Diary

ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, October 2, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza-bound international aid flotilla attacked by Israel

Israeli attack late Wednesday on the Global Sumud Flotilla and detention of over 220 activists on board, as vessels neared Gaza coast, expected to arrive by morning under normal circumstances. Regional and international reactions to Israeli actions.

Mass evacuation of northern Gaza Strip

Latest developments in the Gaza Strip as hundreds of Palestinian families began to evacuate Gaza City to the south on Wednesday after the Israeli army closed the Al-Rasheed Street and Netzarim Corridor to movement northward, and deployed its forces in Netzarim Corridor, in the latest attempt to empty Gaza City.

Londoners protest Israeli attacks on Gaza flotilla

Hundreds of people expected to stage a rally in Parliament Square to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. The rally is also expected to demand "end all arms sales to Israel" and "decolonize Palestine."

Denmark hosts 7th European Political Community summit

The seventh European Community Summit is held in the Danish capital Copenhagen, with the attendance of leaders from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and Türkiye, as well as EU members. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also attends the high-level talks. Agenda includes support for Ukraine, security and resilience, and Europe’s response to today’s geopolitical challenges.

Trade unions set for nationwide strike in France

French trade unions and left-wing opposition set to take a nationwide strike action on Oct. 2, after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu failed to meet unions’ demands to scrap pension and unemployment reforms, tax high incomes, and drop Francois Bayrou’s budget.

European reactions to Israeli attacks on Gaza aid flotilla

Statements from European countries after Israeli forces illegally attacked Global Sumud Flotilla which was made up of about 50 ships with delegations from dozens of countries taking part. The flotilla set sail last month to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to the Gaza Strip.

German, Swiss defense ministers meet in Berlin

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hosts his Swiss counterpart Martin Pfister in Berlin to discuss bilateral defense ties, European matters, and international security issues.

WHO press conference on global health issues

World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus holds a virtual press conference on global health issues. The WHO chief will likely talk about the latest situation in Gaza and Sudan. ​​​​​​​

2nd day of US federal government shutdown

The US federal government remains shut down as senators failed again Wednesday to pass funding bills. As efforts to reopen the government continue, senior House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, will hold news conference. Effects and reactions of shutdown.

Reactions from Eurasian countries on Israeli attack on Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Reactions from Moscow, Kyiv, and other Eurasian capitals as the Gaza-bound Global Sumud international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid was attacked by Israel late Wednesday. Governments in the region are likely to issue statements reflecting their positions on the situation, with some stressing humanitarian access while others may emphasize security concerns and regional stability.

10th blackout at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv as the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experiences its 10th and longest blackout since the start of the Ukraine war. Both countries have accused each other of causing the blackout, with the plant's eight emergency diesel generators having been activated. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the plant has fuel reserves for more than 10 days, with regular off-site supplies maintaining this level.

Ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and military situation

Developments from the frontlines as Russian and Ukrainian drone and missile attacks continue against each other's cities and infrastructure. Both sides are expected to issue regular updates, with international actors calling for restraint.

Putin to address 22nd meeting of Valdai International Discussion Club

Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the plenary session of the 22nd meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in the resort city of Sochi. According to the Kremlin, Putin's address will be based around the concept of a polycentric world, and how everyone can live in a polycentric or multipolar system.

Turkish president to chair a meeting of his party

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair his Justice and Development (AK) Party's Expanded Provincial Chairpersons Meeting at the party's congress center.

Indonesia battles to rescue 90 children trapped after school collapse

Indonesia battles to rescue 90 children reportedly trapped under the rubble of a collapsed school building. The incident was followed by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that left 30 buildings, including houses, places of worship and a health facility, damaged.

Aftermath of 6.9 earthquake in Philippines

Following the aftermath of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Cebu region of the Philippines which has killed nearly 70 people. Multiple buildings collapsed during the quake.

THE ECONOMY

Euro area unemployment

Eurostat to share monthly unemployment rate figures for August. In July, the rate was 6.2%. Markets expect no change for August.

US factory orders

The US to announce monthly factory orders data for August. In July, the orders were down 1.3% on a monthly basis. Markets expect a 0.9% rise for August. Data release may be delayed due to federal government shutdown.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Czech Republic elections: What to know about pivotal vote

Report on the two-day parliamentary elections set to be held in the Czech Republic on Oct. 3-4.

The story explains how the elections work, what is at stake, and the factors shaping voter decisions. It provides a closer look at why the populist ANO party, led by Andrej Babis, is leading in the polls, the reasons for outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s waning popularity, and the potential implications of the elections.

The report features insights from political scientist Otto Eibl of Masaryk University, offering context on possible election outcomes and what they could mean for the Czech Republic’s political landscape.

EXPLAINER - Republic on strike: Why protests never stop in France

Report tracing the deep-rooted history of France’s strike culture and explaining why the country continues to witness recurring waves of mass walkouts more than five decades after the civil unrest of May 1968.

The story outlines how strikes became entrenched in French public life, from their legalization in the 19th century to the labor victories of 1936, the transformative 1968 general strike, and repeated battles over pensions in 1995, 2010, and 2023.

The report also examines the expansion of protest culture beyond trade unions to grassroots mobilizations such as the Yellow Vests and the 2025 “Block Everything” campaign. ​​​​​​​