Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, April 25, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza hospitals on brink of collapse as children face mounting health crisis

Latest updates point to the accelerating collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, with 37 hospitals now rendered non-operational amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

The dire state is expected to draw urgent international attention, particularly regarding the fate of children suffering from malnutrition, trauma, and chronic illness.

Netanyahu-Shin Bet head tension sparks fears of looming constitutional crisis

Tensions are rising in Israel amid claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to pressure the head of security agency Shin Bet, raising concerns over executive overreach and the potential breakdown of institutional boundaries.

Expectations are mounting over a possible constitutional standoff, with legal experts warning of threats to judicial independence.

Netanyahu was granted on Thursday a four-day extension by Israel’s High Court to respond to the allegations—an indication of the legal weight the case may carry.

Trump to attend pope's funeral

President Donald Trump will depart the US for Rome as he prepares to attend Pope Francis' funeral in the Vatican City.

Syrian flag raising ceremony takes place at United Nations in New York

Syrian flag-raising ceremony to take place at the Syrian mission to the UN in New York. Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani will attend alongside members of Syrian civil society, and representatives of the Syrian diaspora in the US.

Security Council holds consultations on Syria

UN Security Council to hold consultations on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria following the overthrow of longtime regime leader Bashar al-Assad.

US secretary of state meets Iraqi counterpart

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to host Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein at the State Department.

Rubio hosts Declaration of Principles signing ceremony

Rubio will host a Declaration of Principles signing ceremony between Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe at the State Department.

Sentencing of Former New York Republican Rep. George Santos

Sentencing to take place in the case of former New York Republican Rep. George Santos, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges on Aug. 19, 2024. By filing a plea deal, Santos avoided a trial in connection with other charges.

International Summit on the Future of Energy Security

The International Energy Agency and the UK government host an international summit to assess the existing and future risks facing the global energy system.

Today is the final day and a closing press conference is scheduled at the end of the session.

UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing

Press briefings by UN agencies at the headquarters in Geneva.

Church abuse compensation ruling in Germany

A regional court in Essen will announce its decision on additional compensation for a church abuse victim. The case involves a 56-year-old man who was sexually abused by then-chaplain Peter H. 45 years ago.

Germany has faced widespread revelations of clergy abuse in recent years. Several court cases, including the Essen ruling, may set important precedents for handling abuse cases in the German legal system.

EU foreign policy chief to visit Azerbaijan

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan's capital Baku.

According to an EU statement, Kallas will hold talks with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

The meetings are expected to address issues regarding bilateral relations, as well as peace talks between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia.

Tensions between India, Pakistan escalate

Tensions between arch-rivals India and Pakistan have escalated after an attack in disputed Kashmir killed 26 people.

Islamabad announced retaliatory measures against India including suspending the 1972 Simla pact and halting trade after New Delhi said it will unilaterally suspend a 1960 water-sharing pact and closed the only land border between the neighbors.

Turkish president to host New Zealand premier for dinner in Istanbul

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for a dinner at the Dolmabahce presidential office in Istanbul.

THE ECONOMY

UK retail sales

The UK will release retail sales figures for March. The sales rose 1% month-on-month in February. Markets expect them to fall by 0.4% in March.

Canada's retail sales

Canada will share retail sales figures for February. Retail sales fell by 0.6% on a monthly basis in the previous month. The markets expect them to decrease by 0.4%.

SPECIAL REPORTS

As US steps back, can Europe navigate its critical security test?

Report on the EU’s path forward in terms of defense capabilities and security architecture.

The story examines how EU nations such as Germany, France, Italy and others are planning to enhance their own and Europe’s defense capacity at a time of growing uncertainty regarding the US’ future security role on the continent.

The report also dives into the question of the EU’s possible reliance on Türkiye’s enhanced military capabilities and booming defense sector.

It has interviews with Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of the Center for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), and Marta Muchnick, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.

Could rising fuel costs spur Tanzania’s transition to cleaner natural gas?

Report on Tanzania’s growing shift toward compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol and diesel, with more citizens turning to CNG to offset soaring fuel prices.

The story captures perspectives from taxi operators and energy experts, highlighting both the financial relief and infrastructure gaps faced in the transition. It also explores the government’s broader natural gas strategy, ongoing negotiations with global energy firms, and plans to expand CNG access nationwide.

The report has interviews with Haji Semboja, an economics professor at Zanzibar University; Ismail Naleja, supervisor at the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation; and Simon Mahoiga, project manager at the Tanzania Association of Environmental Engineers.

Engines of power: Inside Russia’s presidential car museum

Report on Moscow’s Museum of the Special Purpose Garage, which showcases the evolution of Russian leadership through its official cars – from imperial Delaunay-Bellevilles and Lenin’s Rolls-Royce to Stalin’s ZiS and President Putin’s modern Aurus fleet.

The story explains how the museum, operated by Russia’s Federal Protective Service, tells the story of power, symbolism, and national identity through automobiles.

It presents details of exhibits spanning the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and modern Russian Federation, and has an interview with museum curator Yekaterina Ostapenko, who highlights how each era’s vehicles reflect the political ethos, technological ambitions, and global posture of their time.