ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, May 10, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israel’s genocidal war, growing famine in Gaza, and reactions to Israeli plan for aid to Gaza
Developments in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza Strip, as Palestinians continue to experience daily deadly attacks on all areas of Palestinian enclave, as well as deepening catastrophic humanitarian situation due to Israel’s continued closure of aid crossings.
UN officials on Friday sharply criticized Israel's recently proposed humanitarian aid plan for Gaza, warning that it could exacerbate civilian suffering and fails to meet basic humanitarian standards.
At a press briefing in Geneva, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said Israel plan's "will increase the ongoing suffering of children and families in the Gaza Strip."
Earlier Friday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said a food aid operation for Gaza is set to begin soon and will proceed without Israel's involvement.
Iranian foreign minister to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Saturday, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
His visits come on the eve of US President Donald Trump’s upcoming Middle East tour, which is set to begin Tuesday and continue through May 16.
Developments in war-torn Sudan, especially drone attacks on Port Sudan
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 eastern city of Port Sudan was targeted by drone attacks early Friday for the sixth day in a row, according to Anadolu’s correspondent and eyewitnesses.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke rising from areas near the port along the Red Sea.
Tensions in South Asia escalate as Pakistan retaliates against Indian missile strikes
Following escalating tensions after Pakistan announced launch of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, or "Iron Wall," firing missiles, in retaliation to New Delhi's Operation Sindoor, launched by India inside Pakistan on May 6, which killed 33 people and injured 62, according to the Pakistani army. India said Pakistan continued to launch drone and other strikes. At least 21 people were killed along the Line of Control in Indian-administered Kashmir, in the latest escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, according to Indian officials.
Pakistan’s Afghanistan envoy visits Kabul
Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, holds meetings with Afghan officials during visit to Kabul. Afghan migrants in Pakistan, cross-border security, and trade issues are expected to be discussed between the sides.
Putin to hold 4 meetings with foreign leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold separate meetings with his counterparts from Laos (Thongloun Sisoulith), Zimbabwe (Emmerson Mnangagwa), Palestine (Mahmoud Abbas), and Burkina Faso (Ibrahim Traore). He will also hold talks with To Lam, the leader of Vietnam's Communist Party.
Putin’s talks with Mahmoud Abbas set to focus on advancing the Middle East peace process and exploring Russia's role in addressing ongoing conflict in Palestine.
With Traore he is expected to explore strengthening Russian-Burkinabe military cooperation, specifically detailing plans for training programs within Russia designed to enhance skills of Burkina Faso's military personnel.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Record 5M British tourists expected to visit Türkiye this year, British envoy says
Number of British visitors to Türkiye is expected to top a record 5 million this year, UK's envoy to Ankara said Friday in Turkish Mediterranean resort city of Antalya.