Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

- Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

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.

Israel postponed the release of Palestinian detainees, who were supposed to be released in the seventh batch of the prisoners swap with the Hamas group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the delay is to force the Hamas group to drop what he says its 'degrading ceremonies' for handing over Israeli captives.

Hamas also condemned on Sunday Israel's delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners as a “violation” of a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement.

In a statement, Hamas urged mediators and the international community to take responsibility and apply pressure on Israel to honor the agreement and release the prisoners without further delay.

- Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ceasefire

Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to violate the ceasefire.

On Sunday, a Palestinian was killed and four others were injured after Israeli tank fire in the southern Gaza Strip, a medical source said. The casualties occurred when an Israeli tank opened fire on a car guarding air trucks near the Rafah border crossing in Rafah city, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Israel continues to deny the entry of mobile homes (caravans) into Gaza.

Despite the destruction of most of Gaza’s schools along and many being used as shelters, the Education Ministry announced on Sunday that the new school year began in Gaza after the suspension of Israel’s 16-month onslaught on the enclave.

The ministry appealed to human rights organizations to pressure Israel to allow access to materials needed for education in Gaza.

- 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.

Escalating further the situation, the Israeli army on Sunday announced deploying tanks in the northern West Bank for the first time in over two decades.

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN said the deployment of tanks was part of “broader preparations for an expansion of military operations in the northern West Bank.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the army will remain in Palestinian refugee camps in the northern West Bank for the next year to prevent Palestinian residents from returning.

Last month, the Israeli army launched a military offensive on the northern West Bank, which resulted in at least 60 fatalities and thousands of displacements.

Israel has killed at least 923 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.

- Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout

Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

On Sunday, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on several towns in eastern and southern Lebanon amid a mass funeral of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and despite an ongoing ceasefire.

Meanwhile, thousands of mourners gathered in the capital Beirut on Sunday for the funeral of Nasrallah.

The state news agency NNA said the mass funeral for Nasrallah and senior Hezbollah member Hashem Safieddine started at the Camille Chamoun Sports City amid tight security.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has committed nearly 1,000 violations, killing and injuring dozens in Lebanon, including women and children.

- Reactions on Netanyahu's remarks on keeping control over Mt. Hermon, Syrian buffer zone

Reactions to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments that the Israeli army will continue occupying Syrian Mt. Hermon and buffer zone areas for an indefinite period, and will not allow 'new regime' forces to enter the area.

He added that Israel will demand the disarmament of Syrian army in southern Syria, and will not 'tolerate any threat to Druze community'.

- Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan

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

On Sunday, the Sudanese army captured a new town in southern Sudan, in the latest military gains against the RSF.

The Nidaa Al-Wasat Platform, a local volunteer group, said in a brief statement that the RSF has no military presence in Alkotainh town in the White Nile State.

- UAE president’s visit to Italy

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday will start official visit to Rome, Italy, during which he will hold meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on bilateral cooperation, economy, investment, renewable energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and cultural exchange.

German party leaders weigh coalition possibilities

Reactions and statements from political party leaders after Sunday's vote, with focus on coalition possibilities.

Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance won the parliamentary elections with 28.6%, according to provisional results. The far-right AfD came second with 20.8%, followed by the SPD (16.4%), Greens (11.6%), and Left Party (8.8%).

The FDP fell below the 5% threshold with 4.3%, while the newly formed BSW narrowly missed it with 4.9%.

In the Bundestag, CDU/CSU secured 208 seats, AfD 152, SPD 120, Greens 85, and the Left Party 62. A majority requires 316 seats, meaning no party can govern alone.

EU foreign ministers meeting

EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East developments—particularly Syria and Lebanon. The meeting will be followed by the EU-Israel Association Council.

European defense ministers to discuss Ukraine

Defense ministers from more than a dozen European nations—including France, Germany, and the UK—are expected to meet virtually to discuss military support for Ukraine. The meeting comes amid the Trump administration's policy shift on Ukraine and calls for European countries to take greater responsibility.

UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva

The 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) will begin in Geneva and set to continue until April 4. President of the 79th session of the General Assembly Philemon Yang, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and UN human rights chief Volker Turk will address the opening session of the HRC.

Pope's treatment in hospital

Vatican statements regarding Pope Francis's pneumonia treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Vatican’s press office's Sunday morning update confirmed the Pope spent a peaceful ninth night in the hospital. On Saturday, the Vatican had reported that his condition was “critical” after experiencing a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.”

Spanish prime minister to visit Ukraine

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a visit to Ukraine. He will come to Kyiv on the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Third anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war

February 24 marks three years since start of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and territorial occupations. Discussions and reflections on the war’s impact and future prospects are anticipated on this day.

UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine

The UN Security Council is set to convene a briefing to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Discussions will focus on the ongoing conflict and its implications for international peace and security.

Global air raid sirens to mark Ukraine war anniversary

Ukrainian communities worldwide plan to activate air raid sirens at 18:00 local time to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The event aims to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict and call for global action.

European Commission to visit Kyiv

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and members of the European Commission will visit Kyiv on Monday, February 24, European Commission spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker said.

Russian foreign minister to visit Ankara

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will receive Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will also meet with his Russian counterpart Lavrov. The discussions will focus on the situation in Syria and the Ukraine peace process.

Pakistan premier to visit Azerbaijan

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay two-day official visit to Azerbaijan at the invitation of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. During the visit, the two sides will discuss cooperation in energy, trade, defense, education and climate sectors. Several pacts are expected to be signed between the two sides.

Political crisis in South Korea

Political crisis in South Korea continues amid ongoing impeachment trial of imprisoned President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon was also booked over his alleged attempt to block his arrest. Yoon has already been indicted over abuse of power as well as insurrection and is facing a criminal trial.

Border tensions between Pakistan, Afghanistan

Border tensions continue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A key border crossing at Torkaham remains closed following construction of a security check post by the Taliban interim administration. The border was shut down for travelers and vehicles since Saturday, causing huge losses to traders from both sides. A flag meeting is expected between two sides to reopen the border.

Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on recently-held G20 summit, tariffs war, tensions with Philippines in South China Sea as well as voyage of Chinese warships in inter waters around Australia and New Zealand

Japan Meteorological Agency has warned winter pressure pattern will continue, causing heavy snowfall in some areas, mainly along the Sea of Japan coast, and will likely cause traffic disruptions. Japan has witnessed record snowfall this winter throwing life of gear in many parts.

M23 rebels continue their advances in eastern DR Congo

M23 rebels are now said to have been moving toward the city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, less than 30 kilometers from Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital. The US last week announced economic sanctions against Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe due to the alleged Rwandan support to the M23 rebel group.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame discussed the ongoing crisis on Saturday with UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi sought Chad’s military assistance. The M23, one of dozens of armed groups active in eastern DR Congo and that resurfaced in late 2021, last week captured the city of Bukavu, after seizing Goma in January. At least 3,000 people, including peacekeepers, were killed and thousands displaced in the Goma fighting.

Elaboration of joint roadmap in Tanzania to solve conflict in DR Congo

The chiefs of defense of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will meet to discuss the situation in eastern DR Congo, and elaborate on a joint roadmap of solutions and a possible cease-fire.

Atlantic Council to host discussion on US-Africa economic priorities

Atlantic Council’s Africa Center to host a discussion, named “Reshaping US economic engagement in Africa,” about the top US-Africa economic priorities. The event will welcome economists, thought leaders as well as business and political figures.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's capacity utilization

The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye will release capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector for February.

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat will reveal updated inflation figures for January. It was at 2.5% on a yearly basis in December 2024. (Will be followed by Economy desk, no flash/photo)

SPECIAL REPORTS

Three years of war: How does Russia see push for Ukraine peace?

Report on the changing landscape of the Russia-Ukraine war as it enters a fourth year, focusing on the Russian perspective about the current situation.

The story explores the implications of US President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance toward Ukraine and the prospects of his expected negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, shedding light on Moscow’s key demands, including Ukraine’s neutrality and recognition of Russian territorial gains.

It includes interviews with Russian political analyst Viktor Kozyrev and historian Maxim Vilkov, who outline the potential scenarios that could play out over the coming days, while also explaining why there could be possible escalation if diplomacy fails.

View from the West: Will Ukraine be a ‘frozen conflict’ after three years of war?

Report on the view in Ukraine and the West as the war with Russia enters a fourth year and a critical phase of negotiations.

The story explores Ukraine’s main concerns at the moment and the implications of the increasing friction with the Trump administration. The report also delves into the overall Western perspective on the war, including Europe’s stance and possible policies going forward.

The report includes comments from Mark Kimmitt, a retired US brigadier general and former assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, and Simon Schlegel, Ukraine program director at German think tank Zentrum Liberale Moderne.