ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, April 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israel continues genocidal war on Gaza
Latest developments as Israel continues its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, violating ceasefire agreement with Palestinian group Hamas.
At least 34 people were killed, including children, in Israeli airstrikes on two schools sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza City, bringing Thursday’s death toll in the Palestinian enclave to more than 100.
The overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 has surged to 50,523, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Israeli prime minister visiting Hungary despite ICC arrest warrant
Day two of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s a four-day visit to Hungary, defying International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for him over war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
On Thursday, Hungary decided to exit the ICC shortly after Netanyahu arrived in Budapest, a move strongly condemned by Palestinians including their Foreign Ministry and Hamas.
In a Thursday joint press conference in Budapest with Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban, Netanyahu vowed to protect Europe and its Middle East allies from what he called Iran’s “axis of evil."
In principle, ICC member states are obligated to enforce the arrest warrant.
Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout
Developments in Lebanon after incomplete Israeli army withdrawal.
On Thursday, a Lebanese citizen was injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in the town of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon.
Additionally, two people were wounded in another airstrike that targeted a vehicle on the Bint Jbeil road in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon on Thursday called for international pressure on Israel to withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories.
Since a ceasefire agreement came into effect on Nov. 27, Israel has committed 1,381 violations, resulting in at least 117 deaths and 366 injuries, according to an Anadolu tally based on official data.
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 Thursday, the Israeli army launched a raid, arresting dozens of Palestinians in Al-Fawwar refugee camp in the southern occupied West Bank.
Tension has been running high across the occupied West Bank, where over 940 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 others injured in attacks by the Israeli army and illegal settlers since the start of the Gaza onslaught on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
US aggression on Yemen, Houthis' strikes against Israel
Developments in US aggression against Yemen, as well as Houthi military operations against Israel.
The Yemeni Houthi group claimed on Thursday to have shot down a US drone in western Yemen and attacked US Navy ships in the Red Sea.
According to the Houthi-run Health Ministry, at least 61 civilians have been killed and 139 others injured in US airstrikes across Yemen since March 15.
Israeli attacks on Syria
Repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory after the fall of Assad regime.
Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes targeting several sites in the capital Damascus and the western provinces of Hama and Homs late Wednesday.
Israel’s military claimed the strikes struck “military capabilities that remained” at the Hama airbase and T4 base in Homs, along with other military infrastructure in Damascus.
The Israeli army also launched a ground offensive in Daraa in southern Syria, where at least nine people were killed, according to local authorities.
Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets on the town of Koya in Daraa province on Thursday, warning of the presence of “gunmen” in the area, witnesses said.
In turn, Arab countries, including Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, on Thursday strongly denounced the Israeli airstrikes on Syria as a violation of international law and an assault on Syrian sovereignty.
Military and humanitarian situation in war-torn Sudan
Security and humanitarian situation in the North African country of Sudan as the army recaptures more areas in the capital Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
At least 89 civilians have been killed and hundreds injured in RSF attacks on villages in Omdurman, a Sudanese human rights organization said late Wednesday.
Speech of UN high commissioner for human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk to speak at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs event. Turk to address challenges and opportunities facing international human rights efforts today.
Religious groups challenge Department of Homeland Security
Hearing to consider request for preliminary injunction filed by several Christian and Jewish groups challenging Department of Homeland Security decision to no longer shield houses of worship from immigration raids.
NATO foreign ministers’ meeting
Second and final day of NATO foreign ministers' meeting at alliance headquarters in Brussels. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will hold press conference afterwards. Foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss international issues, military support for Ukraine, and raising defense spending targets above the current 2% GDP benchmark in response to US President Donald Trump's call for higher commitments. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is participating.
Danish premier visits Greenland
Danish Premier Mette Frederiksen’s three-day visit to Greenland comes amid US-Danish tensions over President Trump's push to acquire Greenland from Denmark. Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland has strategic importance and rich mineral deposits.
German coalition talks
Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD) continue negotiations to form coalition government. Germany's likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who leads the center-right CDU/CSU alliance, has said he aims to establish the coalition government before the April 20-21 Easter holiday. He cited pressing domestic economic challenges and escalating international security concerns that require quick government action.
UN briefing in Geneva
UN Information Service to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva. Statements and updates expected on various international issues from key UN bodies and agencies.
Start of plenary session of 1st Central Asia-EU Summit
Plenary session of the 1st Central Asia-EU Summit in the city of Samarkand set to start, attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan with the EU represented by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to the European Council, the summit will affirm the EU's commitment to boost cooperation in areas of mutual interests, which include transport and digital connectivity in the region and with the EU, critical raw materials, economic and security cooperation, and energy transition.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office
Aftermath of South Korea’s top court removing impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. The court found Yoon's Dec. 3 bid to impose martial law illegal. New presidential elections are due within two months, likely by early June.
Bangkok hosts leaders of Bay of Bengal nations
Bangkok hosts summit of leaders of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), including Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Sir Lanka, and Bhutan. Myanmar’s coup leader set to attend despite recent earthquake disaster. Participating leaders are expected to hold individual bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
Bangladeshi leader Yunus, Indian Premier Modi meet in Bangkok
Bangladesh interim government head Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi meet in Thai capital Bangkok, their first meeting since Yunus took office last August following ouster of his predecessor, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India has given refuge to Hasina, who is wanted in Dhaka for crimes against humanity.
Lawyers to disclose evidence in case of ex-Philippines President Duterte
Prosecution and defense teams of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte expected to disclose evidence. The prosecution must submit total number of written pieces of evidence it plans to present to International Criminal Court, which has held Duterte in custody since March 12 over alleged crimes against humanity in his administration's “war on drugs.”
Myanmar earthquake death toll likely to climb
Local and international teams continue search, rescue, and humanitarian work a week after earthquake disaster. With the death toll surpassing 3,000 and over 300 still missing, the count is expected to climb. 70 people are buried under rubble of skyscraper that collapsed in Thai capital Bangkok due to quake.
UN aid chief visits quake-hit Myanmar
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher to arrive in quake-stricken Myanmar. Fletcher to review ground situation as death toll surged past 3,000 with search and rescue efforts still ongoing. The UN has called for increased international funding and swift, unhindered access to aid in the country.
THE ECONOMY
German factory orders
Destatis to share new factory order figures for February. In January, orders fell 7% month-on-month. Markets expect the figure to increase 3.4% for February.
US non-farm payrolls
US will release non-farm employment figure for March. The US economy added 151,000 jobs in February. Markets expect the figure to come in at 139,000 in March.
US unemployment
US will share unemployment figure for March. After seeing rate of 4.1% in February, markets expect no change in the figure.
SPECIAL REPORTS
EXPLAINER - What is India’s new endowments bill and why are Muslims concerned?
Report on move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to amend laws governing Muslim charitable endowment boards and properties.
Story explains objectives of bill, which would significantly curtail the powers of Islamic charitable endowment boards, and why it has triggered widespread opposition from Muslim leaders and rights groups.
Report includes insights and comments from various experts, including Wajeeh Shafiq, a former counsel for the Delhi Waqf Board, Muslim activist Aleem Ilahi, and Shadab Shams, a member of Modi’s ruling party and chairman of the waqf board in Uttarakhand state.
Ronin’s rise: Mine detection rat sets new world record
Report on Ronin, a mine detection rat who has set a new Guinness World Record for most landmines detected, beating the previous title holder.
Story gives details of Ronin’s achievements in Cambodia, where he has detected more than 100 mines and items of unexploded ordnance, and his training by APOPO, an NGO that trains animals to detect diseases and explosives.
Report includes comments from APOPO officials and an interview with Ronin’s trainer Pendo Msegu, animal welfare officer with the group in Tanzania.