Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, May 31, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal talks

The latest developments in Gaza ceasefire efforts as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his acceptance of a new outline put forward by US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Hamas confirmed it had received the new proposal from mediators and is currently studying its terms.

Hamas is expected to formally respond to the Witkoff proposal.

On Friday, Hamas said it is holding consultations with Palestinian groups on the proposal.

Famine threat deepens in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate as famine looms over hundreds of thousands, compounded by the collapse of aid distribution mechanisms introduced by Israeli and US authorities. Recent disruptions, overcrowding, and lack of access have underscored the failure of improvised aid models to meet urgent civilian needs.

UN’s humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Friday accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, saying such actions amount to a war crime under international law.

Calls are mounting for the immediate reopening of Gaza’s crossings to prevent further starvation and displacement.

Developments in war-torn Sudan

Ongoing developments and battles between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in different areas of war-torn Sudan, as well as developments of worsening humanitarian living and health conditions, as cholera cases are on rise.

On Friday, at least six people were killed and 15 others injured when a drone operated by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck a hospital in the city of El-Obeid, capital of North Kordofan State.

Stalemate over Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul

Russia has confirmed its readiness to participate in a second round of peace talks with Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Moscow will present its peace memorandum during the meeting. However, Ukraine insists on receiving the document in advance, arguing that without prior access to Russia’s terms, the discussions would lack substance.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of stalling by withholding the memorandum, despite earlier commitments to share it with Kyiv and international partners. The Kremlin maintains that the memorandum will be presented at the talks and has criticized Ukraine’s demands for preconditions as unconstructive.

Turkish president to attend youth meeting

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to attend the 4th Türkiye Youth Meeting at the Istanbul Congress Center.

Shangri-La security dialogue continues in Singapore

Asia’s high-profile Shangri-La Dialogue continues for 2nd day in Singapore where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, among others, will deliver statements.

Australian, Japanese, US defense chiefs hold meeting

Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani hold a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of annual security summit in Singapore. They are expected to discuss bilateral as well as regional security matters.

China likely to respond to Trump's claims on tariffs

China is likely to respond to US President Donald Trump’s claims that Beijing breached preliminary agreement on trade which was signed following staggering tariffs of 245%.