ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, May 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Gaza faces deepening malnutrition crisis amid ongoing Israeli blockade
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening as the Israeli blockade continues to prevent the entry of food, water, and medical supplies for over two months.
Aid agencies are expected to increase pressure for urgent access, warning of a sharp rise in child malnutrition and dehydration. International calls may grow for safe humanitarian corridors and emergency nutritional interventions. Legal bodies and UN forums are likely to face renewed demands to investigate the use of starvation as a weapon and uphold protections for civilians, especially children.
Tensions rise in Southern Syria amid risk of further Israeli airstrikes
Tensions are escalating in southern Syria following a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted multiple locations across the country, in what Damascus and observers have condemned as repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty.
Further Israeli attacks are anticipated, raising fears of broader instability and attempts to exploit sectarian dynamics, particularly within the Druze community. Regional observers warn that continued aggression may deepen fragmentation risks and provoke wider conflict if unchecked.
Re-run of presidential election in Romania
The first round of the re-run of Romania's presidential election takes place, with a runoff -- if needed -- on May 18.
The election comes after the last-minute cancelation of a planned Dec. 8 runoff last year between far-right populist Calin Georgescu and liberal Elena Lasconi. On March 9, Georgescu was barred from running this time around. Candidates include: Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, Crin Antonescu, former Prime Minister Victor Ponta, and Alliance for Uniting Romanians leader George Simion.
New government formation expected in Australia
The ruling Labor Party is expected to announce the new government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Labor secured historic second consecutive term, first time since 2004 any party has won two elections in a row.
Singapore set to announce new government
The ruling People's Action Party is expected to announce a new government under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The party secured 15th consecutive win in general elections. It was the first election under Wong.
Vietnamese president hosts Sri Lankan counterpart
Vietnam's President Luong Cuong hosts Sri Lankan counterpart Anura Kumara Dissanayake, known as AKD, who is on a 4-day state visit to the Southeast Asian nation during which he will meet with top leaders, sign key agreements, and deliver the keynote at the UN Vesak Day celebration in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tensions between India and Pakistan continue over Kashmir
Developments as tensions between the nuclear-armed India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The two sides have retched up rhetoric, imposing reciprocal bans on bilateral trade, postal air, maritime linkages, as well as people-to-people linkages.