading since June 2023. Economists polled by Anadolu expect figure to ease further to 41.25%.

Türkiye’s manufacturing PMI for January

Türkiye's Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the manufacturing industry rose to 49.1 in December, from 48.3 in November. The rise indicated near-stabilization in manufacturing activity and marked the smallest contraction in eight months.

Eurozone PMI for January

The downturn in the eurozone manufacturing sector deepened in December as the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to its three month low of 45.1 in December.

Eurozone inflation rate for January

The annual inflation rate in the euro area rose to 5-month high of to 2.4% in December, compared to 2.2% in November. Market expects figure to remain constant at 2.4% in January.

US manufacturing PMI rate for January

According to provisional data, the S&P Global US manufacturing PMI ticked up to 50.1 in January from 49.4 in December, signaling a slight improvement in manufacturing conditions after six months of decline.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXCLUSIVE - German chancellor favorite Merz vows to enhance ‘strategic dialogue’ with Türkiye

Exclusive interview with Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for German chancellor, and his vision for strengthening strategic partnership with Türkiye ahead of elections next month.

The report highlights Merz's emphasis on Türkiye's crucial role in European security and NATO, especially given potential changes in US foreign policy under Trump.

It explores his plans for enhanced cooperation on migration, Syria policy, and bilateral relations, while also examining the CDU's appeal to Turkish-background voters in Germany in the context of the upcoming snap polls following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government.

DEEP DIVE - Mexican immigrants in US face uncertainty as Trump’s crackdown intensifies

Report on the impact of Donald Trump's return to power and his renewed anti-immigration policies on undocumented immigrants in the US, with a particular focus on the Mexican immigrant community.

The story examines the immediate effects of Trump's executive orders on immigration enforcement, including intensified ICE raids and deportations, while exploring the broader social impact of rising anti-immigrant sentiment. It also analyzes the economic role of immigrant labor in the US and Trump's proposed policies, including tariffs on Mexico and the controversial Guantanamo Bay proposal.

The report includes comments from two Mexican nationals living in the US - Guadalupe from San Diego and Thelma from California, alongside data from the FBI, Pew Research Center, Migration Policy Institute, and BBVA research.