Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, March 8, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

Latest developments after phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which began on Jan. 19, ended on March 2 and was not extended, nor did it move into the second phase.

Hamas on Friday condemned Israel’s continued closure of Gaza’s border crossings calling it an “extension of the ongoing genocide” against Palestinians in the besieged enclave and a "war crime" that necessitates international intervention.

“Tightening the siege on Gaza, closing the crossings for the sixth day in a row, and preventing the entry of humanitarian aid are forms of the genocide that has not ceased against our people,” said Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to enter negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Instead, he wants to extend the first six-week phase of the deal.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel escalated its attacks across Gaza since Sunday, shortly after the expiry of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

On Friday two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike on eastern Gaza City, in the latest violation of a ceasefire agreement, a medical source said.

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 Friday, Israel’s defense minister instructed the military to remain in refugee camps in the northern West Bank until at least the end of the year.

Katz also admitted that more than 40,000 people have been evacuated so far from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams, referring to Israeli soldiers forcing out the residents.

The Israeli army also on Friday raided several mosques in the city of Nablus, in the northern occupied West Bank, and set fire to the historic Al-Nasr Mosque in the Old City.

The escalation came amid a deadly Israeli military onslaught in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing more than 65 Palestinians and displacing thousands.

Israel has killed at least 930 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.

The Israeli army on Friday injured three people in southern Lebanon in the latest violations of the ceasefire.

⁠Developments in Syria under new administration

Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Bashar Assad administration.

On Friday, the Syrian authorities extended the curfew in the cities of Latakia and Tartus in northwest Syria and launched large-scale security sweeps in urban centers, villages, and surrounding mountains to track down remnants of the deposed Bashar al-Assad regime.

This decision was made in response to recent security tensions in the coastal region, which saw former regime elements attack security patrols and checkpoints, resulting in security force casualties.

⁠Military, 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.

Turkish president to attend International Women's Day event in Istanbul

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend March 8 International Women's Day Iftar Program at Halic Congress Center in Istanbul.

African countries celebrate International Women's Day

International Women's Day to be celebrated across the continent. Leaders and international organizations are expected to deliver remarks on the occasion.

⁠Putin to address on International Women's Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin to address on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Azerbaijan’s top diplomat to visit Saudi Arabia

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov will visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and hold a series of bilateral meetings.

Tropical cyclone Alfred to hit Australia

Developments after tropical storm crossed Moreton Bay islands off Australia’s heavily populated eastern coast, lashing coastal suburbs with destructive winds and dumping heavy rain, and leaving almost 250,000 homes and businesses are without power in Queensland's south-east.

South Korea's impeached president awaits release after court verdict

A South Korean court has ordered release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from custody Friday after accepting his request to cancel his arrest over his short-lived imposition of martial law. However, he may not be immediately freed because prosecutors could appeal. He is currently held at a detention center in capital Seoul.