Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

Following developments in phase one of Gaza ceasefire agreement.

The phase, which includes a hostage-prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.

Nineteen Israeli captives and five Thai workers have been released in exchange for 1,135 Palestinian prisoners under the first phase.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the Security Cabinet will convene as soon as possible to decide on Israel’s next steps regarding the Gaza agreement.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ceasefire

The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel violates the ceasefire.

On Sunday, three Palestinian police officers were killed by Israeli shelling in Rafah in the southern part of the enclave.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to approve the entry of mobile homes and heavy equipment into the strip, the Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported, citing an unnamed Israeli source.

Palestinian medics and rescue teams retrieved six more bodies from rubble in the Gaza Strip, pushing the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to nearly 48,300, according to the Health Ministry.

Israeli raids in the 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 Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were injured by Israeli army fire during a military raid in the West Bank city of Nablus.

On Jan. 21, the Israeli army launched a military offensive on the northern West Bank, which resulted in 55 fatalities as of Friday evening, according to official Palestinian data.

Israel has killed at least 915 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

Top US diplomat's Middle East visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the Middle East to hold meetings as international pressure intensifies to resume negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian group Hamas.

According to the State Department, the trip will center on freeing American and all other hostages from Hamas captivity and countering the “destabilizing activities of the Iranian regime and its proxies.”

He arrived in Israel on Saturday and met on Sunday with the Israeli Premier Netanyahu and discussed preventing Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon with Netanyahu calling for the full disarmament of the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

The trip will also have stops at Saudi Arabia, and the UAE till Tuesday.

Rubio’s visit comes as US President Donald Trump has proposed to “take over” the Gaza Strip, relocate Palestinians there to Egypt and Jordan.

Israeli army chief's visit to the US

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi's three-day visit to Washington for talks with US military officials to discuss key strategic and operational issues.

A military statement said Sunday Halevi will meet with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the commander of the US Central Command, and other senior officials, and added that Halevi “will take the opportunity to express his gratitude to his counterparts for their support, commitment, and personal ties.”

The visit comes a few weeks before Halevi steps down. Last month, the army chief of staff said he would resign as of March 6.

Israeli violations of Lebanon ceasefire

Israel's violations of November's Lebanon ceasefire deal after extension in deadline for troop withdrawal until Feb. 18.

On Sunday, a Lebanese woman was killed and several others were wounded by Israeli army fire in the southern town of Houla as residents were trying to return to their areas.

Official local media reported that the Israeli military carried out a “massive explosion” Sunday in Hasbaya district, southern Lebanon.

Since the agreement went into effect, Israel has committed nearly 930 violations, resulting in 74 deaths and over 265 injuries, according to a count by Anadolu based on official Lebanese data.

Military situation in war-torn Sudan

The security situation in the northern African country as the Sudanese army has gained against Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas and states in recent days.

On Sunday, the Sudanese army accused the RSF paramilitary group of attacking a power station and public facilities in the White Nile State in southern Sudan.

US, Russian officials expected to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine

Developments after US and Russian officials are expected to hold a first round of in-person discussions in Saudi Arabia, focused on ending the Moscow-Kyiv war. President Donald Trump said on Sunday a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin could be very soon.

Delegation of US senators visits Israel

A bipartisan delegation of US senators, led by Lindsey Graham and Dan Sullivan, hold a press conference as part of a visit to Israel. Repercussions of the lawmakers' talks.

UN Security Council to discuss Ukraine

UN Security Council will hold a session on Ukraine under the “Threats to international peace and security” agenda item. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca and Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters are the anticipated briefers.

Row between Mexico and US

Developments after Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum accused the US of harboring drug cartels and American citizens of working with organized crime groups in Mexico. Row erupted between the US and Mexico after the Trump administration blamed Mexico for the flow of drugs and announced actions to designate certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

European leaders' informal emergency meeting on Ukraine in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron to reportedly host some European leaders on Ukraine this week, as early as Monday. The emergency meeting was called by Macron at the weekend after reports that US President Trump's Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg said Europe would not have a role in Ukraine peace talks planned between the US, Ukraine, and Russia.

The meeting plan was revealed by local media on Saturday based on unnamed officials. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also said a summit of European leaders was called by Macron. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to be invited for the meeting with EU leaders. According to UK sources, NATO chief Mark Rutte and the leaders of Germany, Italy, the UK, and Poland will also attend the emergency meeting.

European Commission chief von der Leyen to meet with US Envoy Kellogg

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosts Kellogg, the US special presidential envoy for Ukraine and Russia. The meeting is expected to focus on a Ukraine-Russia peace talks that the Trump administration said it would initiate. Kellogg recently said Europe would not have a role in Ukraine peace talks planned between the US, Ukraine, and Russia. The meeting coincides with an emergency meeting of some European leaders on Ukraine.

EU foreign policy chief, Canadian foreign minister meet in Brussels

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hosts talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. The talks are expected to focus on NATO, Ukraine peace talks, and US President Donald Trump's proposal to reinstate Russia in the G7, as well as the EU-Canada relations and Trump’s demand to annex Canada to the US as the 51st state. Joly said following a G7 meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany that Canada officially rejects the idea of Russia’s readmission in G7.

UN agencies’ Geneva briefing on Sudan

UN relief chief Tom Fletcher and UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi will launch the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan.

ARD debate with chancellor candidates in German elections

Candidates from the main German parties (SPD's Olaf Scholz, CDU's Friedrich Merz, The Greens' Robert Habeck, and AfD's Alice Weidel) take part in debate hosted by the German broadcaster ARD. The debate is expected to see reaction to recent meddling with the Germany elections and harsh criticism on European politicians on “democratic values” by US Vice President JD Vance and White House aide Elon Musk.

Russian, Serbian foreign ministers to hold talks in Moscow

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Serbian counterpart Marko Djuric. The agenda includes a detailed conversation on Moscow's multifaceted ties with Serbia, developments in Kosovo, and the Balkans in general, as well as an exchange of opinions on a wide range of international matters.

Zambia hosts global air force symposium

African air chiefs symposium to kick off in the Zambian capital city of Lusaka. The Southern African country will welcome global air force commanders to discuss matters of collaborative air operations in humanitarian and disaster mitigations for the benefit of citizens of member states. The week-long symposium is significant as it aims at operationalizing a roadmap and reshape the future of Africa's air operations, collaboration, and humanitarian response.

Volatile situation in eastern DR Congo

The latest developments and regional reactions amid M23 rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The rebels recently entered the provincial capital city of Bukavu after capturing the Kavumu airport. Since Jan. 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced, adding to the 6.4 million already internally displaced people, according to the UN.

Regional water congress continues in Uganda

Outcome of the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress and Exhibition expected. The congress held in the Ugandan capital Kampala to continue until Thursday. Delegates from more than 40 countries will discuss water governance, financing, climate resilience, and innovation.

Turkish parliament speaker visits Japan

As part of his official visit to Japan, Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş will meet with Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and will speak at the conference Peace Perspective in the Middle East and Türkiye.

China’s Xi chairs meeting on private businesses

Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs symposium to boost private sector sentiment. Business leaders, including Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, is expected to be among the participants.

Qatari emir pays official trip to India

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani likely to pay a two-day official trip to India. The visiting Arab Gulf nation leader will hold talks with Indian leadership to boost ties.

Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold news briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on the situation in the Middle East, and attempts to end the Moscow-Kyiv war, as well as meetings and statements delivered about Beijing at Munich Security Conference.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s budget balance

The Turkish Treasury and Finance Ministry to share central government budget balance table for January. Budget revenues were 8.67 trillion liras ($239.4 billion) and expenditures were 10.78 trillion liras ($297.6 billion) last year, the budget posted a deficit of 2.1 trillion liras ($57.98 billion) in 2024.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Germany elections: Friedrich Merz eyes closer ties with Türkiye if elected chancellor, says aide

Interview with German conservative lawmaker Jurgen Hardt about chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz’s plans if his CDU/CSU alliance wins the Feb. 23 elections, with a focus on key areas such as migration, economy, and regional security.

Hardt, the foreign affairs spokesman of the parliamentary group of the Christian Democrats, says Türkiye is a crucial partner for Germany, particularly in managing migration, stabilizing Ukraine, and addressing the conflict in Syria. He emphasizes that the Christian Democrats aim to reinforce the 2016 EU-Türkiye agreement to curb irregular migration and tackle its root causes.

Hardt also outlines the party’s broader foreign policy vision and the potential shift in Germany’s relations with international allies under a Merz-led government.

INTERVIEW - Japan warns of growing Russia-North Korea military ties, stresses global security links

Interview with Toshihiro Kitamura, spokesperson for Japan’s Foreign Ministry, focusing on Tokyo’s concerns over increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Kitamura warns that North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine could further destabilize the region, while Russia’s use of North Korean weapons and potential technology transfers could accelerate Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.

He emphasizes that the security of Asia and Europe are “inseparable,” underscoring Japan’s cooperation with NATO and other G7 nations to address the Ukraine conflict.

Kitamura also highlights Japan’s longstanding diplomatic and strategic ties with Türkiye, built on historical goodwill and strengthened through disaster relief efforts and Middle East peace initiatives, saying that Japan sees Türkiye as a key partner in maintaining regional stability in both Asia and the Pacific.

Harmattan’s fury: Millions displaced by conflict face climate calamity

Report on the dire conditions faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria as the harmattan season brings harsh cold to already fragile camps, exacerbating health risks and worsening humanitarian struggles.

The story details how over 2 million people, mostly in Borno State, displaced since 2009 by the Boko Haram terror group, are enduring extreme cold in makeshift shelters in Borno’s Ajiri camp and across IDP settlements in Sokoto and Zamfara.

The report includes firsthand accounts from displaced persons and insights from humanitarian organizations on the urgent need for intervention, along with comments from medical experts and Nigerian officials.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with German lawmaker Jurgen Hardt about the country’s upcoming Feb. 23 elections and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz’s policies, with a focus on areas such as migration, economy, and regional security.

VIDEO - Interview with Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura about Tokyo’s concerns regarding growing military ties between Russia and North Korea, particularly in Ukraine, and other regional and bilateral issues.