ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new administration following the overthrow of the Baathist regime.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called “the triumph of a 13-year uprising in 12 days,” by itself, “a magnificent success.”
During the fast-paced operation offensive against the regime earlier this month, “Türkiye did necessary interventions to prevent further bloodshed and the conflict from spreading elsewhere,” he said.
More Arab and international officials visits to Syria and their meetings with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new administration, will be monitored.
Israeli actions following Assad's ouster in Syria
Israel’s reactions and steps in the aftermath of the Assad regime's downfall in Syria.
Israel has intensified airstrikes across Syria in recent days, targeting military sites, following the Dec. 8 ousting of the Bashar Assad regime by anti-regime groups.
It also expanded its occupation of villages in Daraa, southern Syria, disregarding international and UN condemnations demanding its withdrawal from the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights.
On Wednesday, three were injured, including a child, as Israeli forces opened fire on a demonstration in the town of Sweisa in the Quneitra countryside of south-western Syria, the state-run agency said.
A number of residents from the village of Sweisa organized a demonstration against Israel's occupation of their lands, according to an Anadolu correspondent.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
Israel continues its relentless genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, disregarding international calls to end hostilities and address the severe hardships endured by millions under constant attacks and a devastating blockade.
On Wednesday, 10 people lost their lives when an Israeli fighter jet hit a home in the Maen area in the southern city of Khan Younis, one source said.
Two more people were killed in another strike targeting a residential apartment in al-Manara neighborhood in southern Khan Younis, he added.
Civil Defense teams retrieved the bodies of two Palestinians after an Israeli strike on a tent for displaced civilians in western Khan Younis, medics said.
A man and his wife were also killed and several people were injured when Israeli forces bombed a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, another medical source said.
The overall death toll due to the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since last year surged to nearly 45,400, with over 107,800 others injured, the enclave's Health Ministry said Wednesday.
Israel’s escalating blockade, ground invasion in northern Gaza Strip
The ongoing Israeli military operations, displacement, and blockade in northern Gaza which resulted in devastating humanitarian consequences for over 80,000 Palestinians trapped in the areas since Oct. 5 and claimed the lives of more than 4,000 people.
On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes also hit a house in the Jabalia Nazla area in northern Gaza, leaving six people dead.
A pregnant woman was killed in an airstrike on an apartment in Gaza City, while a young man lost his life and three people were injured in another strike in the central city of Deir al-Balah.
Israeli forces also detonated an explosive-laden robot near the Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza for the second time, the hospital said in a statement.
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Nearly one month of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah group.
On Wednesday, the Israeli army launched an airstrike in the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon, the first such attack since a cease-fire agreement last month, Lebanese media said.
Since the cease-fire was declared on Nov. 27, the total number of Israeli violations has risen to nearly 300, with 33 people killed and 38 injured during the incidents.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Latest developments in Gaza cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
On Wednesday, Palestinian resistance group Hamas said that a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap has been delayed due to new Israeli conditions.
The movement said it showed flexibility and responsibility during the cease-fire and prisoner exchange negotiations in Doha with Qatari and Egyptian mediation.
However, Netanyahu’s office countered, claiming that Hamas was creating “new obstacles” in reaching an agreement.
Observers, however, view Netanyahu's announcement as part of a pattern of delays in negotiations.
West Bank raids
Almost daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, and illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.
Four Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, taking the death toll from an ongoing military operation in the area to eight, the Health Ministry said early Wednesday.
Israel has killed at least 832 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured nearly 6,600 others, with more than 12,100 taken into custody.
Red Sea tensions amid Houthi-Israel attacks
Red Sea tensions and the exchange of attacks between Israel and the US-UK coalition on one side and Yemen’s Houthi group on the other side, which intensified its attacks on Israeli military targets along with hitting Israeli cargo ships or those associated with Tel Aviv in the Red Sea.
Nine Israelis were injured while running for shelter after rocket fire from Yemen early Wednesday, Israeli media said.
Yemen’s infighting
Developments as clashes flared up between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels in Taiz province in southwestern Yemen, the fiercest between the two warring rivals in the province in two years.
A military statement said eight Houthi rebels were killed and 15 others injured in a rebel attack on government positions in northwestern Taiz.
Clashes were also reported in eastern Taiz, but no details were provided about casualties.
According to a military source, government forces launched a counterattack against Houthis in eastern Taiz after an attempt by the rebels to advance on government positions in the area.
Protests expected to continue in Mozambique after 21 are killed
More protests are expected in the Southern African nation of Mozambique a day after the Interior Ministry confirmed 21 people, including two police officers, had died during clashes. Mozambicans are protesting against the constitutional council’s ruling that confirmed Monday that Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) had won the Oct. 9 disputed presidential election. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane claims he won the polls and has vowed to install himself as president on Jan. 15, the same day that Chapo will be sworn in.
Mozambican authorities launch manhunt for hundreds of prisoners who escaped
Authorities in Mozambique are hunting for hundreds of prisoners who escaped from the Maximum Security Prison in Machava Suburb, in the capital Maputo. The prisoners are reported to have overpowered the prison warders and escaped with several guns.
Investigators mull options to question defiant S. Korean President Yoon
Developments as investigators are exploring options to question South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over failed martial law who has defied at least three summons to present himself. On charges of treason and insurrection, Yoon can also face arrest.
India blocks Rohingya students from schools in capital New Delhi
In a political turn of events against persecuted Rohingya community, the local authorities in Indian capital have ordered a ban on enrolment of refugee students in schools. It comes as Delhi prepares for local elections where a blame game has erupted between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party who accuse each other of aiding the Rohingya, who fled persecution by authorities in Myanmar. There are petitions in Indian top court seeking their expulsion.
Malaysian Premier Anwar to meet ex-Thai Premier Thaksin
Malaysian Prime Minister to meet former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Anwar has picked Thaksin as his advisor when Malaysia assumes chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations from Jan. 1. The two are expected to discuss regional issues as internal strife in Myanmar has long-impacted the Southeast Asian bloc.
Foreign Ministry to hold regular briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing.
Rescue operations on as hundreds flee threatening fire in southern Australia
Rescue and evacuation operations are underway after hundreds of people fled threatening grassfire in southern Adelaide on Christmas Day.
Pakistan likely to react to claims by Kabul on airstrikes inside Afghanistan
Islamabad is likely to react to claims by Kabul that 46 people were killed due to airstrikes by Pakistani military. Kabul said airstrikes targeted eastern Paktika province bordering Pakistan on Tuesday night.
Turkish President Erdogan to receive ambassadors' credentials
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to participate in credential presentation ceremonies, and separately receive Sierra Leone's Ambassador Francess V. Anderson, India's Ambassador Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi, and Kuwait's Ambassador Abdulaziz A. Al-Adwani at Presidential Complex.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s interest rate
The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye will share its decision policy interest rate after the last monetary policy meetings of the year. The bank is expected to lower interest rates by 150 basis points to 48.5%. If the bank lowers the rate, it will be first such move since January 2023, nearly two years ago. From May 2023 until this March, the bank raised the rate from 8.5% to 50%, and at the last eight meetings kept the rate constant.
US jobless claims
The US will share initial weekly jobless claims figures for the last week. It raised by 220,000 at the previous week and a slight increase is expected for the last week.
SPORTS
Matchweek 18 of English Premier League (Football)
Manchester City vs. Everton
Chelsea vs. Fulham
Liverpool vs. Leicester City
Round 18 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (Basketball)
Monaco vs. Anadolu Efes
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv vs. Zalgiris Kaunas
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Olympiacos
Turkish Airlines EuroLeague 18. Tur (Basketball)
Monaco - Anadolu Efes
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv - Zalgiris Kaunas
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan – Olympiacos
SPECIAL REPORTS
2025: Will pro-Palestine public pressure change Europe’s politics?
Report analyzing a year of intense pro-Palestine demonstrations in Europe and how the public position could influence policies of European governments in 2025.
The story explores how protests across Europe forced some governments to alter their pro-Israel policies, and assesses the question of whether there could be more shifts on the horizon in the coming year.
The report includes an interview with Kamel Hawwash, a Palestinian academic and analyst, who explains the various factors that would define Europe’s path, particularly emphasizing the importance of Donald Trump’s policies and US influence on European leaders.
Where is AI headed? Trends and expectations for 2025 and beyond
Report on the future of artificial intelligence, focusing on the specific areas where major developments are expected over the coming years.
The story details the milestones of 2024 and presents expectations for the key areas where progress is particularly likely in 2025. The report also addresses the looming question of ethics and ethical frameworks, and the state of global cooperation and competition.
It includes comments from experts including Pascale Fung, director of the Center for AI Research (CAiRE) in Hong Kong.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with Palestinian academic and analyst Kamel Hawwash about the impact of pro-Palestine demonstrations in Europe in 2024 and how sustained public pressure could influence policies of European governments in 2025.