Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, June 8, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s ship Madleen nears Gaza to challenge Israeli blockade

The development pertains to Madleen, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists, which is expected to arrive in Gaza after leaving Catania, Sicily, last week to break Israel's blockade, where it is expected to be intercepted by Israel.

The situation is unclear as Madleen approaches or docks off Gaza's coast, and it is likely to be intercepted by the Israeli Navy, which has vowed to stop it.

Statements from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition regarding potential interception and distress signals will be tracked.

Gaza faces 3rd day of Eid al-Adha under Israeli bombardment, with aid halted and famine risks escalating

Israeli forces carried out heavy bombardment across Gaza on the first two days of Eid al-Adha, Islam's major festival, disrespecting religious values and killing over 100 Palestinians. Now, Gazans are marking the third day of Eid with gloom and fear of another Israeli bombardment, mass displacement, and a deepening situation of famine.

Following the announcement by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that it would cease operations indefinitely, several UN agencies, including UNRWA and OCHA, have issued statements and comments on alternative aid delivery mechanisms.

Human rights organizations are expected to issue statements emphasizing the urgent need for secure humanitarian corridors to address the famine risk.

Italy referendum on reducing citizenship residency requirement

Italians will begin a two-day vote on five separate questions, including whether to reduce the residency period for citizenship from 10 to five years.

The referendum, which ends on Monday, will ask voters whether they support relaxing citizenship laws as well as reversing a decade-long labor market liberalization.

Eid celebrations in London’s Trafalgar Square

Celebration of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Sunday marks the 20th year of the event.

Bulgarian president to pay 2-day visit to Kazakhstan

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev will arrive in Kazakhstan for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. During high-level talks in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, the leaders are expected to discuss the future of Kazakh-Bulgarian trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Russia-Ukraine conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues. Moscow accused Kyiv of hindering the exchange of war prisoners and bodies of fallen soldiers, which was agreed upon in Istanbul last week, claiming that the first round should have occurred on June 7. Ukraine has decided to postpone the swap until next week. According to media reports, Ukraine does not want to take back fallen soldiers because it would have to pay significant compensation to their families.

China’s top trade negotiator visits UK for talks with US on tariffs

He Lifeng, China's top trade negotiator, will arrive in the UK for talks with the US on tariffs and trade restrictions. He will lead the Chinese delegation to the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, which will take place on Monday.

Finnish president visits Japan

Finland's President Alexander Stubb is visiting Japan. The agenda includes strengthening bilateral ties, discussing current security policy issues and global challenges, and promoting cooperation between Finnish and Japanese companies. Stubb is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and the Emperor of Japan.