ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, March 1, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal
Developments in phase one of Gaza ceasefire agreement. The phase, which includes prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to end on Saturday.
On Friday, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to implementing all terms of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement as the first phase comes to an end on Saturday evening, urging mediators to put pressure on Israel to enter the second phase immediately.
Negotiations for the second phase were scheduled to begin on Feb. 3, the 16th day of the agreement's first phase. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended the current phase to secure the release of more Israeli captives in Gaza.
Israel is ready to extend a Gaza ceasefire deal in exchange for the release of more captives, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also said on Thursday.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza amid ceasefire
Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel continues to violate the ceasefire.
The Israeli army continues to violate the ceasefire in Gaza with more attacks on Palestinians.
On Friday, several Palestinian fishermen were injured by Israeli naval forces while fishing in the waters off the coast of Sudanyah, northwest of Gaza City, despite an ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday that the expanded humanitarian access during the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza has significantly improved the quality and reach of polio vaccinations in Gaza.
Israeli raids in West Bank and Jerusalem
Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank with the army deploying tanks in the northern parts of the territory for the first time in over two decades.
On Friday, the Israeli army raided another neighborhood in Nablus as part of its ongoing military offensive in the northern occupied West Bank, just before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims prepare for the first day of fasting on Saturday.
Israel has killed at least 927 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
In occupied East Jerusalem, local reports on Friday documented that Israeli extremists have repeatedly targeted churches in East Jerusalem’s Old City by spitting on them during Christian religious ceremonies.
In a statement on Friday, Israeli Police Commander of Jerusalem's Old City, Dvir Tamim, said: “We are witnessing a phenomenon of hatred directed toward Christians in the Old City, particularly extremist (Jewish) individuals spitting on the ground as they pass near."
Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout
Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
On Friday, the Israeli army claimed it killed Mohammad Mahdi Ali Shaheen, a Hezbollah leader, in a Thursday airstrike in the eastern Lebanese region of Hermel.
Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan
The security and humanitarian situation in the northern African country as the Sudanese army in recent days has gained against paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas and states.
The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been fighting a war since mid-April 2023 that has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to the UN and local authorities. Research from US universities, however, estimates the death toll at around 130,000.
On Friday, Qatar reaffirmed its support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejected any form of foreign interference in the internal affairs of Sudan.
Similar, the Saudi Foreign Ministry in a statement on Friday expressed its firm rejection of any unlawful measures taken outside the framework of Sudan’s official institutions, in reference to the RSF announcement on the formation of a parallel government.
Pope's treatment in Rome hospital
Latest updates on Pope Francis's health condition as he undergoes treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican released a statement late Friday stating that the pontiff suffered a "sudden worsening" of respiratory issues and has been given mechanical ventilation. The 88-year-old has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and is being treated for pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma’s funeral
Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma will be laid to rest at the country’s heroes' acre in the capital Windhoek on Saturday. The burial will be preceded by a state funeral with the attendance of several heads of state and government and regional leaders.
Zelenskyy-Trump fallout
Regional reactions to the fallout from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s tense meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, particularly the impact on US-Ukraine relations and the now-canceled minerals deal.
Russia-US diplomatic thaw
Developments in Russia-US relations following Moscow’s decision to appoint a new ambassador to Washington and ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at restoring ties, including discussions on direct air links.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in Russia’s border region of Kursk, where Kyiv began an incursion in August, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow continues to claim advances on multiple fronts.
South Korea's political crisis persists
South Korea's Constitutional Court is reviewing evidences and testaments after completing final hearing of the impeachment trial of imprisoned President Yoon Suk Yeol over the Dec. 3 martial law declaration.
A meeting between the government and the rival parties was canceled Friday as the main opposition Democratic Party decided not to attend it, criticizing acting President Choi Sang-mok for continuing to withhold the appointment of a ninth justice at the Constitutional Court.
The Constitutional Court declared the acting president's decision "unconstitutional" but refused to confirm the appointment. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in mid March.
Top Mongolian diplomat visits Japan
Magnolia's Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh continues a six-day visit to Japan to last until March 5. Batmunkh is expected to meet her Japanese counterpart and attend other events.