ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
2nd phase negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza
Developments in negotiations on phase two of Gaza ceasefire deal. Phase one, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.
On Tuesday, Palestinian resistance group Hamas confirmed that negotiations on phase two of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement have started.
“The second phase negotiations and contacts have started, and we’re focused on shelter, relief, and rebuilding for our people in Gaza,” group spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanoua said in a statement.
Israel said early Tuesday that it will send a negotiating team to Qatar this weekend for talks on phase two of the Gaza deal.
A statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the team will discuss “technical details related to continuing to carry out” the agreement.
Negotiations on phase two were scheduled to start on Monday, but Netanyahu decided not to send his negotiators to Doha until he meets with US President Trump on Tuesday.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ceasefire
On Tuesday, the Palestinian government formed a "working committee" to oversee the Gaza Strip following Israel’s genocidal war.
Palestinian medics recovered 20 more bodies from the rubble in Gaza, pushing the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to 47,540, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Israeli violations of Lebanon ceasefire
Israeli army violations of ceasefire deal after Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon until Feb. 18.
On Tuesday, Lebanon filed a complaint with the UN Security Council over Israel’s continued violations of the ceasefire agreement and UN Resolution 1701.
A Foreign Ministry statement said the complaint was filed through Lebanon’s permanent mission in New York in response to Israel’s violation of resolution 1701 and the declaration of cessation of hostilities, and its complete disregard for related security arrangements.
At least 26 people have been killed and 221 injured by Israeli gunfire since Jan. 26, as residents attempt to return to villages in southern Lebanon, according to local health authorities.
The latest breaches bring the total number of ceasefire violations to 830, according to data compiled by Anadolu based on announcements from Lebanese state media.
Israeli raids in West Bank, particularly Jenin
Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, especially in Jenin, accompanied by illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.
Dozens of families were forcibly displaced from the city of Tubas in the northern West Bank amid an Israeli offensive in the area, the city's governor said on Tuesday.
On Jan. 21, the Israeli army launched an assault on Jenin and its refugee camp that was later expanded to the city of Tulkarem, where dozens of Palestinians homes were detonated, causing displacement to thousands of people.
On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to stop Israel's attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.
Israel has killed more than 900 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
Israeli prime minister’s visit to US
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the US, which started on Sunday.
Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to hold meetings on Wednesday with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
On Thursday, he will meet with congressional leaders from both the Senate and House.
Deteriorating situation in war-torn Sudan
Dire security situation continues in North African nation amid intensified clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On Tuesday, Sudanese authorities announced that six people were killed and 38 others injured by RSF shelling of the Al-Nou Hospital in Omdurman, west of the capital Khartoum.
Vote on no-confidence motion in Bayrou-led government in France
A parliamentary debate and vote are scheduled this afternoon on a motion of no confidence in the government led by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. The motion was triggered by his decision to use a controversial article to force through the 2025 budget and social security funding bills. Bayrou appears likely to survive after PS lawmakers decided not to vote in favor of the motion put forward by LFI lawmakers.
UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will take questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons on such subjects as the Middle East, Gaza ceasefire and latest situation in Syria, as well as UK support to Israel and the war in Ukraine.
Monitoring seismic activity around Greek islands
Intense seismic activity continues in and around the Greek islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi and Ios, stirring fear in the southern Aegean Sea, with authorities planning next steps. A series of recent earthquakes have prompted thousands to flee islands.
Sweden school shootings
Around 10 people were killed in a school in the Swedish city of Orebro. Police said they have launched an investigation. New developments will be followed.
Türkiye-Germany talks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will host his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the presidential complex in Ankara. The leaders will discuss bilateral relations, with a focus on defense industry cooperation. Their talks will also cover the Turkish community in Germany, Turkish-EU relations, and key regional issues.
Anadolu hosting foreign minister
Anadolu Agency Editors’ Desk will host Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He will speak on the latest regional and international developments.
Trump pushing for relocation of Gazans outside Gaza
Monitoring US President Donald Trump pushing his widely condemned idea to relocate Gazans outside Gaza. On Tuesday, repeating the proposal during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said: "I don't think people should be going back to Gaza." Trump also said Jordan and Egypt will take in Palestinians from Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with Pete Hegseth
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues visit to Washington DC, where he is due to remain until Saturday. Netanyahu's schedule today includes talks with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
Marco Rubio continues Central America visit
Marco Rubio continues his first visit abroad as secretary of state. He starts the day in Guatemala where he arrived yesterday evening and is due to head to the Dominican Republic later in the day.
UN chief speaks at UN Palestine committee
Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to hold a meeting at UN headquarters. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will deliver remarks at the opening session.
US tariffs on Mexico and Canada paused for one month
Monitoring situation after US agreed to pause 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month after initially threatening to implement the measures. Mexico said it is deploying 10,000 soldiers to US border to prevent trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs. Canada’s prime minister said Canada is implementing $1.3 billion border plan and sending nearly 10,000 frontline personnel to work on protecting the border.
Prime Minister Trudeau to meet provincial and territorial premiers
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to host virtual meeting with provincial and territorial premiers. Later, he will attend and deliver remarks at a Black History Month reception, where the minister of diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilities, Kamal Khera, will also speak.
Mexico deploying troops on border with US
Monitoring developments after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico began deploying Mexican troops to the border to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into the US in the wake of US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. National Guard has deployed 6,310 members to the northern border, as Mexico is set to deploy 10,000 troops.
Moscow court to consider violations by WhatsApp messenger
A Moscow court is expected to consider refusal by WhatsApp and Discord apps to store personal data of Russian users on country's territory as demanded by local legislation. Maximum punishment suggests banning the apps. Previously Russia banned Facebook, X, and Instagram and made YouTube almost inaccessible.
Humanitarian aid expected to reach Goma amid ceasefire
Aid agencies are expected to start distributing food, water and medicines to thousands of displaced people living in camps in Goma, capital of the North Kivu province, and surrounding areas.
Recent heavy clashes between the M23 rebels and Congolese government forces have left nearly 1,000 people dead in Goma. The Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel alliance in the eastern Congo which includes M23 rebels, declared a ceasefire on Tuesday after worsening conditions were reported, including overwhelmed hospitals, dwindling essential supplies, and dead bodies scattered on the streets, raising fears of disease outbreaks.
Mozambique braces for Tropical Storm Faida
Mozambique has warned that the country may be hit by Tropical Storm Faida which is expected to land Wednesday. Faida is currently over Madagascar, having evolved from a tropical depression to a moderate tropical storm. Faida comes barely two months after Cyclone Chido devastated parts of Southern Africa, causing deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
Uganda working to curb transmission of Ebola after outbreak
Uganda expected to give update after the country confirmed three cases of the deadly Sudan Ebola virus, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) kills at least 40% of those infected. The country said it is working with all institutions of learning in the country to ensure that they control the spread of mpox and curb transmission of Ebola as schools reopen in the country. The East African nation is currently facing its sixth outbreak of the disease.
Trial of incarcerated South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
Monitoring political crisis in South Korea as impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol submitted fresh request to cancel his arrest. Yoon was indicted over Dec. 3 martial law decree but he has defended his decision, which triggered an ongoing political crisis. He is facing charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
South Korean parliament speaker to visit China
Woo Won-shik, speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly, to lead delegation of lawmakers to China until Feb. 9 at the invitation of Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee. The visit aims at strengthening bilateral ties.
Pakistan marks Kashmir Solidarity Day
Pakistanis and Kashmiris around the world as well as in Azad Kashmir to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day. Seminars, rallies, and statements by national leaders are scheduled to express solidarity with people of Indian-administered Kashmir for their struggle to achieve right to self-determination.
Brunei’s sultan arrives in China for 3-day state visit
Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah to pay state visit to China through Friday where he will also attend opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games in the Heilongjiang province.
Voting to elect provincial government in Indian capital Delhi
Millions of voters casting ballots to elect provincial government in Indian capital Deli. Federal ruling party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in tight race with small party Aam Aadmi Party, which is ruling Delhi. Counting will be done on Saturday.
Deported Indian immigrants to arrive home from US
Military flight carrying 205 Indian nationals who had illegally entered the US set to arrive in India.
Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing. Ministry is expected to deliver statements on trade war triggered by US President Donald Trump.
SPECIAL REPORTS
‘No coalition with far-right’: Top German conservative rules out AfD cooperation
Interview with prominent Christian Democrat politician Armin Laschet on possible scenarios after Feb. 23 election in Germany.
Laschet stresses that the conservative CDU will not cooperate or enter coalition talks with the far-right AfD, and argues that his party’s hard-line shift on curbing irregular migration should not alarm European countries or migrants in Germany.
The veteran politician also makes clear that the CDU, currently leading in polls, will not form a minority government, asserting that Germany needs a stable coalition, with both options – partnering with either the Social Democrats or the Greens – remaining possible.
‘Now is the time to deliver the aid’: Activists rally for humanitarian support to Gaza after truce
Report on efforts by activists to ramp up global support to deliver aid to Gaza following start of ceasefire deal last month.
Story includes interviews with Jewish American actor Jacob Berger and Spanish Romanian actor Nicole Genes, who emphasize critical need for humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, urging individuals worldwide to contribute through donations, awareness campaigns, and aid deliveries.
Both activists also highlight need for unity beyond religious and national divisions, with Berger condemning Israel’s actions and Genes encouraging immediate action from the international community.
Seda Sevencan and Esra Hacioglu Karakaya
Pakistan’s agriculture feels heat of winter drought
Report on impact of severe reduction in winter rainfall in Pakistan, which has led to a critical shortage in irrigation water, particularly in rain-fed agricultural regions.
The story highlights how drought is affecting vital crops, fruits, and vegetables, with Punjab and Sindh provinces – key food-producing areas – facing the greatest challenges.
Includes interviews with Sardar Sarfraz, chief meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department; Waqar Rizvi, secretary general of Kisan Board of Pakistan; and Mahmood Nawaz Shah, president of the Sindh Abadgar Board.
Türkiye’s banking sector a ‘sleeping giant’ on global stage, says entrepreneur
Interview with Ozan Ozerk, founder of OpenPayd and European Merchant Bank, about Türkiye’s banking and fintech sector, which continues to emerge as global powerhouse with its advanced financial infrastructure.
Ozerk describes Türkiye’s financial system as more advanced than those in Europe and comparable to Japan and South Korea, highlighting its massive potential to become a global force.
He also speaks about the challenges being faced by Türkiye’s fintech sector, including regulatory gaps and expansion strategies, and what is needed for sector to compete on world stage.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with former Christian Democrat leader Armin Laschet on possible scenarios after Feb. 23 election in Germany, ruling out any cooperation or coalition talks with the far-right AfD.
VIDEO – Interviews with Jacob Berger and Nicole Genes, two actors and activists who are making efforts to ramp up international humanitarian aid to Gaza during ongoing ceasefire.