Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israeli army's plan to occupy Gaza City

Situation in Gaza City and the international and regional reactions after the Israeli army declared the densely populated city a ‘dangerous combat zone,’ followed by intense firepower and airstrikes as part of the Israeli army's plan to occupy the city, which will put nearly 1 million civilians at heightened risk of death and displacement.

Palestinian reactions to US barring officials from attending UN General Assembly

Palestinian reactions and statements to the US State Department’s decision of denying or revoking entry visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, planning to attend the upcoming UN conference on a two-state solution and recognition of the State of Palestine scheduled for September – a step Washington strongly opposes.

Israel’s incursions in southern Syria

The Israeli army ground incursions in southern Syria, especially in the Quneitra and Daraa provinces, with warplanes flying over the region, accompanied by home raids and arrests in repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty.

EU foreign ministers meeting

Foreign ministers of EU member states are gathering in Copenhagen, Denmark, for an informal meeting to discuss international issues. The agenda includes military support to Ukraine, potential sanctions on Russia, using Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction, as well as discussions on recent developments in the Middle East and Gaza.

European Commission chief visits Estonia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Estonia as part of her seven-country tour focusing on security issues and threats posed by Russia. In Tallinn, she will meet Prime Minister Kristen Michal, top defense officials and NATO military personnel.

Türkiye celebrates Victory Day

Türkiye celebrates Victory Day (Aug. 30) with ceremonies being held across the country, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and at foreign missions, marking the decisive defeat of the occupying Greek army in the Battle of Dumlupinar in 1922.

Turkish President Erdogan will attend the National Defense University Military Academies’ Graduation and Standard Handover Ceremony at the Army War College, and later watch the Victory Day special concert in Ankara.

TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland

TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland, which aims to showcase Türkiye’s naval power and advanced technological capabilities in this field to young people, will continue with its third day of events at the Istanbul Shipyard Command.

Heat wave in Japan to reach ‘dangerous’ levels

Japan to experience "dangerous" heat wave across Kanto-Koshin region to the Kyushu region, more than half of the country's land mass. Authorities issued heatstroke alerts for 22 provinces.

Foreign guests arrive in China for SCO summit

Foreign leaders begin to arrive in China for the 2025 summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization, including Kazakh president as well as the Indian and Nepalese premiers. The 2-day summit is scheduled to start on Sunday.