ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel resumes genocidal war on Gaza
Latest developments as Israel resumed its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, violating the ceasefire deal with the Palestinian group Hamas.
Israel escalated its violations of the ceasefire, intensifying its genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza with sudden and brutal airstrikes on Tuesday. The bombings targeted most areas of the enclave, resulting in 404 deaths, over 560 injuries, and hundreds of missing persons within hours.
The renewed attacks have also triggered a fresh wave of displacement -- the first since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19 -- amid Arab, Islamic, and international condemnations.
Simultaneously with its airstrikes, Israel reclosed the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, blocking the exit of patients and wounded from Gaza.
Hamas reiterated that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement "until the last moment," emphasizing that Israel reneged on the deal and that Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu is reigniting the war to escape his internal crises.
The group has mourned its leaders killed in Tuesday’s Israeli escalation, including its political bureau members Yasser Harb, Mohammed Al-Jamassi, and Issam al-Da’alis. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad announced the death of "Abu Hamza," the spokesperson for its military wing, Al-Quds Brigades.
US aggression on Yemen
Developments in US aggression against Yemen following the Houthis' announcement of a military operation targeting the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea for the third time in 48 hours.
The Houthis condemned Israel’s intensified airstrikes on Gaza, vowing to escalate confrontations against Tel Aviv, which is reportedly preparing for missile attacks from Yemen and Gaza following the collapse of the ceasefire, according to Israel’s public broadcaster.
Israeli raids in West Bank
Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank especially in the northern parts of the territory.
On Tuesday, the Israeli army killed a Palestinian and wounded three others during a raid on Qalqilya and several areas in northern West Bank. Meanwhile, it expanded its aggression by raiding the eastern neighborhood of Jenin again.
Additionally, Israeli forces arrested 40 Palestinians, including siblings and former prisoners, during raids across various parts of the occupied West Bank.
Israeli attacks on Syria
Repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, with the latest airstrike on Tuesday, as Israeli warplanes targeting the Khan Arnabeh area in the Quneitra province, southern Syria.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes on Daraa, calling them "an act of aggression and part of Israel’s ongoing campaign" against the Syrian people and the country’s stability.
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.
Clashes continue with the RSF in North Darfur (west) and North Kordofan in the south of the country.
Turkish president to attend ceremony of presentation of credentials by ambassadors
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend a ceremony of credentials presentation by ambassadors at the Presidential Complex in the capital Ankara. Erdogan will receive Panamanian Ambassador Karina Cecilia Arias Fonseca de Giannotti, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Xuebin, Malta's Ambassador Marisa Farrugia, Tajikistan's Ambassador Sodiq Ashurboyzoda Imomi, and Senegal's Ambassador Moustapha Sokhna Diop.
Repercussions of Trump-Putin phone call
Developments after President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a lengthy phone call to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. The leaders agreed to start the peace process with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, alongside talks on a Black Sea maritime ceasefire, full ceasefire, and lasting peace.
US administration's statements regarding renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza
Statements from Trump administration about the renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza that killed more than 400 people, including women and children.
UN Security Council - Syria-Israel ceasefire to be discussed
UN Security Council will meet for closed consultations on the UN mission monitoring the ceasefire between Syria and Israel, UNDOF. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the under-secretary-general for peace operations, will brief the member nations.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's swearing-in for new term
Premier of Canada's Ontario province Doug Ford and his Cabinet are sworn in for a third term after renewing his majority in Feb. 27 snap election.
Brazilian, Armenian foreign ministers' meeting
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira will host his counterpart from Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, for talks at Itamaraty Palace, the headquarters of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
Nationwide protests in Colombia as president pushes for reforms
Developments after Colombia saw nationwide government-backed protests supporting a referendum to revive President Gustavo Petro’s reform agenda after Congress failed to pass labor and health reforms. Petro now seeks to bypass the legislature for approval.
Ukrainian president visits Finland
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will pay an official visit to Helsinki. Formal talks with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Zelenskyy “will focus on Finland’s support for Ukraine and steps to end Russia’s war of aggression,” according to a statement by Stubb’s office. The leaders will hold a press conference after their meeting.
EU to unveil ‘White Paper’ on defense
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to present “White Paper on the Future of European Defense,” a comprehensive document that aims to identify the most pressing security threats facing the EU and outline strategic plans to enhance European defense capabilities.
UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.
UN rights chief to visit Kyrgyzstan
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk making an official visit to Kyrgyzstan on March 19-20, holding talks with President Sadyr Japarov and other senior officials.
Developments around Russia-US normalization and Ukrainian settlement
Developments related to the recent Russia-US contacts and finding a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Pakistani premier visits Saudi Arabia
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif kicks off his four-day official visit to Saudi Arabia through March 22. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Matters of mutual interest and concern, including global and regional developments, particularly the Gaza situation, evolving Middle East dynamics, as well as issues related to the Muslim ummah (community), to be on the agenda.
Indian defense intelligence chief pays visit to Australia
Indian Defense Intelligence Agency chief Lt. Gen. DS Rana pays visit to Australia until March 21. Rana to hold discussions with senior Australian defense officials. Bilateral defense intelligence cooperation and strategic engagement are expected to be discussed.
South Koreans await impeachment ruling against ex-president
South Koreans are waiting for the final verdict in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial.
ICC trial of Philippines ex-President Duterte continues in the Hague
The trial by the International Criminal Court of former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte continues in the Hague, triggering protests back home, which are expected to continue.
Human rights groups and victims of Duterte’s "war on drugs" have welcomed the arrest of the 79-year-old Filipino statesman. The Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to deny the petitions seeking the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus petitions for Duterte. If the petitions are accepted the former president would have to return to the Philippines.
Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold briefing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on recent regional and global developments.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's int'l investment position
Turkish Central Bank will release Türkiye's international investment position and external assets figures. Investment position was minus $294.7 billion in December.
External assets totaled $366.2 billion.
Japan's interest rate decision
Bank of Japan to reveal its interest rate decision. It currently stands at 0.50%.
Eurozone inflation
Eurostat to release inflation rate for February. Annual inflation stood at 2.4% in the previous month.
US interest rate decision
The Federal Reserve will reveal its interest rate decision. It currently stands at 4.50% and a rate cut is not expected by the markets.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Trump’s actions ‘a categorically new threat’ to pro-Palestine activism, free speech in US: Civil rights group official
Interview with Chris Godshall-Bennett, legal director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), about the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on pro-Palestine individuals.
Godshall-Bennett shares details about the lawsuit filed by the ADC, which challenges the constitutionality of the US government’s attempts to deport pro-Palestine activists and seeks a nationwide freeze on two executive orders passed by President Donald Trump.
He also speaks about the wider issue of repression of pro-Palestine voices in the US, warning that the current trajectory bodes dangerously ill for fundamental constitutional protections and requires immediate efforts to block the Trump administration’s actions.
Geneva talks show two-state policy gaining ground: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus president
Interview with Ersin Tatar, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, about the informal meeting held in Geneva to address the longstanding Cyprus issue.
Tatar speaks about the significance of the talks and how they indicate progress on the Turkish Cypriot position in favor of a two-state solution, paving the way for continued efforts to this end.
He also shares details about particular points discussed in the meeting and the major issues on the agenda for the next informal talks scheduled for the end of July.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Chris Godshall-Bennett, legal director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, which has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the US government’s escalating crackdown on pro-Palestine individuals.
VIDEO - Interview with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar about the informal meeting held in Geneva to address the longstanding Cyprus issue.