Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Growing military dissent in Israel

The developments as pressure builds inside Israel to end the war on Gaza and secure the resale of the Israeli hostages.

More petitions are expected to be signed by military, security, and civil figures demanding a ceasefire and the return of hostages.

Responses from the Prime Minister’s Office and defense establishment, especially in light of Netanyahu’s threats to dismiss active-duty signatories.

Possible special content includes a timeline infographic or fact box detailing the number of petitions submitted since last Thursday.

⁠Illegal Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque during Passover

The developments as tensions escalate as illegal Israeli settlers enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem during the Jewish Passover holiday.

Further settler incursions into Al-Aqsa are expected as Passover continues, with daily entry figures from the Islamic Endowments Department to be monitored.

Statements by far-right Israeli officials, regional responses from Jordan and the OIC, and any signs of Palestinian protests or clashes in East Jerusalem.

Palestinian Prisoners’ Day sparks mass rallies across West Bank

The developments as Palestinians launch two days of marches and events across the occupied West Bank starting Wednesday, ahead of Palestinian Prisoners’ Day on April 17.

Demonstrations are unfolding across West Bank cities, with focus on testimonies of systematic torture, medical neglect, starvation, and physical and psychological abuse—particularly affecting those detained during recent Israeli raids.

Reports from prisoners' rights groups are expected to highlight new documentation of abuses.

Sudanese army advances in Omdurman amid worsening humanitarian crisis

The conflict escalates as the Sudanese army retakes parts of western Omdurman, with heavy clashes and rising humanitarian needs as the war enters its third year.

Further military gains are expected as fighting continues in western and southern Omdurman.

Humanitarian conditions worsen, with rising displacement and limited access to aid. UN assessments and impact on civilians in conflict zones.

German chancellor visits Poland

Germany's outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit Warsaw for bilateral talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The meeting will focus on bilateral relations, European policy issues, and international affairs, according to a statement by Scholz’s office.

Amid economic shockwaves from the US due to President Donald Trump’s increased tariffs, Scholz and Tusk may focus on how to protect the EU interests. Despite Scholz’s pending departure from the top office in Berlin, the two leaders are also expected to talk about Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as other regional and international issues. Possible statements from both governments, probable televised remarks and social media posts.

French journalists’ unions rally in support of Gaza colleagues

A coalition of French journalists’ unions, media outlets, and press freedom organizations is organizing rallies in Paris and Marseille to express solidarity with Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza.

According to the op-ed, nearly 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza over the past 18 months, with several deaths reportedly occurring during reporting missions while wearing clearly marked press gear. The French signatories include SNJ, SNJ-CGT, CFDT-Journalistes, Reporters Without Borders, and editorial teams from major French outlets such as AFP, Le Monde, Liberation, TF1, and Radio France. Reports from the rally.

Top Russian diplomat to chair meeting on resettlement of citizens from 'unfriendly' countries to Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to chair a meeting of the Foreign Ministry’s Council of Heads of Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation in Moscow.

Governors, senior officials of the presidential administration, and representatives of federal executive authorities will have a detailed discussion on the resettlement to Russia of citizens from "unfriendly states." The Russian foreign minister is expected to make remarks at the event.

Trump's interview

Second part of US President Donald Trump's interview with Fox Noticias to air. Border security and immigration are expected to be addressed.

US attorney general to unveil actions against state of Maine

Pam Bondi, US attorney general, to unveil actions against the state of Maine, which is locked in a dispute with the Trump administration over transgender policy.

US' Rubio to meet with Indonesian foreign minister

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the Department of State. Top diplomats last spoke in January shortly after President Donald Trump took office.

Mexico's president to hold press conference

President Claudia Sheinbaum to hold weekly press conference amid ongoing disputes with Trump administration over migration, flow of illicit fentanyl and trade.

Zambia, EU to hold annual bilateral dialogue

The parties are expected to hold discussions on areas of cooperation between Zambia and the EU, particularly financial and technical support being rendered to cushion the impact of US aid cuts, as well as preparations toward the country’s upcoming general elections next year. The Zambian government will be represented by Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe while the EU will be represented by its ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak.

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing

China’s ongoing response to US tariffs of 145% which is expected to halt more US imports and take other measures.

China, Vietnam conduct joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf waters

China and Vietnam hold the 38th joint patrol around the Beibu Gulf water to further expand military cooperation.

With China’s President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Vietnam amid the tariff war between China and the US, 46% reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam, the relationship between neighbors has become more significant.

Türkiye's transport and infrastructure minister to hold meetings with Slovenian premier, mayor of Ljubljana

Türkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu will inspect the construction sites of the second line of the Divaca-Koper railway and the second tube of the Karawanken Highway tunnel. Uraloglu will also hold bilateral meetings with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and Mayor of Ljubljana Zoran Jankovic.

THE ECONOMY

House sales in Türkiye

Turkish Statistical Institute will release house sales figures for March.

In February, house sales increased by 20.1% year-on-year to 112,818.

China’s GDP

China will release gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment rate, retails sales, and industrial production figures for 1st quarter.

UK inflation

UK to share consumer inflation figures for March.

The inflation in the UK was at 2.8% annually and 0.4% monthly in February.

Tariff developments

The ongoing tariff issue with new steps and statements.

In the latest move, the US exempted some tech devices from its reciprocal tariffs which are at 10% for all countries except China. However, Trump later said there won’t be exclusions and there will be separate tariffs for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. More exclusions, retaliations, new tariffs, or statements might come.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW - ‘Cloud and AI are the new bombs and bullets of the 21st century,’ warns ex-Microsoft worker

Interview with Vaniya Agrawal, a former software engineer at Microsoft, who recently made global headlines after disrupting the company’s anniversary event along with a colleague to protest against its ties with the Israeli military.

Agrawal, a vocal critic of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza and Western complicity, explains how Microsoft has been enabling and assisting the current Israeli assault, while also shedding light on the tech giant’s longstanding ties with Israel and its military.

She speaks about her experience with Microsoft in the aftermath of the event and emphasizes the need for sustained pressure on Microsoft and other tech firms aiding and abetting Israel’s genocide.

‘Return hubs’: What is the new EU proposal and why is it stirring debate?

Report on the European Commission’s proposed Common European System for Returns, a sweeping policy aimed at accelerating the deportation of rejected asylum seekers across the bloc through a series of new measures and partnerships with third countries.

The story details the plan’s controversial proposals, including so-called “return hubs” that have sparked fierce criticism and warnings of potential violations of international law and expose vulnerable individuals to abuse.

The report also examines the objectives and hurdles of the plan, with comments from Vincent Chetail, professor of international law and director of the Global Migration Center; Arjen Leerkes from the Finding Agreement in Return project; and a statement from the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants.

INTERVIEW - Botswana keen on renewable energy transition, could be gateway to Africa for investors: Foreign minister

Interview with Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s minister of international relations, about the country’s push to become a renewable energy hub and investment gateway to Africa.

Butale explains Botswana’s strategies and policies aimed at capitalizing on its solar energy potential and attracting global investors following the peaceful 2024 transition of power. He emphasizes Botswana’s position as a safe and strategic entry point into Africa, with vast untapped mineral resources.

Butale also addresses recent tensions over tariffs imposed by the US, reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to diplomatic solutions and diversifying partnerships. On regional stability, he stresses the importance of inclusive dialogue to resolve conflicts like the one in eastern DR Congo.

Holocaust survivor vows to keep speaking out against Gaza genocide despite UK pressure

Interview with Stephen Kapos, an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Kapos, who was recently questioned by UK police for his participation in a pro-Palestine rally, speaks about his experience with law enforcement and condemns the increasing repression of people voicing solidarity with Palestinians.

He vows to continue his advocacy against Israel’s actions despite the crackdown, emphasizing the importance of bearing witness and drawing from history to speak out against present-day injustices.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Vaniya Agrawal, a former software engineer at Microsoft, who recently made global headlines after disrupting the company’s anniversary to protest against its ties with the Israeli military.

VIDEO - Report on the European Commission’s proposed Common European System for Returns, focusing on the controversial “return hubs” proposal, with insights from Vincent Chetail, director of the Global Migration Center, and Arjen Leerkes from the Finding Agreement in Return project.

VIDEO - Interview with Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s minister of international relations, about various issues, including the country’s push to become a renewable energy hub and its strategies to counter Trump’s new tariffs.

VIDEO - Interview with Stephen Kapos, a Holocaust survivor and vocal critic of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, who vows to continue his advocacy despite the increasing repression of pro-Palestine voices in the UK.