Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Expected Israeli interception of Gaza-bound aid ship

Anticipated Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla as it reached a designated high-risk zone in the eastern Mediterranean before nearing the Gaza Strip to break the illegal Israeli siege. Regional and international reactions and statements regarding any Israeli actions.

The outcomes of Gaza ceasefire mediators' Qatar meeting to discuss Trump’s plan to end war

The results of a meeting between officials from Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and the Palestinian group Hamas in the Qatari capital Doha, to discuss US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage swap deal between Israel and Hamas, as all eyes are waiting for a response from the group to the plan. Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad heads the Egyptian delegation, while Türkiye’s delegation is led by intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza

Israeli forces are intensifying attacks on Gaza City, continuing their advance through sustained bombardment and the demolition of buildings and residential neighborhoods to forcibly displace Palestinians and seize control of the city. A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the aftermath.

EU leaders’ informal meeting in Denmark

Leaders from the EU states meet for an informal summit in the Danish capital Copenhagen. The main agenda of the meeting focuses on supporting Ukraine and strengthening European common defense. The summit takes place following reports of suspicious drone activity in the airspace of EU countries such as Poland, Romania, and Norway. In response to these developments, the EU is working on an initiative called the “Drone Wall,” aimed particularly at reinforcing air defense.

UK foreign secretary visits European capitals

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to visit Paris, Berlin, and Brussels over the course of three days to discuss tackling illegal migration, strengthening security, and driving growth, including defense industry cooperation.

Anti-immigrant rally, counter-protest to take place in London

Campaign group "The Pink Ladies" stages an anti-immigrant rally in Westminster to protest mass immigration and the housing of asylum seekers in hotels. A counter-protest by Stand Up to Racism also takes place outside Downing Street.

1st day of US federal government shutdown

The US federal government partially shut down at midnight after the Senate failed Tuesday to pass a stopgap funding bill passed by the House. Thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, while certain government functions, including immigration enforcement, will continue.

Trump to sign executive orders

US President Donald Trump will sign unspecified executive orders in the Oval Office. The event is listed as closed to the press.

UN General Assembly to receive report on US veto of resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire

UN Security Council President Jihoon Cha will submit a report to the General Assembly on the US veto at the council’s Sept. 18 meeting, rejecting a draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. Separately, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock will address journalists.

Russia to adopt UN Security Council presidency

Russia will assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council from South Korea for the month of October. Russia’s representative at the UN, Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya, is expected to deliver a briefing on the program of work for the month.

Top Russian diplomat to host counterparts from breakaway Georgian regions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with his counterpart from Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the resort city of Sochi. During the talks, which will be both bilateral and trilateral, the officials are expected to discuss current issues, as well as foreign policy matters of mutual interest.

Hungarian president to embark on 3-day visit to Kazakhstan

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok to embark on a three-day visit to Kazakhstan's capital Astana at the invitation of his counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to Kazakhstan's presidential press service Akorda, the visit will include talks between the two presidents, during which they will discuss prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Hungary. Tokayev and Sulyok will also participate in the plenary session of the Digital Bridge 2025 international forum.

Turkish president to attend parliament's opening session

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend the opening session of 4th legislative year of the 28th term of the Turkish Parliament.

Extreme weather conditions hit Southeast Asia

Heavy rainfall expected across most parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, due to Tropical Storm Bualoi. The storm has left many fatalities in Vietnam.

6.9 magnitude strong earthquake hit Philippines

A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the Cebu region of the Philippines on Tuesday night, leaving at least 61 people dead and dozens more injured. The tremor caused widespread destruction, damaging heritage churches, homes, and other structures, while power outages hit several parts of the central Philippines.

Authorities said aftershocks continue to rattle the region, hampering relief efforts. Rescue teams remain on the ground, searching for survivors and providing assistance to affected communities.

THE ECONOMY

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat to release monthly inflation figures for September. In August, the annual inflation was 2%.

SPECIAL REPORTS

AI in the courtroom: Justice revolution or risk to rights?

Report on the growing debate over artificial intelligence stepping into the role of expert witness in courtrooms, as AI tools reshape how evidence is processed and presented in forensic and legal cases.

The story explains how AI accelerates evidence analysis, from DNA to medical records, but raises concerns about reliability, transparency, and privacy. It highlights real court cases where AI-generated outputs were admitted as machine data, and outlines expert warnings that AI may “cherry pick” evidence or act as a black box.

The report includes insights from Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ranavaya of Marshall University and Ali Kocak of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

INTERVIEW - German lawmaker calls for EU transport sanctions on Israel

Interview with Social Democrat lawmaker Macit Karaahmetoglu about his call for the EU to impose transport sanctions on Israel as a way to pressure the Netanyahu government to end its genocidal war in Gaza.

Karaahmetoglu suggests measures such as banning Israeli airlines from flying to Europe and excluding Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest, and shares his views on the need for accountability of Israel’s leadership.

The lawmaker also emphasizes that only voter pressure can influence Israel’s government, stressing that Israeli citizens must feel the impact of their country’s growing isolation.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Germany's Social Democrat lawmaker Macit Karaahmetoglu about his call for the EU to impose transport sanctions on Israel as a way to pressure the Netanyahu government of Israel to end its genocidal war on Gaza.