ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, March 9, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal
Latest developments after phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which began on Jan. 19, ended on March 2 and was not extended, nor did it move into the second phase.
Palestinian resistance movement Hamas said on Saturday that mediation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar are continuing to finalize the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Israel and initiate negotiations for the second phase.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza
Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel escalated its attacks across Gaza since Sunday, shortly after the expiry of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Palestinian medics and rescue teams have recovered seven more bodies from the rubble in the Gaza Strip, pushing the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to 48,453, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Saturday.
Israeli raids in West Bank
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 Saturday, the Israeli army launched a series of raids against Palestinians in various areas of the northern occupied West Bank, leading to clashes. Meanwhile, illegal Israeli settlers attacked the Khilet al-Dabaa community south of Hebron.
In Nablus, Israeli forces stormed the city from the western side, raided a residential building near the Zawata junction, and ransacked the home of the Sanubar family, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The escalation came amid a deadly Israeli military onslaught in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing more than 65 Palestinians and displacing thousands.
Israel has killed at least 930 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout
Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
A Lebanese citizen was killed and another injured on Saturday following an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in the city of Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon.
Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Bashar al-Assad administration.
Syrian government confirmed Saturday evening that it had regained control over areas in the northwestern coastal region that faced attacks from remnants of the deposed Assad regime.
Syrian Minister of Education Nazir al-Qadri ordered the suspension of school attendance in the coastal governorates of Tartus and Latakia on Sunday and Monday, citing "unstable security conditions.”
Jordan to host meeting with Syria’s neighbors to discuss counterterrorism, drug trafficking
Jordan is set to host a meeting with Syria’s neighboring countries on Sunday. The meeting will discuss operational mechanisms for cooperation in combating terrorism, drug and arms trafficking, and addressing other shared challenges, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said.
It will also explore ways to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country based on principles that ensure its unity, sovereignty, security and stability, eliminate terrorism, facilitate voluntary refugee returns and safeguard the rights of all Syrians.
Turkish foreign minister to attend meeting in Jordan
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to attend meeting between Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria in Amman.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
Russia and Ukraine continue fighting in Russia’s border region of Kursk, where Kyiv launched an incursion in August, and in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow claims advances on multiple fronts. Developments to be followed on recent Russia-US contacts, as well as Ukraine’s engagements with the US and Europe.
South Korea's political crisis takes new turn
South Korea's lingering political crisis has taken a dramatic turn after the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who stands trial in insurrection case over his Dec. 3 martial law attempt. Also, a Constitutional Court is set to decide whether to remove or reinstate him this month.
Vietnam's ruling Communist Party general secretary visit Indonesia, Singapore
Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam kicks off his 5-day visit to Indonesia and Singapore, which includes an official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat. Matters relating to bilateral relations and mutual cooperation are expected to be discussed.
Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum pays official visit to Japan
Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Baron Divavesi Waqa will arrive in Japan at the invitation of Foreign Ministry. The visit, which will continue until March 15, is expected to strengthen ties between Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum and enhance regional cooperation, and address key issues affecting the Pacific region.
Japan's trade minister embarks on visit to US
Japan's Trade Minister Yoji Muto will embark on a three-day crucial visit to the US following the ongoing tariff row. He will discuss economic relations with Washington and is expected to ask for exemption from Trump administration’s tariffs.