Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar

The developments of the indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel in Doha as Qatar said “there is no deadlock” regarding the talks. Israel refuses to withdraw from the Morag Axis that separates the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, a sticking point hindering reaching a deal.

Political crisis in Israel over government's failure to advance draft law to exempt Haredim from military service

The political crisis in Israel over the government’s failure to advance a draft law that would exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) from military service -- prompting resignations from ultra-Orthodox parties within the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The possible withdrawal of the Shas Party, which holds 11 seats, would lead to the collapse of the government.

Security situation in Syrian city of Suwayda

The security developments after the Syrian army entered the southern city of Suwayda days after deadly clashes erupted between Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias amid Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian forces in the region.

US-EU trade tensions

Following US President Donald Trump's announcement of 30% tariffs on EU exports, initial reactions from the chiefs of the EU Commission and EU Council, also reactions particularly from major European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland, with possible implications for the EU and transatlantic alliance.

European reaction to Trump’s plan to provide arms to Ukraine

Reactions from the European countries to Trump’s announcement that Washington would provide Ukraine with much-needed weapons systems, including long-range Patriot air defense systems.

Turkish president to host UAE counterpart

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, and they will hold bilateral talks following the official welcoming ceremony. ​​​​​​​

Erdogan also to host an official dinner in honor of Al Nahyan after the 1st Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and the signing of agreements.

Trump to separately host Bahrain's crown prince, Qatar's premier

Trump will host Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the prime minister and crown prince of Bahrain, at the White House, and they will hold bilateral talks followed by a lunch.

The US president to later receive Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for a dinner meeting at the White House.

UN Security Council to discuss Palestinian issue

The UN Security Council will hold a briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the issue of Palestine, at the request of the UK, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia. Israel, Türkiye, Palestine, and the EU are also expected to attend.

Informal meeting on Cyprus at UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will convene two days of informal talks between Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar and leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration Nikos Christodoulides. Representatives of guarantor powers Greece, Türkiye, and Britain are also expected to attend, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Kremlin spokesman's press briefing

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to hold a press briefing during which he is expected to comment on current issues of international and regional agenda and answer journalists' questions.

Election campaign continues in Japan

With high inflation and ongoing tariff negotiations with the US, political parties continue campaigning for July 20 legislative elections in Japan. Statements likely by government and political parties in the wake of surveys which show the ruling combo of Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito to lose majority in the upper house.

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference

The Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing, addressing current regional and global events. The ministry spokesperson likely to react to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s remarks that Brazil, China, and India could be hit by secondary US sanctions if they maintain trade with Russia.

Taiwan holds urban 'resilience' drills

Taiwan holds urban "resilience" drills as part of the annual Han military exercises to test the island's defense readiness under simulated wartime conditions. The drills include air raid sirens, public evacuation procedures, traffic controls, and mobile alert notifications.

THE ECONOMY

UK's consumer inflation

The UK to announce monthly CPI figures for June. In May, the annual inflation was 3.4%.

Turkish government budget balance

The Turkish Treasury to release monthly budget balance figures for June. In May, the budget posted a surplus of $6.3 billion.

US producer inflation

The US to announce producer price index figures for June. In May, producer inflation rose 0.1% on a monthly basis. The country will also share industrial production figures for the month.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW - Far right remains greatest threat to Germany’s security: German police ombudsman

Interview with Uli Groetsch, the German parliament’s ombudsman for federal police organizations, about the persistent rise of far-right forces in the country.

Groetsch, also a former Social Democrat lawmaker, explains why he believes that right-wing extremism is “the greatest threat to peaceful coexistence and security” in Germany.

He presents comprehensive data charting the dangerous extremist trends in Germany, talks about past failures, and emphasizes new efforts to combat hate crimes, increase transparency, and restore trust within migrant communities.

INTERVIEW - UK-Türkiye Islamic finance collaboration gathering ‘strategic momentum’

Interviews with Ben Aldred, UK’s deputy trade commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Hugh de Lusignan, head of financial services at the UK Department for Business and Trade.

The story focuses on explaining how Islamic finance collaboration between the UK and Türkiye has been gathering pace, with the officials praising the growing “strategic momentum.”

Both officials offer an optimistic outlook for future cooperation between London and Ankara, particularly given Türkiye’s strategic position across Central Asia and the Caucasus.

INTERVIEW - Sinn Fein leader calls for suspension of EU-Israel ties

Interview with Mary Lou McDonald, head of Northern Ireland’s Sinn Fein party.

She calls for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, condemning what she describes as a “genocidal assault” on the Palestinian people, and accusing Europe of failing to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable.

McDonald stresses the need for immediate sanctions against Israel, warning that continued inaction would have dire consequences not only for Palestinians but for global rule of law and human rights.

INTERVIEW - 'We want justice': Uncle of Palestinian-American killed by Israeli settlers demands accountability

Interview with Hesam Musallet, uncle of 20-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, who was beaten to death by illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Hesam describes Sayfollah, who had traveled from Florida for Eid, as a kind and ambitious young man, and says the family is demanding justice and a full investigation led by both Israeli and US authorities.

The case has drawn diplomatic attention, with the US ambassador to Israel among those calling for accountability. Sayfollah’s killing is part of a broader rise in settler violence amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Uli Groetsch, the German parliament’s ombudsman for federal police organizations, about how far-right forces have become “the greatest threat to peaceful coexistence and security” in the country.

VIDEO - Interview with Mary Lou McDonald, head of Northern Ireland’s Sinn Fein party, where she calls for the suspension of EU-Israel ties and more immediate sanctions on Israel.