ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, May 9, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Gaza faces catastrophic famine as Israeli blockade halts humanitarian aid
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has deepened, with the entire enclave effectively designated a “famine zone” following Israel’s continued blockade of border crossings and restrictions on aid.
Malnutrition rates among children are rising sharply, and aid groups warn of a looming surge in avoidable deaths. With Gaza’s health system crippled and humanitarian corridors blocked, the UN and other organizations are pressing for immediate access to avert a full-scale collapse.
Israeli airstrikes hit south Lebanon amid alarm over escalating ceasefire breaches
The latest developments as Israeli forces launched a wave of intense airstrikes on southern Lebanon areas -- one of the most severe since the Nov. 27, 2024 ceasefire came into effect.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib is set to meet with UNIFIL commander Gen. Aroldo Lazaro to discuss Israel’s continued violations -- a meeting that may prompt renewed calls for accountability and stricter monitoring of ceasefire terms along the Blue Line.
Oman-brokered ceasefire halts US-Houthi hostilities
The US and Yemen’s Houthi group have agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Oman, aiming to halt Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping in exchange for a suspension of US airstrikes.
Possible signs of commitment to implementing the agreement, particularly in the reduction of attacks on shipping lanes and US aerial attacks on Yemen.
New developments in Israeli-Houthi military confrontations continue to unfold, following the group’s vow of a “devastating and imminent” response to recent Israeli strikes.
Situation in Sudan amid growing Rapid Support Forces attacks
The conflict in Sudan has entered a new phase of escalation following a wave of drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the strategic eastern city of Port Sudan -- signaling a major expansion in the group’s geographic reach.
The situation is likely to deteriorate further as RSF attacks threaten critical infrastructure in previously stable regions. Humanitarian operations, supply chains, and civilian mobility in eastern Sudan could face severe disruptions.
Observers expect intensified military responses from the Sudanese Armed Forces, raising fears of broader escalation.
US hearing on Rumeysa Ozturk case
Bail hearing to take place in the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, the Turkish student whom the Trump administration is seeking to deport for her pro-Palestinian views. Hearing will take place in the northern US state of Vermont after an appellate court ordered her transfer from an immigration prison in Louisiana in what marked a legal defeat for the Trump administration.
US president to sign executive orders
US President Donald Trump to sign unspecified executive orders in the Oval Office. The event is currently listed as closed press, but similar past events have been opened up to the in-house pool who have been allowed to ask the president questions on the day’s news.
European foreign ministers' Lviv visit coinciding with Moscow Victory Day celebrations
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has invited European foreign ministers to visit Lviv Friday, coinciding with Moscow Victory Day celebrations. There have been suggestions that, separately, leaders from the "Coalition of the Willing" may also visit, with no official confirmations yet.
Friedrich Merz - Brussels visit
New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit Brussels, where his schedule includes talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Merz will also meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk to meet in France
French President Emmanuel Macron hosts Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with the two leaders set to sign a security pact as part of the meeting. The two leaders are expected to discuss possible peace deal in Ukraine, as well as other regional and international matters.
Eurasian nations mark 80th anniversary of Victory Day
Eurasian nations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a holiday celebrated across many countries, including post-Soviet states such as Russia, to mark the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.
As part of the celebrations, a large number of foreign heads of state and governments will take part in the annual military parade held in Moscow's Red Square, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to make an address.
Putin is also expected to hold talks with various foreign leaders, who arrived in the country's capital to take part in the Victory Day events.
Russia's unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine continues
A three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which was declared by Russian President Putin last month, continues after its commencement on May 8.
Putin declared the ceasefire, set to end midnight on May 11, amid May 9 celebrations, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the proposal, insisting on a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US in March.
Statements expected from both sides, particularly with regards to any violations of the ceasefire, as well as reactions from international actors, particularly the US and EU.
Pakistan-India tensions escalate after cross-border airstrikes
Following escalatory tensions between Pakistan and India since New Delhi launched “Operation Sindoor” against its western neighbor. In retaliation, New Delhi said the Pakistani military engaged the Indian military at 16 targets in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as north and western parts of India. Besides cross-border firing continues along the Line of Control. At least 48 people, and one Indian soldier, have been killed in Pakistan and two parts of divided Kashmir since Tuesday night when India launched the operation, which is still ongoing, according to New Delhi. Pakistan also shot down 25 Indian drones over its airspace.
- Turkish president to attend MUSIAD's 28th Ordinary General Assembly in Istanbul
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to attend 28th Ordinary General Assembly of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) at Halic Congress Center in Istanbul.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s industrial production
The Turkish Statistical Institute will release industrial production index for March.
UK’s industrial output
The UK’s Office for National Statistics will release industrial production data for March. It rose by 0.1% year-on-year in February.
SPECIAL REPORTS
New German government’s migration policy is ‘racist’ and violates international law: Experts
Report on the new German government’s proposed migration policies and measures to stem inflows, which include mass deportations and nationwide border controls.
The story presents details of the proposed policies and focuses on criticism of the measures from human rights groups and experts, who explain how and why they breach international and EU law and promote racial profiling.
The story includes comments from Sophie Scheytt, advocacy coordinator for asylum at Amnesty International Germany, and Michelle Pace, an associate fellow at Chatham House’s Europe Program.
Jair Bolsonaro’s legal woes: What’s next for Brazil’s far-right forces?
Report on the mounting legal and political troubles of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, who will stand trial on various charges, including allegedly attempting to stage a coup against current President Lula da Silva.
The story lays out details of the charges against Bolsonaro related to the January 2023 storming of government buildings, a week after Lula took office. It also presents an overview of the expected impact on Brazil’s far-right ahead of next year’s elections, and the potential candidates who could succeed Bolsonaro on the far right.
The report includes interviews with Fabiano Belloube, a political analyst focused on Latin American affairs, and Giovanna Semeraro, a political science professor at the University of Santo Amora.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Report on the legal and political future of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, focusing on the impact on the country’s far-right forces, with comments from Brazilian analysts Fabiano Belloube and Giovanna Semeraro.