Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, March 16, 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 yet.

Hamas announced late Friday that it had taken a “positive step” by expressing its intention to release Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who also holds American citizenship.

Earlier on Friday, a statement from the office of the US presidential envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and the National Security Council, published by the White House, stated that "President (Donald) Trump has made it clear that Hamas will either release hostages immediately, or pay a severe price."

On Wednesday evening in Doha, Qatar, Witkoff and National Security Council Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Eric Trager presented a "bridge" proposal which would "allow time to negotiate a framework for a permanent ceasefire," it said.

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.

At least 10 Palestinians, including journalists, were killed on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a relief team in the town of Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry said.

Palestinian Civil Defense teams continued efforts Saturday to retrieve the bodies of 61 Palestinians buried in the yard of Gaza’s Shifa Hospital during Israel’s months-long war.

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.

The Palestinian Scholars Association condemned on Saturday the escalating Israeli violations against Palestinian worshipers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem during the month of Ramadan.

The Israeli army has continued a deadly military offensive in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing at least 70 Palestinians and displacing thousands.

Israel also imposed strict restrictions on Palestinians from the occupied West Bank trying to reach Jerusalem for prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the second Friday of Ramadan.

Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout

Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

A Lebanese citizen was killed on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, in yet another violation of the November ceasefire.

Developments in Syria under new administration

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

At least four people were killed and nine others injured on Saturday following an explosion in a four-story building in the Al-Raml Al-Janoubi neighborhood of Latakia, northwestern Syria, state media reported.

The explosion was caused by the dismantling of war remnants inside a scrap shop, said SANA.

Developments around Ukrainian settlement

Following developments related to finding a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

UK energy minister visits China

UK's Energy Minister Ed Miliband is currently visiting China until March 17. During his visit, he will be meeting with Chinese energy and environment ministers to discuss climate and energy cooperation, aiming to strengthen clean energy partnership between the two countries.

New Zealand’s prime minister visits India

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will kick off his 5-day visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, business leaders, journalists, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. He is expected to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.