ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, May 8, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Gaza designated ‘famine-stricken area’ amid Israeli blockade on aid and food supplies
The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip reached a critical threshold, with the territory officially declared a “famine-stricken area” after Israel fully sealed off border crossings on March 2, 2025.
Severe malnutrition is projected to escalate for the enclave’s 2.3 million residents. A sharp rise in preventable deaths among infants and pregnant women is also expected, as immunization programs and maternal health services collapse. Without urgent international intervention, the threat of a region-wide public health crisis remains imminent.
Situation in Sudan amid growing Rapid Support Forces attacks
The conflict in Sudan has reached a new level of escalation as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a series of drone strikes on the strategic eastern city of Port Sudan, marking a significant shift in the paramilitary group operational reach.
The situation is expected to deteriorate further in the coming days, with continued RSF attacks likely to cripple vital infrastructure and disrupt humanitarian operations. Aid delivery, communications, and civilian movement are likely to face severe disruptions, particularly in eastern Sudan, as the conflict risks spilling into previously stable regions.
Fears are growing of broader territorial clashes and intensified fighting as the Sudanese Armed Forces prepare countermeasures.
Algeria commemorates 80th anniversary of 1945 massacres
Algeria marks the 80th anniversary of the May 8, 1945 massacres, commemorating the thousands of victims killed during France’s crackdown on independence demonstrations in Setif, Guelma, and Kherrata.
A French delegation of about 30 lawmakers and senators is set to participate in the memorial events, which is seen as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and dialogue, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Algeria is expected to use the occasion to renew calls for full recognition of colonial-era crimes and to press for historical accountability in bilateral relations.
Oman-brokered ceasefire between US, Houthis
The latest updates as US and Yemen’s Houthi group agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Oman to end attacks on shipping in the Red Sea with the US suspending airstrikes. Monitoring signs of de-escalation in maritime corridors and potential resumption of commercial shipping.
Trump expected to make major trade announcement
US President Donald Trump expected to make a major trade announcement from the Oval Office. Trump is widely expected to unveil the first trade agreement since he imposed sweeping tariffs on global trading partners. Reports have indicated that it will be with the UK.
National Climate Report
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will release the monthly National Climate Report alongside an update to the Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters dashboard.
Joe Biden's interview
Former US President Joe Biden to give his first interview since leaving office. The interview with the View Television program will go live on ABC.
Ukrainian envoy's press talk
Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, charge d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, to brief reporters at the UN Security Council stakeout.
UN Security Council to address situations in Sudan
UN Security Council to address the situations in Sudan and South Sudan.
EU foreign affairs ministers' meeting concludes
Top EU diplomats meet for a second day of informal talks in the Polish capital. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to attend the meeting, where ministers are expected to discuss Ukraine, Gaza, and other regional and international issues.
UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva
Following remarks and agenda as UN agencies hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva.
Ursula von der Leyen, Micheal Martin meeting
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets with Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
The two leaders are expected to discuss various regional and international issues, including the latest situation in Gaza. On Wednesday, 6 European countries, including Ireland, expressed their “concern about the reported Israeli plans to expand its military operations in Gaza and to establish a prolonged Israeli presence in the Strip.”
German parliament commemorates end of World War II
The German parliament will commemorate the end of World War II and Nazi dictatorship. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bundestag President Julia Klockner will address the plenary. Three young people will read from diaries, letters, and books written by witnesses who were young themselves when the war ended.
Macron attends 80th anniversary of German surrender in Second World War
French President Emmanuel Macron attends national service of commemoration to mark the 80th anniversary of the German surrender in the Second World War.
VE Day - UK commemorations
UK marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) with four days of commemorative events.
Today's events include a service at Westminster Abbey attended by the King and Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales, with a reading delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Putin, Xi to hold talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The two leaders are expected to focus on the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project, Ukrainian issues, and the relationship between Russia and the US. Two joint statements are planned following the negotiations. Additionally, a package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents will be signed.
Arrival of foreign leaders to Moscow, reception by Russian president
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a reception for heads of foreign delegations. Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Thursday.
Ukraine to mark Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II
Ukraine to mark its Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, in synchronization with VE Day celebrations scheduled to be held across Europe on the same day. As part of events marking the holiday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to make an address.
Russia's unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine commences
A three-day ceasefire in Ukraine declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 28 to commence. Putin declared the ceasefire, set to end midnight May 11, amid celebrations on May 9, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected this proposal, insisting on a longer cessation of hostilities.
Ukraine's parliament to vote on US minerals deal
Ukraine's parliament to vote on ratifying the minerals agreement signed between Kyiv and Washington on April 30. Ukraine and the US signed the deal after months of tense negotiations, as well as a heated Oval Office exchange in February. The agreement stipulates the establishment of a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, and will be financed, in part, by revenues gained from the extraction of natural resources in the war-torn country.
Pakistan-India tensions escalate after cross border airstrikes
Following situation between Pakistan and India since tensions sharply escalated after India launched missile strikes inside its western neighbor as well as into Pakistan-administered Kashmir. At least 31 civilians were killed due to the airstrikes and cross-border firing along the Line of Control which divides disputed Jammu and Kashmir region into two parts. Pakistan top security body has authorized the nation’s armed forces to retaliate against Indian missile strikes.
Iranian foreign minister meets Indian president, foreign minister in New Delhi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar as final part of his two-day state visit to India. Araghchi is visiting amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. Before flying to New Delhi, he visited Islamabad in possible behind the doors mediation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Turkish foreign minister attends EU foreign ministers meeting
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a session on the margins of the informal meeting of the EU foreign ministers in Warsaw.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s cash realizations
The Turkish Treasury and Finance Ministry will share cash realizations data for April.
Germany’s foreign trade figures
Germany’s Destatis will announce foreign trade figures for March. The country will also release industrial production figures, which lost around 4% on a yearly basis.
UK’s interest rate decision
The Bank of England will release interest rate decision. The bank’s policy rate was at 4.5% and the market expects a 25 basis points decline.
US jobless claims
The US will release weekly jobless claims data. It was at 241,000 last week and a slight decline is expected for the following week.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW – For Palestinians, sports is survival and hope: Olympian Valerie Tarazi
Interview with Palestinian American swimmer Valerie Tarazi, who was Palestine’s flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics.
Tarazi speaks about Israel’s ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip and the destruction of all forms of normal life, including sports facilities and infrastructure. She also shares stories from her journey to represent Palestine in global swimming and the struggles faced by Palestinian athletes.
The interview also focuses on her personal and professional life, where she has broken several barriers to become an inspiration for others, with Tarazi speaking about her aims and ambitions for the future.
Global climate inaction: Experts warn change will happen ‘either by disaster or design’
Report on recent research from the UN University, which warns that humanity faces a stark choice of redesigning society or facing climate disaster.
The story details the findings of the 2025 Interconnected Disaster Risks report from the UN University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security, which urges a fundamental shift away from short-term symptom management to tackling the root causes of the climate and ecological crises.
It includes interviews with Caitlyn Eberle and Irmak Karakislak, senior researchers at the institute and lead authors of the report, who explain the potential steps and strategies that could help humans avoid complete climate catastrophe.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with Palestinian American swimmer Valerie Tarazi, who was Palestine’s flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics, about her journey in the sport, the struggles faced by Palestinian athletes, and her hopes for the future.