ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Gaza ceasefire, prisoner swap deal
Day six of ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as the first phase of the Hamas-Israel deal continues.
The phase, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.
Palestinian group Hamas is expected to provide to Israel the names of three female soldiers and an Israeli civilian it is holding in Gaza in preparation for their release this weekend.
Yedioth Ahronoth daily said the four captives are expected to be handed over to the Red Cross on Saturday afternoon, after which they will be transferred to Israeli forces.
It said that on Saturday, Israel is also expected to receive the full list that Hamas committed to providing, which includes both live captives and the deceased among the remaining 33 hostages to be released in phase one.
Israel has so far released 90 Palestinian detainees while Hamas has released three Israeli captives under the deal.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza in ceasefire from Israel’s genocidal war
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza Strip after 471 days of Israel’s genocidal war.
In a new violation of the ceasefire agreement, two Palestinians were killed on Thursday in an Israeli artillery strike targeting a house in the Tel Al-Sultan area, designated a "safe zone," in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
On Thursday, a Health Ministry official said more than 38,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned by Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023.
At least 13,901 women have also been widowed by the war, Zaher al-Wahidi told Anadolu.
The overall death toll due in Gaza since October 2023 has surged to over 47,000, with more than 111,100 others injured, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
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.
Israeli forces killed two more Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Thursday amid a military operation in Jenin, the Health Ministry said.
The Israeli army launched a military operation in the Jenin refugee camp on Tuesday amid rising tensions in the occupied West Bank.
At least 12 Palestinians have been killed and 40 others injured in the attack, according to local health authorities.
Israel has killed at least 873 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Assad administration.
On Thursday, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar sent more relief and aid planes to Syria as part of their efforts to help the Syrian people.
Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani said Wednesday they want to call on Syrians living abroad to return to the country in the near future, underscoring that this is needed to help the Syrian people.
Al-Shaibani said lifting the decades-long economic sanctions on his country is "the key to stability" in Syria.
Israeli violations of ceasefire deal with Lebanon
November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed to end over 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with the deadline for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon set for Saturday.
On Thursday, Israeli violations were concentrated in the Marjayoun district of Nabatieh Governorate (south) and included incursions into a town, explosions, arson, raids on homes and buildings, and heavy gunfire.
Israeli forces, accompanied by tanks, advanced into Ras Al-Dahhar in the town of Meiss El Jabal and raided several homes amid heavy gunfire.
Additionally, the Israeli army detonated homes and buildings in the towns of Kfar Kila and Al-Wazzani, along with resorts located on the banks of the Al-Wazzani River, and set fire to a house in the town of Al-Qantara.
Israel has committed 639 violations of the ceasefire deal as of Thursday, killing 37 people and injuring an additional 45, according to official Lebanese data compiled by Anadolu.
On Thursday, Hezbollah called on Lebanon's political leadership to act effectively to guarantee the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the southern part of the country.
Deteriorating situation in war-torn Sudan
Sire security situation continues in the North African nation amid intensified clashes between Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On Thursday, fierce clashes continued for second day between the Sudanese army and RSF near oil refinery north of capital Khartoum.
Reactions to Saudi foreign minister’s visit to Lebanon
Reactions to Saudi foreign minister’s visit to Beirut on Thursday, his first visit to the Arab country in 15 years. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed Thursday continued Saudi support for Lebanon.
At a joint press conference in Beirut with President Joseph Aoun, bin Farhan expressed confidence in the new leadership's ability to initiate reforms.
Trump trips to North Carolina, Los Angeles, Nevada
US President Donald Trump travels to state of North Carolina in trip expected to focus on recovery efforts following last year’s Hurricane Helene. Later, he will head to Los Angeles to survey damage from wildfires and then to Nevada to thank voters.
Senate vote on defense secretary nominee expected
Senators expected to hold confirmation vote on nomination of Pete Hegseth to be US defense secretary. The Senate on Thursday advanced his nomination, despite allegations of excessive drinking and abuse of women.
UN Security Council meetings on Ukraine and Palestinian issue
Security Council members to meet to discuss Ukraine and situation in Middle East, including Palestinian question, in separate sessions. Key remarks from council members from the meetings.
Mexico prepares for Trump's mass deportation program
Developments after President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is developing transition programs for expatriated Mexicans expected to be deported under US President Donald Trump's recent executive orders. She also said Mexico is building shelters in response to possible deportations from the US.
Kaja Kallas - Türkiye visit
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to visit the Turkish capital Ankara, where her schedule includes talks with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. Kallas and Turkish officials are expected to discuss regional developments. She is scheduled to hold a press conference with Fidan at 3.30 pm local time (1230GMT).
UN briefing
UN Information Service to hold bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva. Spokespersons of various UN agencies and international organizations to address and evaluate pressing international issues.
Presidential election in Belarus
Belarus to hold 3-day presidential election during which incumbent Alexander Lukashenko will seek a seventh term in office. Lukashenko, first elected president in 1994, has been Belarus' sole head of state since the establishment of the country's presidency.
South Africa’s defense chief on trip to Democratic Republic of Congo
South Africa's Defense Minister Angie Motshekga is on an official four-day trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen bilateral ties between two countries. Motshekga will assess the operational conditions and welfare of South African National Defense Force deployed in the region, which is mired in armed conflict.
Zambia’s human rights commission to hold news conference
Zambia’s human rights commission to hold news conference in capital Lusaka. The event coincides with ongoing tour of UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan to the southern African nation.
Oil spillage, gas fire in southern Nigeria
Impact of oil spillage and gas fire in southern Nigeria. The oil spillage and fire reported in state of Rivers have caused widespread contamination of water, air pollution, destruction of farmlands, fish farms, and drinking water sources, alongside significant damage to houses and livelihoods. The gas fire remains uncapped.
Situation in Democratic Republic of Congo as people flee rebel advances
Current situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels advanced toward Goma in eastern part of the country.
Developments in South Korea as martial law probe progresses
Developments in South Korea as probe into short-lived martial law declaration progresses against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. During trial by the Constitutional Court it was revealed that Yoon had ordered mobilization of troops on Dec. 3 when he imposed martial law.
Indonesian President Prabowo begins trip to India
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto begins three-day official visit to India to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also attend Indian Republic Day event as chief guest. The two countries are also expected to sign several agreements in health, education, security, and the maritime sectors.
Developments in search for 7 missing after Indonesia landslides
Search and rescue teams work to find seven missing people who were buried by landslides in Java, Indonesia. At least 20 others were killed when rains triggered landslides on Monday.
Reactions from Kabul as ICC seeks arrest warrant for Taliban leader
Reaction from Kabul after International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Afghanistan’s interim Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. According to the prosecutor, Akhundzada and Haqqani are allegedly “responsible for persecuting Afghan girls and women” in the war-torn nation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference.
Japan parliament session begins
Lawmakers convening for fresh session of Japanese parliament are expected to debate budget proposal by minority government of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. It will be crucial test of Ishiba government, which lacks numbers in the lower house of the parliament to pass bills.
North Korea likely to release statement on Trump administration
North Korea likely to react to inauguration of Donald Trump as US president. While Trump has indicated openness to reviving talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the US and South Korean top diplomats agreed to strengthen alliance and work towards denuclearization of Korean Peninsula.
Kashmiri pro-freedom leader Mirwaiz meets Indian officials over Waqf properties
Kashmiri pro-freedom leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq meets Indian officials to discuss bill that seeks to bring Muslim Waqf properties under more government control. This is the first time a Kashmiri pro-freedom leader will be engaging with the government of India in any capacity after a long hiatus.
SPORTS
Semifinals of Australian Open, 1st Grand Slam of the season, to be played in men's
SPECIAL REPORTS
Will the UK use Assad’s frozen fortune to help rebuild Syria?
Report on growing scrutiny on British financial sanctions and asset management over ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad's £55 million in personal funds held in a London bank.
Story focuses on calls from human rights groups and political analysts for urgent action to seize Assad-linked assets totaling £163 million, highlighting legal challenges in confiscating funds from sanctioned regimes.
Experts, including Iain Overton from Action on Armed Violence, critique UK sanctions enforcement and call for transparent mechanisms to potentially redirect these funds to support future legitimate Syrian government, drawing parallels with ongoing efforts to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
INTERVIEW - Aid enters Gaza, but daunting challenges remain for children's recovery: UNICEF
Interview with Rosalia Bollen, UNICEF communication specialist in Gaza, detailing critical humanitarian challenges facing children and families in the aftermath of months of relentless bombardment by Israel.
Report highlights logistical complexities of delivering aid to Gaza, mental health crises affecting children who have endured severe trauma during the onslaught, and the disruption of education that has robbed them of their childhoods.
Bollen describes intricate process of getting supplies into Gaza through border crossings, urgent need to rebuild infrastructure, and importance of mental health and education in the recovery process. She also underscores need for sustainable solutions to reduce Gaza’s dependence on aid.
Report delves into broader implications of ceasefire and daunting task of rebuilding lives in a region scarred by war, as UNICEF calls for sustained efforts to address long-term needs of Gaza’s children.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Gaza-based UNICEF spokesperson Rosalia Bollen, who discusses humanitarian efforts in Palestinian enclave, devastated by months of Israeli bombardment and siege.