Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Second-phase negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza

Developments in negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The first phase, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.

Talks on the second phase of the agreement, which were scheduled to begin on the 16th day of the deal, are expected to resume after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.

According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to delay sending his negotiating team to Qatar until he meets Trump.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

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

On Monday, the Civil Defense rescue teams removed the remains of 20 Palestinians found in an empty land in the northern Gaza Strip who were killed by the Israeli army in the course of its genocidal war.

According to the Health Ministry, the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 reached 47,518, with 111,612 injured.

Israeli prime minister meeting with US president

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss Gaza and the Israeli hostages.

His visit started on Sunday and is expected to finish on Thursday. He will meet with military leaders at the Pentagon and members of Congress.

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 Monday, the Israeli military said that it blew up several buildings in southern Lebanon, alleging they were Hezbollah infrastructure and weapons depots.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s official news agency reported that Israeli forces set fire to a large number of homes between the villages of Odaisseh and Rab Thalathin in the Marjayoun district.

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.

Israeli raids in West Bank

Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, especially in Jenin, accompanied by illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.

On Monday, the Israeli army raided Silat al-Harithiya town, west of Jenin city, and cordoned off a number of homes, ordering those inside to surrender.

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 the city of Tulkarm, where three Palestinians were killed.

In the town of Tammun, northern occupied West Bank, the Israeli army evacuated Palestinian families from 12 homes and converted them into military barracks.

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.

On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia remains in talks with Syria over the status of its military base in Tartus. He confirmed that discussions with Syrian officials are ongoing but did not provide further details on potential changes to the base’s operations.

Syrian interim president's visit to Türkiye

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential complex.

The leaders will discuss the latest developments in Syria and the joint steps to be taken by Ankara and Damascus for economic recovery, sustainable stability, and security in the war-torn country.

They are also expected to hold a news conference ​​​​​​​

Egyptian foreign minister's visit to Türkiye

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to visit Türkiye on Tuesday.

He is expected to meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the capital Ankara, and they are set to discuss all aspects of bilateral ties.

They are also expected to discuss planning for a Türkiye-Egypt High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting expected next year.

Consultations will be held on regional issues such as Gaza and Syria, Libya, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel region.

Parliamentary meeting

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus to receive President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) Pia Kauma.

Kurtulmus and Kauma will hold a joint news conference.

With the goal to bring political dialogue between OSCE participating states to the parliamentary level, the OSCE PA was established in 1991.

Ursula von der Leyen to address EU ambassadors

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deliver an address at the annual EU Ambassadors Conference.

German chancellor candidate Merz to hold campaign rally in Bonn

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, will hold a campaign rally in the western city of Bonn. Recent polls show Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc holds a commanding lead in voter support. The latest Emnid survey puts the Christian Democrats at 30% of the vote, with the Social Democrats (SPD) at 15%. Despite this advantage, Merz will need a coalition partner to form a government.

UN briefing

The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva.

Greek foreign minister meets with Jordanian king

On the last day of his Middle East trip, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to meet with Jordanian King Abdullah II and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi to discuss bilateral relations and developments in Palestine and Syria.

Russian foreign minister to attend meeting of Valdai Club on Middle East

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to attend the 14th Middle East Conference of the Valdai International Discussion Club. The conference will focus on the latest events in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and the situation in Syria and other crisis spots. The list of invitees includes prominent foreign political scientists and analysts.

Russian Foreign Ministry to open newly created Department for Partnership with Africa

Russia's Foreign Ministry to hold an official opening ceremony for its newly created Department for Partnership with Africa. The ceremony will be attended by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as well as heads of African diplomatic missions in Moscow and other representatives from various bodies in Russia.

IAEA chief to visit Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to embark on an official visit to Ukraine's capital Kyiv. According to the IAEA, Grossi will hold high-level meetings in the Ukrainian capital, during which IAEA efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war will be discussed.

Top Israeli diplomat to visit Moldova

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to conduct an official visit to Moldova. During his visit, Saar will hold talks with top Moldovan officials, including President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and his counterpart Mihai Popsoi. The visit will particularly mark the opening of the country's embassy in Chisinau.

US tariffs on Mexico and Canada paused for one month

Developments after US agreed to pause 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month after initially threatening to implement the measures. Mexico said it is deploying 10,000 soldiers to US-Mexico border to prevent trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs. Canada's prime minister said Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion border plan and sending nearly 10,000 frontline personnel to work on protecting the border.

DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard - committee vote expected

Senate Intelligence Committee is expected to vote on Tulsi Gabbard's nomination to serve as Director of National Intelligence.

US withdrawal from UN human rights council, ban on UNWRA funding

President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to withdraw US from UN Human Rights council and prohibit future funding for UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA.

Marco Rubio's Costa Rica visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due in Costa Rica as he continues his first visit abroad. He visited Panama and El Salvador so far.

UN Security Council to discuss Middle East

UN Security Council will meet for closed consultations on the Middle East. Israel's Ambassador Danny Danon will brief media before the session in the afternoon.

Ecuador imposes 27% tariff on Mexican goods

Developments after President Daniel Noboa announced Ecuador will impose a 27% tariff on all imported Mexican products. Ecuador and Mexico severed diplomatic relations in April 2024 after Ecuadorian police forcibly entered the Mexican Embassy in Quito to apprehend former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought political asylum there.

Mexico deploying troops on border with US

Developments after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to immediately deploy 10,000 Mexican troops to the border to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into the US in the wake of US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

Reactions following US president’s threats to cut funding to South Africa over land policy

South African political parties, civil society groups, property lawyers and activists are expected to give their reactions after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off all future funding to the country until a full investigation into allegations of confiscation of land, and mistreatment of some classes of people is concluded.

Land is a sensitive issue in South Africa, where the majority of natural resources still remains in the hands of a few white South Africans 30 years after the end of apartheid. Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law a bill allowing land expropriation by the state without compensation, which created mixed reactions, including from members of his own Government of National Unity – a coalition of 10 political parties.

Global mining leaders continue deliberations in Cape Town

Africa’s largest annual mining conference continues for the second day in South Africa’s city of Cape Town, with hundreds of mining professionals and investors from across the globe attending. Since its inception in 1994, the mining summit has been the leading place for deal sourcing and corporate matchmaking for the African mining industry. The four-day summit will also discuss challenges in the mining industry, including illegal mining, poor working conditions for workers and low pay.

Goma faces social media interruption amid uneasy calm after days of heavy clashes

After days of heavy clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces, some social media platforms, including X and TikTok, have been suspended in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid uneasy calm in the eastern city of Goma. Humanitarian organizations are also warning of worsening conditions as hospitals are overwhelmed, essential supplies dwindle, and bodies remain on the streets, raising fears of disease outbreaks.

South Africa's defense forces committee to discuss plight of nation's troops in DR Congo

South Africa's Defense and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on Defense is expected to discuss the plight of South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo following the death of over a dozen soldiers. The meeting will provide both committees with the opportunity to engage directly with the defense minister and senior military leadership.

Trial of incarcerated South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Monitoring the trial of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol who remains in jail. Police raided the presidential security service office for 4th time to search and seize documents from presidential office but to no avail.

Yoon was indicted over Dec. 3 martial law decree but he 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.

Japan braces for bad weather

Japan is bracing for severe weather with significant snowfall expected, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. Authorities urged people to stay alert to weather and traffic updates, avoid unnecessary trips during heavy snow or blizzard conditions, and take safety precautions.

Pakistani President Zardari's state visit to China

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari arrives in Beijing for a five-day state visit. In Beijing, President Xi Jinping will host Zardari for bilateral talks.

Kyrgyz President Japarov to visit China

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan to pay a state visit to China until Feb. 7. He will be hosted in Beijing by President Xi Jinping for bilateral talks.

Uzbek President Mirziyoyev to pay 2-day trip to Malaysia

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to pay an official two-day visit to Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will host Mirziyoyev for talks in Kuala Lumpur. The visiting head of state will also meet representatives of Malaysian companies, and participate in a joint business forum.

UN General Assembly President Yang to embark on India trip

UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang to undertake official trip to India until Feb. 8. He is expected to meet Indian president and foreign minister besides other officials.

THE ECONOMY

US factory orders

In November, US factory orders fell 0.4% compared to the previous month to $586.1 billion. The figure is expected to decrease further by 0.7% in January.

US job openings

In November, the number of job openings increased by 259,000 to 8,098 million. Market projects figure at 7.88 million in December.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Netanyahu in US: What is he seeking and how far will Trump go for Israel?

Report on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, focusing on the key issues on the agenda and what Israel is seeking from the Trump administration.

The story explores the main discussion topics, including Netanyahu’s push to resume the war on Gaza, the future of the Palestinian enclave in terms of governance and development, and the possible Israeli aim of getting US recognition for more illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The report analyzes the stances of both sides and delves into the question of just how far Trump is willing to go in his support to Israel, with comments from Mairav Zonszein, senior Israel analyst at the International Crisis Group, and Ahron Bregman, a political scientist and former Israeli military officer.

‘Would do it all over again’: Caesar Files whistleblower speaks out on Syria’s Assad regime

Interview with Osama Othman, a central figure in revealing the torture committed by the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

Othman, known by his code name ‘Sami,’ worked with former Syrian military photographer ‘Caesar’ to smuggle thousands of images exposing crimes against detainees in the regime prisons following the 2011 uprising.

Othman speaks about the horrors of Assad’s prisons, the immense challenges the duo faced during their effort to expose the regime’s crimes, the impact of their work, and also shares his perspective on the fall of the Assad regime and the future of Syria.

US aid cut sparks warning of ‘alarming increase’ in hepatitis transmission

Interview with Finn Jarle Rode, director of The Hepatitis Fund, on the impact of the US’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the new Trump administration’s freeze on aid funding.

Rode speaks about the resulting challenges for global hepatitis elimination efforts, highlighting the widening financial gap in hepatitis programs worldwide that were already severely underfunded.

He warns that without urgent action from other governments or donors, hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment will face critical setbacks, jeopardizing progress toward the 2030 elimination goal.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with Osama Othman, known by his code name ‘Sami,’ who worked with former Syrian military photographer ‘Caesar’ to smuggle thousands of images that exposed the crimes of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria.