Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis

The ongoing humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, including access to food, water, electricity, and medical care, as well as the impact of Israel’s blockade since March 2, leaving nearly 2.4 million Palestinians without essentials.

The already dire humanitarian situation is projected to worsen significantly if Israel continues to block aid entry. Gaza’s Civil Defense said Monday that most of its vehicles in southern Gaza have ceased operations due to a critical fuel shortage.

Humanitarian implications such as human toll, malnutrition rates, lack of clean water, and communicable disease outbreaks. Testimonies from civilians, medical personnel, and organizations, alongside diplomatic responses from major powers.

Yemen under US air-raids campaign

The intensified US airstrikes targeting the Houthi-controlled areas across Yemen, as well as Houthi attacks against US warships in the Red Sea and against Israeli targets.

The humanitarian implications, including civilian deaths and injuries, especially after 68 people were killed and tens of others injured in US airstrikes on a shelter for African migrants in Yemen's Saada province. International reactions, including UN concerns.

The Global Security Forum in Qatar

The second day of the seventh Global Security Forum -- a three-day event held in Doha, Qatar -- under the theme The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security.

The event, opened Monday to conclude on Wednesday, brings together global leaders, government officials, security experts, to explore the challenges emanating from transnational terrorist groups, private military companies, and digital disruptors in light of the geopolitical dynamics, as well as reconstruction in Syria.

Participant statements highlighting practical implications, expected proposals and initiatives on rebuilding Syria. The forum’s strategic insights report, which will propose counterterrorism, AI governance, and reconstruction policies.

UN request for ICJ opinion on Israel's obligations to assist Palestinians - public hearings continue in The Hague

Public hearings continue on the second day at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as it hears a request from the UN for an advisory opinion on the "Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory." South Africa, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Spain to give evidence on Tuesday.

SPD members' coalition agreement vote deadline

The German Social Democratic Party's (SPD) membership ballot on the coalition agreement ends at 11.59 p.m. local time (2159GMT). Members are voting on the coalition deal with the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), which party leaders finalized after weeks of negotiations. Results to be announced Wednesday.

Statements from SPD figures about the vote and track member opinion polls. If SPD members approve the agreement, the German parliament could elect CDU leader Friedrich Merz as the new chancellor next week, succeeding Olaf Scholz. The agreement's signing ceremony is set for May 5, with the parliamentary vote on May 6.

NB8 foreign ministers - Denmark meeting concludes

Hosted by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the two-day meeting of counterparts from NB8 nations to conclude.

A joint press conference takes place at 2.15 pm local time (1215GMT) on Tuesday. The ministers are expected to reveal details on their discussions on topical foreign policy issues, support to Ukraine, and European security and defense cooperation.

Turkish president to visit Italy

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni in Rome. The two leaders are expected to lead the 4th Turkish-Italian Intergovernmental Summit, where diplomatic, political, and economic relations between the two countries will be discussed.

The summit is expected to see discussions on cooperation in various fields, including defense, aviation, cyber security, energy, automotive, and infrastructure.

Erdogan, who will attend the Türkiye-Italy Business Forum, will also meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva

The service reveals its agenda shortly before the briefing, with the focus to be based on this agenda.

Russian, Belarusian presidents to take part in events in Volgograd

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to take part in events in the city of Volgograd dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War.

According to the Kremlin, the two presidents will take part in events, including an international forum, where they are expected to deliver speeches, as well as hold a separate conversation, during which they will discuss current issues regarding further developing bilateral relations, all of which the Eurasia desk will follow via official statements or live broadcast, if available.

Trump's 100th day in office

US President Donald Trump to deliver remarks to the Michigan National Guard at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

US President Donald Trump to deliver remarks to commemorate his first 100 days in office as he addresses supporters at the Macomb County Community College Sports Expo Center.

UN Security Council meeting on Palestine

UN Security Council to hold open debate on the situation in Palestine, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to address the Council in addition to dozens of states.

UN Security Council meeting on Russia-Ukraine war

UN Security Council to discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine after the Kremlin put forward a unilateral three-day ceasefire that both the US and Kyiv have said should be permanent.

US House Committee hearing

Senior Pentagon officials to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability regarding mysterious drone sightings over US military installations.

3 Chinese astronauts return home

Three Chinese astronauts are expected to return home after spending around 7 months in space.

Locally known as Taikonauts, Shenzhou-19 crew, launched on Oct. 29, handed over operations at China’s indigenously built Tiangong space station to Shenzhou-20 crew. The returning astronauts are expected to bring home space material for further scientific probe. Launched into space last week, the three new astronauts of Shenzhou-20 will conduct work on space life science, human research, microgravity physics, and developing artificial brain models, as well as the preparation of superconducting materials.

South Korea expected to announce its measures after North Korea confirmed its participation in Russian war

South Korea is expected to announce its measures after North Korea confirmed its soldiers participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Seoul may announce weapons shipments to Ukraine among other measures as it has condemned Pyongyang’s military alliance with Moscow. It is the first time in decades that an Asian nation has joined a war outside the region.

New Delhi expected to react to call for ‘neutral’ probe into Kashmir attack

India is expected to react to the call for a “neutral” probe into Kashmir attack of April 22 which left 26 people dead.

Indian authorities are likely to react to a demand for an impartial and neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack as suggested by Pakistan and supported by China. Diplomatic efforts are expected to gain momentum to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The Philippines' president hosts Japanese premier

The Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosts Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for official talks in Manila.

Talks between Marcos and Ishiba assume significance as Japan has enhanced its defense interactions with the Philippines which has maritime overlapping claims with China. Japanese observers are also participating in the ongoing Philippines-US annual military drills.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's unemployment

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) will release unemployment rate figures for March. The rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 8.2% in February, marking its lowest level since July 2012.

Türkiye's economic confidence

TurkStat to share economic confidence figures for April. Turkish economic confidence rose to 21-month high of 100.8 points in March.

German consumer climate

Market research company Gfk to release consumer climate figures for May. Consumer climate index ticked up to minus 24.5 points in April.

US foreign trade

US will share foreign goods trade statistics for March. The goods trade balance posted a deficit of $147.8 billion in February.

US job openings

US will release job opening figures for March. Job openings fell to 7.568 million in February.

SPECIAL REPORTS

First 100 days: Trump’s strategy reset and global impact

Report analyzing the second Trump administration’s first 100 days from a strategic perspective, focusing on the tactics employed during its whirlwind inaugural period.

The story covers the various approaches taken by President Donald Trump to stamp his mark on global politics, such as a tilt toward realism, trade protectionism, and strategies to reshape spheres of influence, particularly with regards to main rival China.

The report includes interviews with analysts focusing on US and global politics, including Jussi Hanhimaki, a professor of international history and politics in Geneva, and Andrea Ghiselli, a currently UK-based academic specializing in US-China competition.

First 100 days: Trump’s foreign policy shifts in new term

Report analyzing the major foreign policy decisions of President Donald Trump’s second administration in its first 100 days, covering US strategies across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas.

The story focuses on Trump’s handling of key global issues, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, escalating trade tensions, and nuclear negotiations with Iran.

It features expert insights from Rich Outzen, non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Yasir Atalan of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, offering a detailed assessment of how Trump’s actions are reshaping US diplomacy and international alignments.

From Dublin to Istanbul: Irish kayakers paddle for Gaza and children battling cancer

Report on the remarkable 5,000-kilometer journey completed by Irish kayakers Johnny Coyne, Liam Cotter, and Ryan Fallon, which brought them from Dublin to Istanbul to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge.

The story features interviews with the kayakers, including Coyne, who reflects on how the expedition reshaped his sense of purpose and deepened his advocacy for Gaza, and Cotter, who recounts the physical and emotional challenges they faced in the nearly eight-month journey, such as crossing the English Channel.

Fallon discusses the logistical pressures of their final days, the overwhelming welcome in Istanbul, and their plans to link future expeditions with humanitarian causes. The report also includes interviews with family members and Bosnian-Australian filmmaker Reshad Strik, who praised the kayakers’ commitment to both adventure and activism.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Jussi Hanhimaki, professor of international history and politics in Geneva, about the second Trump administration’s first 100 days, focusing on its strategic resets and global impact.

VIDEO - Interviews with Irish kayakers Johnny Coyne, Liam Cotter, and Ryan Fallon about their 5,000-kilometer charity mission from Dublin to Istanbul.