Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

2nd phase negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza

Developments in negotiations on phase two of Gaza ceasefire deal. Phase one, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.

Qatar says it is too early to talk about the resettlement of Palestinians from the enclave, and that Doha is busy trying to bring about the second phase of a deal to halt the war between Israel and Hamas, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told Fox News.

“We know that there is a lot of trauma with the Palestinian side when it comes to displacement. However, again, it’s too early to talk about this, because we don’t know how this war will end,” he added.

Negotiations on the second phase of the agreement were scheduled to start on Monday, but Netanyahu decided not to send his negotiators to Doha until he meets with Trump later Tuesday.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

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

A Palestinian child was killed on Wednesday by Israeli army gunfire in the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.

Reactions to US president calls for taking over Gaza Strip

More reactions to US President Donald Trump’s plan for US to “take over” Gaza.

Trump said at a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US "will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too."

On Wednesday, Palestine's envoy to the UK termed Trump's plan to "take over" Gaza "very dangerous," and warned that it will go far beyond Palestine.

Besides, Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their rejection of any attempts aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land, stressing the need for a just resolution to the Palestinian cause.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation considered that these statements contribute to the consolidation of occupation, colonial settlement, and the forcible seizure of Palestinian land, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

In Israel, Trump's remarks sparked mixed reactions. While some ministers and Knesset members welcomed them, others warned of their potential impact on regional stability.

US president’s Middle East envoy likely to meet Qatari prime minister

US President’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Thursday in Florida to discuss the Gaza situation and the anticipated talks on the second phase of the ceasefire, according to international reports.

However, no official statement on the meeting has been issued by Doha or Washington.

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 Wednesday, the Israeli army committed at least three violations, including the burning and bombing of homes in the towns of Rab Thalathin and Yaroun in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon.

This raises the total number of violations to 845, according to an Anadolu tally based on reports from the Lebanese National News Agency.

Israeli raids in West Bank, particularly in Jenin

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.

Since Jan. 21, Israeli attacks on Jenin and its refugee camp have killed 25 Palestinians, including two children, injured over 50, and displaced around 3,000 people. More than 100 homes have been demolished or burned, according to Palestinian sources.

In Tulkarem, for the ninth day, Israeli forces continued a large-scale assault, destroying infrastructure, arresting dozens, and displacing hundreds. Since Tuesday, four Palestinians have been killed, including a child and a journalist.

Israeli forces also raided Al-Far’a refugee camp and Tammun in the north, bulldozing streets, vandalizing vehicles, and turning homes into military outposts.

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.

Israeli prime minister’s visit to US

Developments on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the US, which started on Sunday.

On Thursday, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with congressional leaders from both the Senate and House, along with other lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

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 Wednesday, the Sudanese army claimed military gains in the capital Khartoum against the RSF.

A military spokesman said army forces seized control of the Al-Ramila area and its industrial zone in western Khartoum from the RSF.

Following all topics through translation from Arabic wire, official accounts, and relevant websites in addition to giving breakings about related possible important developments.

European Commissioners - Poland visit to mark start of presidency of Council of the EU

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen leads rescheduled visit of the College of Commissioners to mark the start of Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Trip was postponed from January amid news that von der Leyen was suffering from severe pneumonia. The visit to end Friday, Feb. 7.

Kaja Kallas and Mark Rutte – meeting in Brussels

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas hosts NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Greek presidency vote 3rd round in parliament

Greek parliament will gather to elect new president of the country. Unlike the first two round of the election, the threshold will drop to 180 votes. However, Konstantinos Tasoulas, a former parliamentary speaker nominated by the ruling center-right New Democracy party, is not likely to gather 180 votes.

WHO pre-summit on health equity, Geneva

The Thematic Pre-Summit on Health equity for persons with disabilities will take place in the lead up to the Global Disability Summit 2025, to galvanize recognition that disability inclusion is fundamental to the success of achieving health and wellbeing for all.

Homicide in England and Wales - annual statistics

Office for National Statistics publishes annual analysis on homicide recorded by police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2024.

Trump's remarks on relocation of Gazans outside Gaza

Monitoring reactions to President Donald Trump's remarks that the US will "take over Gaza and own it" and proposed resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza. White House said no decision has yet been made on sending in US troops to Gaza.

Marco Rubio - Dominican Republic visit

Marco Rubio concludes his first visit in Central America as secretary of state with talks in the Dominican Republic. Rubio will meet with Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez and President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo. Later, Rubio will hold a joint press conference with Abinader.

National Prayer Breakfast - Donald Trump speaks

Annual event, usually held on the first Thursday in February at the Congress. President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the event.

Benjamin Netanyahu - Washington DC visit continues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues visit to Washington, DC, where he is due to remain until Saturday. Netanyahu visits Congress today, where his schedule includes a meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

FBI Director nominee Kash Patel - committee vote

Senate Judiciary Committee meets to vote on the nomination of Kash Patel to be the new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Trump administration buyout offer to federal workers - application deadline

Today is the deadline for federal workers to apply to voluntarily leave their posts in exchange for about eight months' salary as part of an offer made by the Office of Personnel Management to shrink the size of the federal government.

Colombian government faces political crisis

Colombia's government faces a crisis after a dramatic, six-hour Cabinet meeting ended in tears and resignations. At least three senior officials stepped down following the live-broadcast session, where ministers voiced grievances and President Gustavo Petro criticized their lack of progress on key projects.

Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova to hold a news briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy. She will also hold a Q&A session. The Turkish wire will attend the briefing via videoconference.

South African president to deliver State of the Nation Address

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) during a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament as the leader of the Government of National Unity which consists a coalition of 10 political parties.

The address is an important milestone as it brings certainty to the country’s political, social and economic landscape. Ramaphosa is expected to make mention of the country’s peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has come under criticism, the country’s relationship with the US under Trump presidency and the country’s support for Palestine among others.

Nigerian president to meet French counterpart in Paris

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to hold talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris. Tinubu will later join African leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State on Feb. 12-16.

Africa’s public health body to hold briefing

The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to address reporters on the latest regarding the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania, recent Ebola disease outbreak reported in Uganda and the mpox situation on the continent. The health body will share latest insights and urgent actions being taken to combat these epidemics.

Latest humanitarian situation in Goma following ceasefire by M23 rebels

The humanitarian situation in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, remains grim with overwhelmed hospitals, increased food shortages, and a rush to burry hundreds of corpses. According to the UN, over 900 people have been killed in two weeks of clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese troops vying for control of Goma. Nearly 3,000 people were injured in the clashes. Congo called for the withdrawal of M23 rebels as well as Rwandan forces from the eastern city of Goma.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty on India visit

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to hold talks with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Both leaders are expected to review their relations and also discuss the situation in Middle East

Record snowfall batters Japan

Developments after record snowfall continued in Japan, throwing life out of gear in many parts of the country. Weather agency has warned of more snow. At least one person has died due to the severe weather while rail and transports services have been badly hit.

Trial of incarcerated South Korean President Yoon

Following trial of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol who refused to stand witness at a parliamentary questioning session about the Dec. 3 martial law decree. The Constitutional Court trial is also progressing with expected decision by early March. Yoon was indicted over Dec. 3 martial law decree but 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’s Xi hosts Thai Premier Paetongtarn

China’s President Xi Jinping hosts visiting Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for bilateral talks. Paetongtarn is on official visit to China between until Feb. 8.

Japanese Premier Ishiba flies to US

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba flies to the US for a summit with President Donald Trump. Ishiba is expected to pledge to buy more liquified natural gas from the US as well as discuss blocked deal on procurement of US Steel by Japan’s giant Nippon Steel.

Newly elected regional heads take oath in Indonesia

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to administer oath to newly elected 270 regional heads.

Mass detentions in Kashmir

Developments after mass detentions in Indian-administered Kashmir over the killing of a retired Indian army soldier. Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said more than 500 people were detained, calling the move “harassment” and “unjustified.”

Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing

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

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry to hold weekly news conference in capital Islamabad. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on Trump’s plans to take over Palestinian besieged enclave of Gaza as well as security situation in the region with particular focus on Afghanistan.

Greek foreign minister’s visit to India

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to hold talks with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Both leaders to hold talks to enhance growing strategic partnership.

THE ECONOMY

UK’s interest rate

The Bank of England will share interest rate decision. The bank kept the rate constant at 4.50% in December. Market expectation for the new meeting is a cut of 25 basis points.

US jobless claims

The US will release initial weekly jobless claims figures. It was at 207,000 at the previous week. The expected figure for the last week is 214,000.

Germany factory orders

German statistical office Destatis to announce factory orders for December. Factory orders dropped 5.4% in November. The forecast for December is a 1.7% increase.

Türkiye’s population for 2024

Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) will reveal the population of Türkiye for 2024. It was 85.37 million in 2023.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Completing the genocide’: What is the US-Israeli endgame with Gaza takeover plan?

Report on Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion to take control of Gaza, examining whether it is a genuine policy proposal or a strategic provocation, and analyzing the possible US-Israeli objectives.

The story explores key questions, including who would benefit from such a move – particularly in relation to Israel – given Trump’s past comments on its size and security, with experts viewing the proposal as another mean to achieve the Israeli objective of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.

The report includes comments from experts including sociologist and academic Martin Shaw; Emad Moussa, a British-Palestinian writer and researcher; and Ryan Bohl, a senior MENA analyst at risk intelligence firm RANE, who break down the implications of Trump’s plan for Palestinians and regional countries, as well as the international legal and political order.

Trump and Europe’s populist wave threaten Western support for Ukraine: Expert

Report on how the rise of populist parties in Europe, combined with Donald Trump’s second term as US president, could reshape Western support for Ukraine in 2025.

The report examines how prolonged war fatigue and economic impacts like inflation are fueling support for anti-system parties in Europe, and analyzes how internal Western divisions, delayed military support, and Trump’s varying stances could contribute to the war’s extension.

The story includes an interview with Vienna-based geostrategist Velina Tchakarova, who explains how Trump’s presidency could force significant changes in European policy and aim to deepen EU’s military dependence on the US through arms sales.

Stone Town: Zanzibar’s UNESCO heritage site faces climate change peril

Report on the challenges facing Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Zanzibar, as it battles the dual threats of rising sea levels and urbanization.

The story examines the ocean’s shifting role, from shaping Stone Town’s history to now eroding its foundations, featuring insights from Ali Hamad, a local guide, and Salma Ahmed, a conservationist.

The report highlights efforts to restore historic structures and mitigate climate risks through local and international collaborations, and connects Stone Town’s plight to global discussions on heritage preservation and climate resilience.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO – Interview with geopolitical strategist Velina Tchakarova about how the rise of populist parties in Europe and Trump’s policies in his second presidential term could reshape Western support for Ukraine.