Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, April 13, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Hamas delegation in Cairo for talks with Egyptian, Qatari mediators

A high-level Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya is expected to hold meetings in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Sunday, as part of ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and end Israel’s military offensive on Gaza.

According to a Hamas statement, the group remains open to any proposals that guarantee a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and a serious prisoner exchange deal.

Meetings are expected to generate statements from Hamas, as well as Egyptian and Qatari mediators, and may prompt reactions from the Israeli side, particularly as international pressure mounts to stop the war.

Growing calls within Israel to end war on Gaza amid mounting pressure on Netanyahu

Since Thursday, a series of petitions have been gaining traction inside Israel, calling for the return of hostages -- even if that requires halting the ongoing war on Gaza. The signatories include Israeli military personnel, both active reservists and retired officers, among them high-profile former commanders. Their demands are fueling a broader national debate that could intensify in the coming days.

Observers expect these internal pressures to grow, especially as Israeli society becomes increasingly divided over the war’s objectives and its human and political costs.

Hamas has interpreted the surge in such appeals as further proof of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s responsibility for prolonging the onslaught, arguing that his leadership is obstructing any serious progress toward de-escalation.

In a parallel development likely to draw attention, Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander, in a newly released video from Gaza, directly addressed US President Donald Trump, accusing him of having "fallen victim to Netanyahu’s lies" -- a statement expected to spark diplomatic and political reactions, especially as international mediators renew efforts to reach a ceasefire deal.

Further statements from Israeli military circles, families of captives, and possibly US officials are expected in the coming days.

Israeli military completes siege of Rafah amid warnings of humanitarian catastrophe

The Israeli army announced on April 12 the completion of the siege of Rafah by finalizing the construction of the Morag Corridor -- a military road that now cuts off Rafah from Khan Younis.

The move is part of a broader plan to impose a buffer zone across nearly one-fifth of Gaza's territory, from which Palestinians would be permanently excluded.

Widespread Arab and international condemnations are expected, particularly from Egypt, Qatar, and the Arab League, given Rafah’s humanitarian significance. UN bodies may also face pressure to denounce the buffer zone plan as a violation of international law.

2nd day of Jewish Passover amid fears of escalating Israeli violations in occupied Palestinian territories

Sunday marks the second day of the Jewish holiday of Passover, which continues through April 20. This period has historically witnessed a spike in Israeli incursions and settler violence, especially in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Palestinian officials and rights groups are warning of the potential for escalated violations by Israeli forces and extremist settlers under the pretext of holiday-related security operations. Tensions are particularly high around Al-Aqsa Mosque, where previous years have seen raids, restrictions on Muslim worshippers, and confrontations during the Passover period.

Egyptian president heads to Doha, begins open-ended Gulf tour

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to arrive in the Qatari capital Doha on Sunday, launching an open-ended Gulf tour that will also include a visit to Kuwait.

The visit is expected to feature high-level discussions with Qatari and Kuwaiti leaderships, focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ceasefire negotiations, and future mechanisms for aid delivery and governance in the strip.

Jordanian premier expected to begin landmark visit to US

Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan is expected to begin a high-profile official visit to Washington, DC, seen as one of the most significant in the history of modern Jordanian governments.

According to Jordanian media, the visit aims to convince the US administration to exclude Jordan from the US tariffs, which Jordan sees as having a negative impact on its national exports and local economy

The prime minister is expected to return to Amman on Tuesday, after completing his official meetings, which will also include talks with other US officials.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye

Antalya Diplomacy Forum to conclude on its third day with events held under the main theme Advancing Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to hold a press conference as part of the closing ceremony of the forum.

Japan opens 2025 Expo in Osaka to public

An 184-day world expo in Japan will gather participants from over 160 different countries and international organizations like ASEAN and EU.

Myanmar continues rehabilitation of earthquake victims

Myanmar battles the aftermath of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake after 15 days. Over 3,600 people have been confirmed dead with over a 100 missing, while thousands are injured. Many countries have sent humanitarian aid to the region so far.

South Korean political parties move toward finalizing presidential poll candidates

South Korean political parties are concluding final names of candidates to stand in snap presidential elections. Intense intra-party lobbying is going on as the main People Power Party and Democratic Party pick their candidates. The snap elections are due to be held on June 3 after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted from office over his bid to impose martial law.

Pakistanis to hold Gaza Million march

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend to big marches in southern port city of Karachi to express solidarity with Palestine. Pakistan has seen renewed protests in recent days following fresh round of Israeli bombardment on Gaza.