Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, July 14, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel

The ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in the Qatari capital, Doha, to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap deal, as obstacles emerge regarding Israel’s refusal to withdraw from several areas, especially the Morag Axis, which separates Rafah from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

New Freedom Flotilla vessel sails to Gaza to break Israeli blockade

A new Freedom Flotilla Coalition boat, “Handala,” departed from the Italian port of Siracusa for Gaza with the aim of breaking Israel's illegal blockade and delivering humanitarian aid. This mission follows the interception and seizure of a previous vessel, the “Madleen,” by Israeli forces in international waters in June.

Exacerbating humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid heat wave

The worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as malnutrition cases continue to increase due to the ongoing Israeli months-long blockade. The crisis is exacerbated amid a heat wave affecting thousands of displaced people, many of whom are living in worn-out tents as the Israeli army continues targeting aid seekers near distribution centers.

EU–Southern Neighborhood ministerial meeting in Brussels

Palestinian and Israeli foreign ministers are expected to attend the EU-Southern Neighborhood ministerial meeting in Brussels, according to international media. While the European Commission confirmed that both have been invited, along with other southern neighborhood countries, their attendance has not yet been confirmed. The meeting is expected to focus on EU sanctions on Israel and support to Palestinian administration.

US tariffs on EU exports

Likely European reactions to the tariffs on EU exports announced by US President Donald Trump.

French president to meet with Kuwait's emir

French President Emmanuel Macron will have lunch with emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Monday. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is also expected to attend the meeting. Possible French recognition of Palestine state and the latest developments in the Middle East are among the topics expected to be discussed in the meeting.

Bastille Day celebrations in France

Bastille Day celebrations will take place across France. President Emmanuel Macron is set to attend the traditional military parade in the morning, followed by concerts and a fireworks display later in the day. Remarks by Macron on the global affairs, including the war in Ukraine, European defense and transatlantic alliance are expected.

Reaction to potential Trump statement on Russia

Reactions from Russia will be followed as US President Donald Trump is expected to make a "major statement" on Russia. In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, Trump expressed that he is "disappointed" in Russia with regards to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, adding: “I think I’ll have a major statement to make on Russia on Monday,” without further elaboration.

Reaction to potential visit by Washington's special envoy to Ukraine

Reactions from Ukraine and other countries will be followed as US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg is expected to arrive in Kyiv on Monday for a week-long visit. Ukrainian media outlets reported Kellogg telling a Novyny Live journalist on the sidelines of the 4th Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome last week that he would arrive in Kyiv on Monday. While no further details were provided, the visit is expected to focus on the US resumption of military supplies to Ukraine, as announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last Friday.

Trump to receive NATO chief Rutte

US President Donald Trump will receive NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House as Washington plans to sell NATO weapons to Ukraine. Rutte’s two-day visit will also include talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, with talks expected to focus on growing US support under the Trump administration for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

Trump to make statement on Russia

President Trump is expected to make a “major statement” concerning Russia, something he suggested he would do last week after expressing his frustration with Moscow over the lack of progress on ending the war in Ukraine. Neither Trump nor his staff has released any further details on the expected announcement.

Axiom Mission 4 departure from ISS

Axiom Mission 4 astronauts Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla, Slawosz Unzananski-Wisniewski, and Tibor Kapu are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station and head back to Earth. The mission was launched on June 25 and splashdown off California is planned for early Tuesday.

US terminates Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan

The decision to end the Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan, announced in May by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, will become effective. The move will mean Afghans in the US who have not filed for asylum or a green card will no longer be able to work or travel abroad and will be subject to deportation. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, say the move will leave over 11,000 Afghans in the US at risk of being forced to return to an “undeniably dangerous” country, while the administration says Afghanistan no longer meets the requirements for a designation, highlighting its “improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy.”

Hegseth to host German defense chief

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will host German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at the Pentagon, with support for Ukraine on the agenda. Germany’s Defense Ministry has said the supply of air defense systems would be a particular focus of the talks.

Malawi to launch electioneering for 2025 general elections

Official campaigning for the Sept. 16 general elections to be launched in Malawi. About 7.5 million people have registered to vote for president, councilors and legislators in the country's 7th general elections since the Southern African nation reverted to plural politics in 1993.

International AIDS Society’s conference on HIV science opens in Rwanda

The International AIDS Society’s conference on HIV science to open in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, with events scheduled through Thursday. Eliminating HIV transmission is among the key topics on the conference agenda, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Experts will be exploring strategies and innovations in the global effort to eliminate HIV transmission as well as how to sustain response.

Türkiye’s energy minister's meeting with Omani counterpart

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar will meet with Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim bin Nasir bin Said Al Aufi, during his official visit to the Gulf country.

China’s President Xi hosts Australian Premier Albanese

China’s President Xi Jinping is likely to host Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for talks in Beijing. Albanese is on a week-long trip to China to discuss trade, security as well as regional issues. Sale of Chinese-run Darwin Port by Albanese government is expected to come up for discussions.

Russian top diplomat Lavrov on China trip after meeting North Korea’s Kim

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is in Beijing after his 3-day trip to North Korea where he met Kim Jong Un. Lavrov is likely to hold talks with Chinese officials before proceeding to northern Tianjin city for a summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers. Situation on Korean Peninsula is likely to come up in discussions between Lavrov and the Chinese side.

China's Foreign Ministry to hold news conference

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing, addressing current global and regional events.

Hundreds flee Myanmar into Thailand

Monitoring developments as hundreds of Burmese people fled Myanmar into Thailand.

THE ECONOMY

China's foreign trade

China to announce foreign trade figures for June. In May, the country's foreign trade balance posted a surplus of $103.2B.

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SPECIAL REPORTS

EU reviews Israel ties: Divisions within bloc cast doubt on policy shift

Report on the July 15 EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, where the bloc’s association agreement with Israel will be under review amid growing pressure over its deadly actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The story explores the potential outcomes of the discussions, with experts detailing why they do not expect any meaningful action, such as suspension or sanctions. They cite various reasons for their outlook, including deep divisions within the EU and powerful countries such as Germany opposing action against Israel.

The report features insights from Niamh Ni Bhriain of the Transnational Institute and Claudio Francavilla of Human Rights Watch, who stress the urgency for concrete measures and lay out potential legal avenues if political consensus cannot be reached.

A friend who never sleeps: The rise of AI companions

Report on the rise of AI companion apps that have seen a boom in popularity over recent years, with millions of people, particularly young adults, turning to them for mental and emotional support.

The story lays out the scale of the issue with data and latest figures on the growing use of AI chatbots for emotional support during lonely or difficult moments. It explains the reasons for the increasing dependency, such as 24/7 availability and personalized interaction, with studies showing they can reduce feelings of loneliness.

The report includes interviews with Kelly Merrill Jr, an academic from the University of Cincinnati, and AI expert Esmeralda Garcia, who explain the pros and cons of AI companions, and share their views on the future of the human-AI relationship.​​​​​​​