ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing / breaking stories):
Second-phase negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza
Developments in negotiations on phase two of the Gaza ceasefire deal.The first phase, which includes a prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.
On Monday, Hamas’ military wing Al-Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson said that the release of Israeli hostages scheduled for Saturday was postponed until further notice due to Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
“Resistance leaders have monitored Israeli violations over the past three weeks, including delays in allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, attacks on civilians across the enclave, and failure to deliver agreed-upon humanitarian aid,” Abu Ubaida said in a statement.
He added that while the resistance has upheld its commitments, Israel has not honored its obligations under the deal.
Earlier, Israeli media reported that the Israeli negotiating delegation has returned from Doha, some 24 hours after it was dispatched to participate in talks on the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a security cabinet meeting on Thursday to discuss the second phase of the deal.
Sixteen Israeli captives and five Thai workers have so far been released under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza
The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire.
On Monday, a Palestinian youth was shot dead by Israeli forces in Shejaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Israeli shelling was also reported in the Zeitoun neighborhood in southeastern Gaza City and Al-Fukhari town, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Israel’s genocidal war has killed nearly 48,200 people and left the enclave in ruins since October 2023.
Reactions to Netanyahu's proposal to establish Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia
More reactions to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's call to establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday, Lebanon and Afghanistan affirmed their rejection of any displacement of the Palestinian people from their land and establishing a state in Saudi Arabia.
Arab countries, including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Yemen, have also strongly denounced the proposal.
Israeli violations of Lebanon ceasefire
Israeli army’s violations of a ceasefire deal after Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon until Feb. 18.
On Monday, several Israeli Merkava tanks and a military bulldozer advanced into the southern outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, while another tank moved toward the outskirts of Yaroun, according to official local media.
The Lebanese army deployed its forces in the southern towns of Rab Thalatheen, Taloussa and Bani Hayyan and conducted patrols in the areas.
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 Monday, Israeli forces stormed several neighborhoods in the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho city and searched several shops there.
The latest raids were part of a broader offensive launched by the Israeli army in Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing more than 30 Palestinians.
An Israeli media report said that the Israeli army decided to implement the same shooting policy used during the Gaza war to kill any unarmed Palestinian, whether a suspect or not, in the West Bank.
Israel has killed at least 906 people in the occupied West Bank since October 2023 and injured over 6,700 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
Egyptian foreign minister’s visit to US
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty's visit to the US to talk to officials about developments in the Middle East.
On Monday, an Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement said that during a Sunday meeting with US Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen in Washington, Abdelatty reaffirmed a “complete Arab consensus” and rejected the displacement of Palestinians amid US President Donald Trump’s reported plan to evacuate Gaza.
Egypt's top diplomat further stressed “the importance of establishing a political framework leading to an independent Palestinian state and ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” it said.
Military situation in war-torn Sudan
The security situation in the northern African country as the Sudanese army gains against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) forces in key areas and states in recent days.
On Monday, Sudan’s foreign minister said that the war is nearing its end amid military gains against the RSF in the capital Khartoum.
“We insist on the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration as a condition for engaging in any future negotiations with the RSF,” Ali Yusuf said during a meeting held in Cairo with foreign ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Sudan.
The declaration recognizes the obligations of the warring rivals under international humanitarian and human rights law to facilitate humanitarian action to meet the emergency needs of civilians.
German chancellor’s speech during final plenary ahead of election
Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech on the situation in Germany at what is expected to be the last plenary session ahead of the Feb. 23 election.
NATO defense ministers – meeting in Brussels
Alliance counterparts meet to discuss major operational issues. The gathering marks the first ministerial NATO meeting since Trump became US president for the second time last month and the first for new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - Germany visit
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits US European Command (USEUCOM) and US Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters as part of his first trip to Europe since being confirmed.
Day 2 of Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence
Second day of French edition of global summit on AI safety, which is attended by heads of state and government and international figures. In addition to French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance are among confirmed participants.
Russian foreign minister’s meeting with CICA secretary general
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to host Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Kairat Sarybay as part of his working visit to Moscow.
The two officials will address key aspects of CICA's activities focusing on its future as a building block of the emerging cooperative architecture of Greater Eurasia, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry.
African Union to hold high-level dialogue to improve gender equality in education
The African Union will hold a high-level dialogue on gender equality in education on the continent, identifying key challenges that hinder the achievement of gender equality in education, a critical issue in many African countries. Delegates will also discuss ways of increasing investments in girls' education on the continent as a form of justice and a tool for development in line with the AU’s 2025 theme of the year.
M23 conflict in Goma has increased displacements of people
Thousands of people who were living at internally displaced people’s camps in Goma have been greatly affected by the recent intensification of conflicts that have seen their households destroyed forcing them to seek refuge in schools and churches, which poses risks of disease outbreaks in the city of nearly 3 million people.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed administration led by M23 in Goma is patrolling the city and searching for arms that were left behind by government forces.
Trump, King Abdullah of Jordan - White House meeting
US President Trump to host Jordanian King Abdullah for talks at the White House. Leaders are expected to discuss Gaza and Trump's proposal to send Gazans to Jordan and Egypt.
US Senate - vote on DNI nominee Tulsi Gabbard
Senate is expected to vote on the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence.
Mike Johnson and House Republicans - press conference
House Speaker Mike Johnson leads press conference alongside Republican leaders following their conference meeting.
Colombian President Petro demands resignation of his Cabinet
Developments after Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that he has requested the formal resignation of his entire cabinet. On Sunday, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad confirmed her resignation and Labor Minister Gloria Ines Ramirez soon followed suit, revealing her own resignation. The resignations came after an intense six-hour Cabinet meeting broadcast live on Tuesday.
Turkish President Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Following bilateral talks, they hold news conference.
Later, Erdogan will attend Türkiye-Malaysia Business Forum.
Multi-national naval exercise concludes in Pakistan
A five-day multi-national naval exercise AMAN (peace) 2025 to conclude in southern port city of Karachi. Some 60 countries, including Türkiye are participating in the biennial drill.
Trial of imprisoned South Korean President Yoon
Following 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 expected decision by early March. Yoon was indicted over Dec. 3 martial law decree but has defended his decision which triggered a political crisis. He is facing a case of insurrection and abuse of power over short-lived martial law. Massive protests against, and in favor of, Yoon have been consistently held in Seoul since he issued the martial law decree.
Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on trade war with the US as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Russia among other issues.
Floods batter parts of Australia
Flood situation in Australia as many parts suffer flash flooding amid weather forecasts that more rains and storms may hit the country.
India launches crackdown on travel agents amid US deportation of illegal migrants
Developments after authorities in two north Indian states launched crackdown on travel agents for sending youth abroad "illegally.” This comes as 100 Indian illegal immigrants were deported by the US last week.
Jailed Kashmiri lawmaker to attend Indian parliament
Imprisoned Kashmiri lawmaker Engineer Rashid to attend parliament proceedings for first time since being elected last year. Rashid, who was elected while in jail, faces charges of foreign funding to disputed Jammu and Kashmir. He was arrested in 2019 and remains locked up in Tihar Jail, New Delhi. A court has granted him 2-day parole to attend the parliament. He was on hunger strike for several days to press for his demands.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's retail sales for December
Turkish Statistical Institute to release retail sales data for December. Retail sales posted an annual increase of 16.4% in the previous month.
SPORTS
UEFA Champions League playoffs are set to begin with first legs
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
Sporting CP vs. Borussia Dortmund
SPECIAL REPORTS
Deadly winter threatens Gazan lives as Israel blocks critical aid
Report on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza because of the harsh winter season and Israel’s continued restrictions on aid in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The story provides data illustrating the scale of the humanitarian needs and the impact on the Palestinian population, including rising cases of respiratory diseases and other ailments, and the critical shortage of shelter, clothes, and essential supplies.
The report includes comments from with doctors on the ground in Gaza; Shaina Low, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s communications adviser in Palestine; and spokespersons for the Gaza Municipality.
Modi off to US: Where are US-India ties headed under Trump 2.0?
Report on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US this week, focusing on the current state of bilateral affairs and what each side may be pushing for in Trump’s second term.
The story presents an overview of bilateral ties and engagement, highlighting key areas of cooperation, such as economic and technological partnerships, and the possible sources of friction, such as India’s defense ties with Russia.
The story includes comments from Indian analysts, including Vineet Prakash, a professor of international relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and former Indian diplomat G Parthasarthy.
Jobs and survival on the line: Millions in Pakistan feel the pinch of US aid pause
Report on the impact of US funding cuts in Pakistan, one of several countries where the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended funding for critical humanitarian and other programs.
The story details the various areas where USAID has a presence in Pakistan, including key sectors such as the country’s agricultural productivity, and charts the impact of Washington’s shifting policies on the socioeconomic and humanitarian level.
The report includes interviews with Pakistani humanitarian workers, including Mohammad Dittal Kalhoro, the head of Sindh Rural Support Organization, and Rashid Chaudhry, and veteran Pakistani economist Shahid Hasan Siddiqui.