Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

International reactions to Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction

International and regional reactions to the Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction after the Arab emergency summit in Cairo adopted Egypt’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, without displacing Palestinians.

The plan includes the formation of a committee to govern Gaza during a six-month transitional period. The committee will operate independently, composed of technocrats without factional affiliations, working under the Palestinian government.

The plan emphasizes the necessity of a medium-term truce between Israel and the Palestinian Authority across all Palestinian territories.

The reconstruction process is projected to take three years, costing $23 billion. It will include programs for early recovery and simultaneous reconstruction efforts.

The plan also calls for the creation of a buffer zone after debris removal, along with the construction of 20 temporary housing areas, involving both Egyptian and international companies.

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

Developments after the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which began on Jan. 19, and ended on March 2.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel would not proceed to the next phase unless all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza are released and the region is fully disarmed.

There has been no official statement from the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, or the US—regarding the future of the agreement or the progress of efforts to bring Israel and Hamas closer to a resolution.

Israeli raids in West Bank

Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank with the army deploying tanks in the northern parts of the territory for the first time in over two decades.

On Tuesday, two Palestinians were killed during an incursion in Jenin, while at least 20 others were arrested across various West Bank governorates. Among the detainees is Israa Ghunaimat from Hebron, a recently released prisoner under the Gaza agreement.

The escalation came amid a deadly Israeli military onslaught in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing more than 60 Palestinians and displacing thousands.

Israel has killed at least 929 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 Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike on a car in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon killed one Lebanese national and injured others. Israel claimed to have targeted a “key figure in the Ridwan Unit of Hezbollah,” though Hezbollah has yet to comment on the incident.

Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan

The security and humanitarian situation in Sudan where the Sudanese army in recent days has gained ground against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in key areas and states.

On Tuesday, the Sudanese Doctors' Network announced that eight people were killed and 46 others injured in an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on two areas in North Darfur, western Sudan.

Vice President JD Vance to visit US-Mexico border

Vice President JD Vance will visit the US-Mexico border in Texas today, joined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Vance will also hold a press conference.

25% tariffs on all goods from Canada, Mexico

Developments as US began imposing 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada. Both Mexico and Canada said they will implement countermeasures if the tariffs are imposed.

Sanctuary cities: US House Committee hearing

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability will hold a hearing to examine the jurisdiction of sanctuary cities, including Chicago and New York City, and its impact on federal immigration policy. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnson, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams are due to testify.

US Senate Committee hearing on antisemitism in America

Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing, titled Never To Be Silent: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America.

US House Committee hearing on 'threat' posed by China

US House Committee on Homeland Security will hold a hearing, titled Countering Threats Posed by the Chinese Communist Party to US National Security.

UN Security Council on Gaza humanitarian situation

UN Security Council will meet for consultations on resolution 2720, which calls for increased aid for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Hungarian Premier Orban to visit Paris

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss EU and international security issues. According to Hungarian officials, the meeting will focus on the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war. Orban has been a vocal critic of EU military support for Ukraine, and has voiced strong support for US President Donald Trump's peace efforts.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.

EU interior ministers meeting

Ministers of home affairs from EU member states will gather in Brussels to discuss the external dimension of migration and the EU’s internal security and to take stock of its actions against drug trafficking and organized crime.

Briefing with Palestinian athletes

Association of Accredited Correspondents at the United Nations (ACANU) will host a press briefing on the challenges faced by Palestinian athletes under Israeli occupation. The session will feature Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, and Valerie Tarazi, member of Palestine's national swimming team.

Pope's treatment in Rome hospital

Latest updates on Pope Francis's health condition as he undergoes treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican said in its latest update that the pontiff "slept well" on Tuesday night after experiencing two acute respiratory failures the day before. The 88-year-old has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and is being treated for pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

Putin to hold government meeting via videoconference

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a government meeting via videoconference on comprehensive measures to combat telephone and Internet fraud. According to a Kremlin statement, the meeting is also expected to address current issues, which may lead to remarks about international issues, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Putin to attend annual extended meeting of Russian Interior Ministry board

Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part in the annual extended meeting of the board of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. According to the Kremlin, the meeting will summarize the work of the internal affairs agencies for 2024, and also determine priorities for 2025.

Reactions to Trump's address to Congress

Reactions from Russia and Ukraine will be followed as US President Donald Trump announced the agenda of his second term in the White House in an address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. In his speech, Trump has touched on the situation with regards to the war in Ukraine, as well as ongoing topics concerning US-Russia and US-Ukraine ties.

Azerbaijani president to visit Türkiye

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will visit the Turkish capital to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties, regional and global developments. Aliyev and Erdogan also will attend the opening ceremony of the Igdir-Nakhchivan Natural Gas Pipeline.

Botswana to launch 1st satellite into orbit

Botswana to launch its first satellite, BOTSAT-1, from Los Angeles, California. Developed by local engineers, the satellite will support sectors like mining, agriculture, and urban planning. President Duma Gideon Boko is expected to attend the launch.

Rwanda faces international pressure over its alleged support for M23 rebels

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains precarious as Rwanda faces international pressure over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group. Countries including Germany, the US and the UK announced punitive measures and sanctions against Kigali for the alleged support. The M23 rebel group captured the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, resulting in more than 8,500 deaths and at least 5,700 injuries, according to Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba.

Indian foreign minister visits UK, Ireland

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is paying an official visit to the UK and Ireland from March 4 to 9. He is scheduled to meet his counterparts from UK, David Lammy, and Ireland, Simon Harris.

Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on Ukraine war, US-China relations.

Japan's wildfire continues to rage

Firefighters are struggling to put out a fire which has already burned 2,600 hectares of land and is raging unabated in forested areas of the city of Ofunato in Japan. It may rain or snow on Wednesday, which could help the firefighting efforts.

IMF delegation pays official visit to Pakistan

An IMF delegation is visiting Pakistan for the first review of a $7 billion bailout program. Islamabad secured the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) last summer as part of an economic recovery plan.

South Korea's political crisis continues

South Korea’s Constitutional Court is expected to decide the outcome of the imprisoned President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial in mid March over his martial law decree of Dec. 3. Yoon has been indicted over abuse of power as well as insurrection and is facing unprecedented criminal trial while remaining under detention in Seoul.

Indonesian capital floods cause hundreds to evacuate

Hundreds of people have been evacuated as numerous areas around capital Jakarta have been flooded due to heavy rains. Torrential downpour has caused several rivers to surge over their banks.

THE ECONOMY

Eurozone producer prices

Eurostat to release producer price index (PPI) for January. PPI increased 0.4% monthly in December and showed no change yearly.

OECD inflation

Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development will release inflation data for its area.

US factory orders

The US will reveal factory orders figures for January. They decreased by 0.9% on a monthly basis in December 2024 but a slight increase is expected for January.

SPECIAL REPORTS

JD Vance: Is he now Trump’s new aggressor-in-chief?

Report examining US Vice President JD Vance’s role as Donald Trump’s deputy, which has so far been a stark contrast to his predecessors.

The story delves into the growing view that Vance is taking on an “attack dog” role in the Trump administration, with experts breaking down how his confrontational rhetoric aligns with current US foreign policy and a broader effort to create distance with Europe.

The report includes comments from Scott Lucas, a professor of American Studies at the University of Buckingham, and Roseanne McManus, an associate professor of political science at the Pennsylvania State University.

Ramadan nights in Delhi: A feast of faith and flavor

Report on how Muslims are observing Ramadan in India’s capital New Delhi, featuring insights from residents and business owners of various backgrounds.

The story details the festive atmosphere of Ramadan in the city’s historic Old Delhi area, where the streets around Jama Masjid transform into a hub of food, culture, and community.

It also provides a glimpse into the traditional cuisine on offer at night markets, highlighting the blend of culinary traditions and strong sense of community, with comments and insights from several Muslim residents.