Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, March 15, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal
The latest developments after phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which began on Jan. 19, ended on March 2 and was not extended yet.
On Friday, Palestinian group Hamas said it has approved a mediators' proposal to resume negotiations by releasing an Israeli soldier with American citizenship and returning the bodies of four dual-national Israelis.
"The Hamas leadership delegation received a proposal from the mediators on Thursday to resume negotiations. The movement responded with responsibility and positivity, submitting its reply early Friday," the group said in a statement.
Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza
Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel escalated its attacks across Gaza last week after the expiry of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
On Friday, the Gaza government warned of the imminent return of famine to the Gaza Strip due to Israel's closure of border crossings to humanitarian and medical aid.
In a statement, the government’s media office said that “today marks the 13th day of the Israeli occupation's crime of preventing aid and tightening the siege by closing the Gaza crossings.”
On Friday also, three Palestinians, including a woman, sustained injuries as the Israeli army targeted residential areas in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
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.
Illegal Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian village in the northern West Bank early Friday, setting fire to six homes and a vehicle.
Suleiman Dawabsheh, head of the Duma Village Council, told Anadolu that dozens of settlers stormed Khirbet al-Marajim, a village near the town of Duma in Nablus Governorate, and set six houses and a vehicle ablaze.
These assaults came as the Israeli army continued a deadly military offensive in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing at least 70 Palestinians and displacing thousands.
Israel also imposed strict restrictions on Palestinians from the occupied West Bank trying to reach Jerusalem for prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the second Friday of Ramadan.
Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout
Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Lebanese state news agency NNA on Friday reported that Israeli forces stationed at Al-Hamames Hill fired at a herd of livestock on the western outskirts of Al-Wazzani, near a Lebanese Army checkpoint, resulting in the death of several sheep and goats.
Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Bashar al-Assad administration.
On Friday, the UN special envoy for Syria said that it is time for "bold moves" to create a "credible and inclusive" transitional government following a constitutional declaration issued by the new Syrian authorities.
Qatar also on Friday welcomed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s signing of a declaration outlining the main provisions of Syria’s interim constitution.
Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan
The security and humanitarian situation in Sudan where the Sudanese army in recent days has gained ground against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas and states.
New Zealand observes 6th anniversary of Christchurch terror attack
New Zealand marks the 6th anniversary of the Christchurch terror attack. Some 51 worshipers were killed and 40 injured at Masjid al-Noor and at Linwood Islamic Centre during Friday prayers on March.15, 2019.
The semi-automatic rifles used in the attack were nearly completely banned following the incident; however, the coalition government is now rewriting the Arms Act, with the possibility of lifting the ban.
Philippine's ex-President Duterte faces trial at ICC
Philippine's ex-president is facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity during his "war on drugs." The ex-president was brought to The Hague to face trial at the ICC on Wednesday after being arrested at the Manila airport on his arrival from Hong Kong.
Students' march in Serbia
Students from across Serbia are marching to capital Belgrade in a massive protest against President Aleksandar Vucic over a fatal crash at the Novi Sad train station in November.
The protests, led by university students, began in November after a concrete roof collapsed at the Novi Sad train station, killing 15 people.
The demonstrations have been taking place almost daily since then.
Students and high school graduates are traveling on foot and by bicycle to join a unified demonstration.
It is expected to be one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in recent history of Serbia.
With tensions escalating, Serbian authorities have expressed concerns over possible unrest, while opposition groups insist on peaceful demonstrations.
Demonstration in Greenland
A demonstration will be held in Greenland’s capital Nuuk against US President Donald Trump’s claims to annex their country. The rally is planned to start in city the center and end at US consulate building.
Macron-Zelenksyy-Starmer video conference
French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy and British Premier Keir Starmer to discuss the latest developments regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine and peace proposal by the US.
SPECIAL REPORTS
‘He tried to buy us like slaves’: Indigenous Inuit outraged at Trump’s Greenland gambit
Report on the frustration of Greenland’s Indigenous Inuit people over US President Donald Trump’s ambitions to take control of the Arctic island.
The story highlights local concern over Trump’s remarks, featuring views from Nuuk residents who see his proposal as offensive and a challenge to Greenland’s sovereignty.
It also covers Greenland’s potential path forward after Tuesday’s election results, including its economic readiness for independence, and the wider geopolitical stakes in Trump’s push for US control.
Islamophobia in Canada higher than after 9/11, compounded by geopolitics: Expert
Interview with Jasmin Zine, a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and expert on Muslim studies, about the escalating levels of Islamophobia in Canada, which she says have surpassed those seen after 9/11.
Zine attributes the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment to both global geopolitics and domestic factors, citing increased Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism since Oct. 7, 2023. She highlights hate-motivated incidents, systemic discrimination, and political rhetoric that has normalized anti-Muslim bias.
The report also examines the role of Canadian media and political discourse in exacerbating Islamophobia, the impact of policies, and the broader consequences of dehumanizing narratives. Despite the challenges, Zine expresses hope in student-led movements advocating for Palestinian rights.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with Greenland’s Indigenous Inuit residents on the recent elections, changing politics, and Trump’s ambitions to take control of the Arctic island.
VIDEO – Interview with academic and Muslim studies expert Jasmin Zine about escalating Islamophobia in Canada, examining the domestic and geopolitical reasons for rising levels of anti-Muslim bias and anti-Palestinian racism.