ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
5th batch of prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas under ceasefire deal
Palestinian group Hamas and Israel on Saturday are expected to carry out the 5th batch of prisoners' swap between them as part of the first phase of the ceasefire that came to effect on Jan. 19.
The armed wing of Hamas on Friday announced names of three Israeli captives to be released on Saturday as part of the prisoner swap deal with Israel.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza
The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip during ceasefire.
On Friday, the Gaza government announced that Israel is delaying the implementation of the humanitarian provisions of the ceasefire agreement which came into effect on Jan. 19.
Speaking at a press conference at the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, Salama Marouf, head of the Gaza Government Media Office, said that “despite 20 days passing since the agreement, the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic due to Israeli obstruction.”
The Education and Higher Education Ministry in Gaza reported that Israel's genocidal war spanning over 15 months has left 85% of schools out of service resulting in a two-year interruption in education.
Israeli violations of Lebanon ceasefire
Israeli army violations of a ceasefire deal after Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon until Feb. 18.
Israeli warplanes launched on Friday an airstrike on the town of Baisariyeh in the Sidon district of southern Lebanon, marking an escalation in Israel's continued violations of the ceasefire agreement.
This raises the total number of violations to nearly 850, according to an Anadolu tally based on reports from the Lebanese National News Agency.
Israeli raids in West Bank, particularly in its northern area
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.
On Friday, the Israeli army demolished several Palestinian homes in the Jenin refugee camp as part of its ongoing military offensive in the northern West Bank.
Witnesses told Anadolu that the Israeli army “detonated houses in the Jenin camp.”
Since Jan. 21, Israeli attacks on Jenin and its refugee camp have killed 25 Palestinians, including two children, injured over 50, and displaced around 3,000 people. More than 100 homes have been demolished or burned, according to Palestinian sources.
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.
Trial of incarcerated South Korean president
The trial of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who refused to stand witness at a parliamentary questioning session about the Dec. 3 martial law decree. The Constitutional Court trial is also progressing with an expected decision by early March. Yoon was indicted over the Dec. 3 martial law decree but has defended his decision which triggered ongoing political crisis. He is facing a case of insurrection and abuse of power over short-lived martial law of Dec. 3. Massive protests against, and in favor of, Yoon have been consistently held in Seoul since his martial law decree.
India to count votes in Delhi assembly elections
Indian election authority counts votes after legislative assembly election was held in the capital Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is in competition with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
US, Japan, France, Philippines hold joint drill
A multi-national large drill hosted by the French Navy begins with participation from the US, Japan, and the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea.
Pakistan's opposition PTI party to mark 1 year of 'black day' since alleged poll rigging
The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to mark one year of "black day" since general elections were held as it alleges the polls were rigged. Government has denied any wrong doing.
Developments in eastern DR Congo
Volatile situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after nearly 3,000 people were killed and thousands more injured in violent clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces in city of Goma since last month. The rebels have claimed control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, which borders Rwanda.
African leaders meet in Tanzania to discuss Goma crisis
The leaders of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community at a joint summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania are expected to deliberate on ceasefire in Congo. Presidents of Congo and Rwanda are attending the summit. Kinshasa blames Kigali for backing the M23 rebels which have taken control of Goma city.
Baltic States to disconnect from electricity grids common with Russia and Belarus
On Feb. 8, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia will disconnect from the shared energy system BRELL (Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and operate in isolation for 24 hours. If no issues arise, they will then be integrated into the European network.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Trump’s Gaza proposal ‘blatant attempt to erase Palestinian identity,’ says Canadian lawyer
Interview with Canadian human rights lawyer Faisal Kutty on US President Donald Trump’s plan to “take over” Gaza, who says it is illegal under international law and a direct attempt to erase Palestinian sovereignty.
Kutty criticizes Trump’s proposal as reminiscent of colonial land grabs, arguing that Gaza is not Israel’s property to give away. He also denounces Trump’s recent executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court, calling it a hypocritical attack on international justice.
Kutty also criticizes Canada’s role in the crisis, saying Prime Minister Trudeau’s government has been complicit in war crimes by endorsing US positions, and calls for a stronger stance against Israel’s violations of international law.
Doctors fear for life of Gaza hospital chief Abu Safiya held by Israel
Interviews with international medical professionals about the detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, who was arrested by Israeli forces in late December.
Healthcare workers and rights advocates, including Dr. Semia Sadfi Charbonnier of the International Healthcare Workers Coalition and Dr. Sara Galli of Doctors for Gaza, condemn what they see as systematic targeting of Palestinian medical professionals.
They point to documented cases of abuse and torture in Israeli detention, calling for immediate international intervention and committed efforts for accountability.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Canadian human rights lawyer Faisal Kutty about Trump’s Gaza takeover plan, his sanctions on the International Criminal Court, and Canada’s complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
VIDEO - Interviews with international medical professionals about Israel’s continued detention of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital.