Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, March 10, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

The 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.

Israeli media reported Sunday that Tel Aviv plans to send a negotiating delegation to Qatar on Monday to push forward negotiations on a potential prisoner exchange.

Israeli Channel 12 said the government agreed to participate in the discussions at the request of mediators Qatar and Egypt, with support from the US.

Israel also said the talks about the release of Israeli hostages holding American nationality in Hamas captivity had collapsed.

There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas or Washington on the claim.

The Palestinian group Hamas reiterated its approval of an Egyptian proposal to form a “Community Support Committee” to manage the Gaza Strip until general elections are held at all local, presidential, and legislative levels.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel escalated its attacks across Gaza last week after the expiry of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

On Sunday, Israel announced a decision to “immediately” cut off electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli public broadcaster reports. This move came just eight days after Israel closed border crossings and halted the entry of humanitarian aid.

Also, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed preparations for the creation of an office within the Defense Ministry to oversee the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Separately, two Palestinians were killed and several others wounded in Israeli artillery shelling at a Palestinian crowd in the Sujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City, according to medics.

The latest casualties have pushed the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to more than 48,450, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

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 Sunday, Israeli tanks entered the village of Wadi Burqin, located to the west of Jenin, in the northern West Bank. According to witnesses, the tanks opened fire in a random manner with no casualties reported.

The Israeli army also rounded up at least 16 more Palestinians in military raids in areas in Ramallah and Al-Far’a refugee camp in Tubas.

The escalation came amid a deadly Israeli military onslaught in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing more than 66 Palestinians and displacing thousands.

Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout

Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

On Sunday, a Lebanese civilian was critically injured by Israeli army fire in the southern town of Kfarkela, the Health Ministry said.

Security developments in Syria

Latest security developments and updates in Syria following days of clashes between security forces and Assad’s loyalists.

On Sunday, the Syrian presidency announced the establishment of a national independent committee to investigate the recent security events in Latakia and Tartus, with a focus on the violent clashes between security forces and remnants of the fallen regime.

Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry confirmed the launch of the second phase of a military operation aimed at tracking down the remnants of the former regime's forces in the rural and mountainous areas, following the restoration of order in the coastal cities.

A mass grave containing the remains of security and police personnel was discovered near the city of Qardaha in northwestern Syria, the state news agency SANA reported on Sunday.

Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan

The security and humanitarian situation in Sudan as the Sudanese army gaining ground against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas and states.

On Sunday, several people were killed and others injured in artillery shelling carried out by the RSF on the city of Al-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state.

In a separate development, the Sudanese military announced that the White Nile state is now free of the RSF forces, except for one area it did not mention.

Trump's schedule at White House

US President Donald Trump will hold a roundtable meeting with the Technology CEO Council. Later, he will sign a series of executive orders and then hold a ceremonial swearing-in for the chief of the Secret Service Sean Curran.

Trump's statement on Ukraine war, Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Statements from US President Trump on war in Ukraine and talks on Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Rubio in Saudi Arabia for talks to end war in Ukraine

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 10-12 for talks with Ukrainian counterparts to advance President Trump's goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Rubio will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to discuss ways to advance shared interests in the region and strengthen the US-Saudi relationship.

Security Council meeting on UN mission in Afghanistan

UN Security Council members will hold consultations on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

Mark Carney set to become next Canadian premier

Developments after former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney won the Liberal Party leadership by a landslide and is set to become Canada’s next prime minister. A snap election is likely, with parliament resuming on March 24, when opposition parties could force an election or Carney could call one.

German coalition talks

Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) will continue formal negotiations to form a coalition government. Preliminary talks concluded Saturday with broad agreement on contentious issues. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the country's likely next chancellor, expressed hope to establish the coalition government before the Easter holiday on April 20–21. Following Germany's Feb. 23 elections, Merz's CDU/CSU alliance won 28.5% of votes, while the Social Democrats hit their lowest-ever result at 16.4%. Together, their combined 328 seats would surpass the 316-seat majority needed in the Bundestag.

Germany airport strikes

Germany's air travel sector faces severe disruption Monday as the ver.di union announced a coordinated 24-hour strike affecting 11 major airports across the country. The industrial action, which will impact international hubs, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin-Brandenburg, stems from an ongoing wage dispute between the union and federal and municipal employers. Ver.di is demanding an 8% wage increase or a minimum monthly raise of €350 ($380) for its members, along with improved compensation for irregular working hours and three additional vacation days. Union officials say the action comes after employers failed to present an offer during the latest round of negotiations.

NATO chief visits Bosnia

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will visit Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina for discussions on regional security and stability with high-level officials. During the visit, he will meet with members of Bosnia's tripartite presidency and the Council of Ministers, as well as engage with students at the University of Sarajevo. The visit comes as political tensions have escalated after Bosnia's Serb entity Republika Srpska recently passed legislation preventing central police and judiciary operations in Serb-controlled territory.

Briefing of UN refugee agency for Palestinians

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner-general, will give an update on the work of the agency across its areas of operation: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

British prime minister addresses party event

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will address the weekly meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, where he is expected to comment on domestic and international issues.

Reactions to Zelenskyy's talks with Saudi crown prince

Reactions from Kyiv as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy holding talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid an official visit to the Gulf nation. While no further information was given on the content of the talks, the meeting is expected to discuss bilateral issues and the war in Ukraine. The negotiations will take place a day before a Ukrainian and US delegation are also scheduled to meet in Jeddah on finding a settlement for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Turkish Cabinet meeting

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to chair the Cabinet meeting at the presidential complex and attend iftar, fast-breaking dinner, with Cabinet members.

Ghanaian president to visit Burkina Faso

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama to pay a working visit to Burkina Faso. The parties are expected to discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional security. Mahama’s visit follows his Mali and Niger visits over the weekend. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023 and formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States regional bloc in late January.

Tropical Storm Jude to make landfall in Mozambique

Tropical Storm Jude is expected to make landfall in the northeastern province of Nampula in Mozambique. East African countries, Malawi and Comoros face potential impact, as Madagascar is also on high alert. Authorities and humanitarian organizations are boosting preparedness and response efforts in anticipation of the tropical storm’s landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to impact Australia

About 350,000 homes and businesses are without power in the Australian province of Queensland in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that major flooding continues to be a risk across northern New South Wales and inland south-east Queensland. The ex-tropical cyclone reached the Queensland coast on Saturday as a “tropical low” after 16 days as a cyclone.

South Korea's political crisis simmers after impeached president's release

Political temperatures soar as tens of thousands of supporters and opponents of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered in Seoul to rally for and against his surprise release following a court order. Yoon's fate lies with the country's Constitutional Court, which is set to announce its verdict to whether uphold or dismiss his impeachment by the National Assembly in a few days.

Afghanistan's acting foreign minister visits Oman

The acting foreign minister of the Afghan interim government, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is visiting Oman to strengthen political and economic relations with the Gulf nation. During his visit, he will meet his Omani counterpart.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye’s industrial production

The Turkish Statistical Institute will release industrial production figures for January. Türkiye's industrial production posted an annual increase of 7% in December 2024.

Germany’s foreign trade

Germany’s Destatis will share foreign trade figures for January. Its foreign trade balance posted a surplus of €20.7 billion in December 2024.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Greenland elections: What to know about Arctic island’s crucial vote

Report on Greenland’s legislative elections set to be held on March 11, the most closely watched ever in its history due to US President Trump’s campaign to take over the Arctic island.

The story presents key information about the electoral process, including voter demographics and an overview of the major parties and candidates vying for seats in the 31-member parliament, the Inatsisartut.

The report also explains the significance of the vote in terms of geopolitical tensions with the US, with insights from experts on Greenland’s political future and possible path to independence.

Breaking fast, building bonds: Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lent unite people in Tanzania

Report on the unique interfaith harmony in Dar es Salaam during Ramadan this year as the Muslim holy month coincides with the Christian Lent.

The story explores how Ramadan and Lent transform the daily life in Dar es Salaam, highlighting the culinary, cultural, and communal aspects of the holy months. It captures the experiences of street vendors, traders, and residents preparing traditional dishes like cassava porridge, pilau, and dates for iftar.

The report also highlights the growing role of digital platforms in charity efforts, and features insights from street vendors, worshippers, and religious leaders such as Sheikh Abdulrahman Kombo, who emphasize the importance of giving and unity.