Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, January 17, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Gaza cease-fire, hostage swap deal
Latest updates and global reaction to announced Gaza cease-fire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.
On Thursday, the Israeli army struck the place where a female captive included in the phase one of the Gaza cease-fire deal was located, said Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Hamas also denied Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims about their reneging on the cease-fire deal, stressing its commitment to the agreement.
Netanyahu's office said early Thursday that the Cabinet would not convene to ratify the cease-fire deal until Hamas approved the agreement announced by mediators.
According to Israeli media, the Cabinet meeting was delayed as Netanyahu was trying to convince far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich not to withdraw from the government over the deal.
Mossad chief David Barnea and the Israeli negotiating team are still in Doha finalizing the details of the deal, The Times of Israel reported.
Israeli broadcasting authority KAN reported Thursday that all obstacles have been overcome and the deal is underway.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
Israel’s genocidal war on Palestinians in Gaza continues unabated, ignoring the announced cease-fire between Hamas and Israel
The Israeli army killed at least 77 Palestinians in airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since the announcement of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal said Thursday.
The overall death toll due to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 surged to over 46,800, with more than 110,400 others injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry on Thursday.
Israeli violations of cease-fire deal with Lebanon
Monitoring November cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, meant to halt over 14 months of fighting between Israeli army and Hezbollah.
Israeli violations on Thursday were concentrated in the capital Beirut, as well as in the districts of Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun in the Nabatieh Governorate, and the Tyre district in the South Governorate.
The violations included incursions into areas, demolitions of houses, drone overflights, bulldozing operations, and sweeping with machine guns.
Israel to date has committed more than 560 violations of the cease-fire agreement, resulting in 37 deaths and 45 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official Lebanese data.
Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Assad administration.
On Thursday, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Damascus, marking his first visit to Syria since last month’s fall of the Assad regime.
Upon his arrival, bin Abdulrahman held talks with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new leadership.
“We are ready to cooperate with Syria’s new administration on various fronts, including lifting sanctions,” he told a joint press conference with al-Sharaa.
The Qatari premier also condemned Israel’s seizure of the buffer zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
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.
On Thursday, thousands of mourners bid farewell to six Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank a day earlier.
Israel has killed at least 858 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, including 160 children, and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
Following all topics through translation from Arabic wire, official accounts, and relevant websites in addition to giving Breakings on possible important developments. No photo/video from English wire.
Emmanuel Macron - Lebanon visit
French President on visit to Lebanon following recent election of President Joseph Aoun and appointment of Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. The leaders are expected to discuss regional and international developments, cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel, and announced cease-fire between Hamas and Israel.
Palestinian prime minister - Brussels visit
Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa visits Brussels, where his schedule includes talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The leaders are expected to talk about the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel.
Olaf Scholz and Ulf Kristersson – Meeting in Berlin
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hosting Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for talks followed by joint press conference. The two are expected to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including support for Ukraine, energy and defense cooperation.
UN briefing
UN Information Service to hold bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva. Spokespersons of various UN agencies and international organizations meet with reporters to evaluate most pressing issues around the world.
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory - Select committee report
UK's International Development Committee to release report on humanitarian situation in Gaza, settlements, and the UNRWA.
Court decides fate of detained South Korean president
A court in Seoul is expected to decide the fate of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention status. Yoon was detained over insurrection and abuse of power for his aborted martial decree on Dec. 3.
Monitoring reactions from North Korea after South Korea says open to talks
Monitoring reactions from North Korea after Seoul said it was open to dialogue with Pyongyang amid martial law political crisis in South Korea. Pyongyang has also maintained silence on arrest of first sitting president in South Korea.
Pakistani court to announce verdict in alleged graft case against ex-Premier Khan
A court in Islamabad is expected to announce its verdict in multimillion-dollar Al-Qadir Trust corruption case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. Khan has been in jail since August 2023.
Chinese Foreign Ministry news briefing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference.
Australian court deciding fate of social media influencer over baby torture
A court in Australia deciding fate of social media influencer who was arrested and charged with torture of a baby including poisoning her, allegedly for donations. All eyes are on the Brisbane Magistrates Court, whose observations may have impact on social media activities at large. Australia is the first nation in the world to pass laws which will ban young people from using social media, beginning at the end of this year.
Talks between Russian, Iranian presidents in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet in Moscow with visiting Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian. Discussions are expected to focus on prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, transport, logistics, and humanitarian initiatives. The negotiations will also include the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
Georgian premier to meet Azerbaijani president in Baku
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to meet Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and co-chair a session of the Georgia-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Baku as part of an official visit. Meetings expected to touch on issues such as expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly economic cooperation.
Mozambique - Update on impact of Cyclone Dikeledi
Mozambican authorities expected to give update on impact of Cyclone Dikeledi, which has already killed five people, damaged 35 schools, health centers, and 6,000 houses, affecting about 40,000 people. In December, Cyclone Chido killed 94 people in Mozambique with winds of 260 km/h (160 mph).
South Africa’s foreign minister to hold talks with South Sudanese leaders
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expected to hold talks with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and first Vice President Riek Machar on political challenges the country faces and possible solutions. Lamola will be joined by African Union Commission, and they are expected to also speak with representatives of regional and international organizations.
THE ECONOMY
House sales in Türkiye
Turkish Statistical Institute to share house sales data for December and 2024.
Türkiye’s short-term foreign debt
Turkish Central Bank to announce short-term foreign debt figures for the country for November.
Eurozone inflation
Eurostat to release inflation figures for December. It was at 2.4% in November and market expectations were at the same level for December. (Economy desk to cover with no flash/photo)
SPORTS
Stage 12 of 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia (Off-road endurance)
Round 3 of Australian Open, 1st Grand Slam of the season, to be played in women's and men's (Tennis)
Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 22 (Basketball)
Crvena Zvezda vs. Monaco
Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Panathinaikos
French Ligue 1 week 18 (Football)
Lille vs. Nice
SPECIAL REPORTS
Rebuilding Gaza: Economic costs and complex challenges ahead
Report on immense challenges facing Gaza’s reconstruction following cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Story highlights critical obstacles, including staggering economic costs, debris removal, threat of unexploded ordnance, environmental hazards, soaring rebuilding costs, restrictions on importing construction materials, and severe damage to essential infrastructure.
Report has key statistics and data on the destruction of housing in Gaza, along with estimates for reconstruction efforts. Also includes insights from Fadi Shayya, urban and architectural researcher at the University of Salford, and comments from Shaina Low, Norwegian Refugee Council spokesperson in Palestine.
Milan public smoking ban ignites debate on liberties
Report on Milan’s recently implemented outdoor smoking ban in public spaces, aimed at improving air quality and protecting non-smokers.
The story highlights key challenges, including limited public awareness and enforcement difficulties, as authorities try to prohibit smoking in crowded public areas, with fines for non-compliance.
Report includes comments from Milan’s Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo, oncologist Silvio Garattini, and local residents, offering wider look at the policy’s impact and debate over balancing public health with individual rights.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Report on Milan’s outdoor smoking ban for public spaces, a measure that has sparked debate over health and personal freedoms, with comments from Deputy Mayor Anna Scavuzzo and residents.