ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, May 22, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories)
Israel continues strikes on Gaza, blocks critical humanitarian aid
The latest developments as Israel claims to have allowed limited aid into Gaza, but UN agencies and local officials deny any actual delivery, warning of deepening starvation and a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
With international scrutiny growing, UN officials may push for independent monitoring of aid delivery. Meanwhile, delays at crossings are expected to worsen conditions for over 2 million Palestinians trapped inside Gaza.
Israel faces global reproach over Gaza war and West Bank settler violence
Updates as Israel confronts international outrage over its offensive in Gaz and its parallel violations in the occupied West Bank, including illegal settler attacks and military raids, have fueled deeper diplomatic backlash, with European governments imposing sanctions and reviewing bilateral agreements.
Wider EU measures are expected if illegal settler violence persists, including potential legal actions and arms restrictions. International calls for accountability in both Gaza and the West Bank may intensify pressure on Israel's allies to reassess their diplomatic and military support.
Sudan’s warfront shifts west as army secures capital
The situation in Sudan following the army announcement of full control over the capital Khartoum. The Sudanese army now holds sway over 10 states, including key regions in central, eastern, and northern Sudan, while the Rapid Support Forces maintain dominance across the Darfur states and parts of Kordofan.
Battles are expected to intensify in western and southern regions, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan, as both sides consolidate territorial gains. With the east and center largely free of clashes, humanitarian corridors may open in those areas if stability holds.
Germany’s Merz visits Lithuania
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit Lithuania to hold talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and participate in a ceremony marking the permanent deployment of a German brigade on NATO's eastern flank.
The report will cover key statements from both German and Lithuanian leaders, along with context about the German brigade deployment.
Mark Rutte - Norway visit
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visits Norway, where his schedule includes a joint press conference with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Romanian presidential election - Constitutional Court expected to certify Nicusor Dan’s victory
Romania's Constitutional Court is expected to meet to certify the victory of centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan over far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians candidate George Simion in last Sunday's presidential runoff. Dan has said that if his victory is certified, his swearing-in would likely take place on May 26.
However, on Tuesday, Simion announced he would be challenging the election result at the Constitutional Court, alleging interference by the Moldovan and French governments, meaning Thursday's certification could be delayed.
UK immigration statistics - quarterly release
UK Home Office release covers those coming to the UK, extending their stay (temporarily or permanently), gaining citizenship, applying for asylum, and being detained or removed, as well as immigration for work, study, and family reasons.
Make America Healthy Again Commission event
US President Donald Trump to attend a Make America Healthy Again Commission event in the East Room. Further details were not immediately available, but the event is pooled press, likely allowing for questions from reporters.
Rumeysa Ozturk case
US hearing to take place on the merits of a habeas petition in the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University PhD student who was swept off a Boston street on March 25 by federal agents and moved to a detention cell in Vermont before being taken to a Louisiana detention center. Ozturk was released from custody on May 10.
US immigration hearing in Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil case
Immigration hearing scheduled in the case of Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil. The pro-Palestinian activist was detained on March 8 by DHS agents despite being a lawful permanent resident and was removed to a detention facility in Louisiana. Khalil's detention comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to take action against students involved in protests over Israel’s war on Gaza.
Annual press conference on 2025 hurricane outlook
US authorities to hold annual press conference on the 2025 hurricane outlook ahead of the formal start of the season. Senior officials from the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to brief reporters.
UN Security Council meeting on protection of civilians in armed conflict
UN Security Council to meet to discuss protection of civilians in armed conflict. Meeting comes as Israel’s war against Gaza claims the lives of over 53,000 people, the vast majority of whom have been women and children.
US secretary of state to meet Spanish foreign minister
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to host Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares at the State Department.
Putin to discuss economic situation with government
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting with the government members.
According to the Kremlin, economic situation in Russia and policies aimed at promoting manufacturing investment will be the focus of the meeting.
Russian foreign minister to chair meeting on Caspian cooperation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to host a meeting of the Commission on Caspian Cooperation, established by the Russian president to strengthen trade and economic ties with the regional states.
The session will be attended by Russian officials, a government representative, and governors of the regions located on the Caspian Sea.
The meeting will focus on the development of the regions, enhancing cooperation of the Caspian states, and building infrastructure for international transport corridor projects.
Pakistani foreign minister addresses news conference
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to address news conference in Islamabad.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye’s capacity utilization
TurkStat to release Turkish manufacturing sector’s capacity utilization rates for May. It stood at 74.3% in April.
Germany’s business climate
Market research company Ifo will share its Business Climate Index for May. It slightly rose to 86.9 points in April. The market expects it to fall to 87.7 in May.
US jobless claims
US will release initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the jobless claims stood stable at 229,000.
OECD GDP growth
The Paris-based economic organization will share GDP growth figures for its area.
Islamic Development Bank Group annual meeting
Islamic Development Group’s annual meeting continues in Algeria’s capital Algiers with participation of officials, ministers, experts, and private sector representatives from dozens of countries under the main theme Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Pakistan-India tensions: What are the key pending issues between the nuclear rivals?
Report on the major pending issues between India and Pakistan, as the two nuclear-armed neighbors could move toward possible talks following the recent clashes and consequent ceasefire.
The story explains the key points of contention between New Delhi and Islamabad, presenting viewpoints from both sides on problems such as water sharing, counterterrorism, and historic territorial disputes.
The report includes interviews with Subir Sinha, director of the South Asia Institute at SOAS; Shuja Nawaz, a distinguished fellow at South Asia Center of the Atlantic Council; and Elizabeth Threlkeld, a senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center.
Farm to formula: Russia’s oldest dairy plant showcases science and tradition of milk
Report on the Vologda Dairy Plant, a 150-year-old facility known to be the oldest in Russia.
The story details the intricate processes followed at the facility to transform raw milk into diverse dairy products, while preserving its nutritional value. It also explains the importance of the rigorous testing mechanisms in place at the plant, from veterinary drug residue checks to organoleptic assessments, to ensure quality and safety.
The report includes an interview with Ekaterina Ozhiganova, the deputy director for quality assurance at the plant, who sheds light on the facility’s storied history and how new technologies are reshaping the dairy sector.