ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, May 24, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Intensification of Israeli bombardment across Gaza, amid growing famine
Developments of the Israeli ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, as Palestinians continue to experience daily non-stopping deadly attacks on all areas of the Palestinian enclave, as well as the deepening catastrophic humanitarian situation due to Israel’s continued closure of crossings.
Gaza’s Civil Defense announced Friday that over 50 Palestinians were killed or remain missing after an Israeli overnight airstrike that targeted and completely destroyed a home in Jabalia al-Balad area of northern Gaza.
Reaction to limited, insufficient quantities of aid's entry into Gaza after nearly Israeli 3-month closure
The latest developments as Israel permits limited humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza for the first time since the closure of key border crossings on March 2. Warnings continue over severe hunger, medical shortages, and the collapse of essential services.
Chief of UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini described the aid entry into Gaza as "a needle in a haystack," stressing that the least needed is 500-600 trucks every day managed through the UN, including the UNRWA.
Retaliatory attacks escalate between Israel and Yemen’s Houthis amid Gaza war
The cycle of retaliation between Israel and Yemen’s Houthi group after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv and drone strikes on Haifa, prompting Israeli interceptions and subsequent airstrikes on targets in Yemen.
Yemen's Houthi group said Friday that it targeted Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel with a missile attack, marking the third such attack within 24 hours.
Israel has now reported intercepting three missiles from Yemen since early Thursday where the Houthis said they had launched multiple missile attacks on Israel, including two consecutive ballistic missile strikes on Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
Developments in war-torn Sudan, battles between Sudanese army and its rival RSF
Ongoing developments and battles between the Sudanese army and its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in different areas of war-torn Sudan, as well as developments of worsening humanitarian living conditions.
On Friday, the Sudanese army's allied Joint Forces announced the recapture of the strategic city of Al-Dabiabat in South Kordofan state after battles with RSF.
Russian foreign minister to take part in meeting of Russia’s oldest NGO
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to take part in the annual assembly of Russia’s oldest non-governmental organization, the Council for Foreign and Defense Policy.
The minister will deliver a speech on the topic A Time of Trials: War and Peace in the 21st Century.
The meeting will be attended by international scholars, diplomats, economists, and military officers.
Lavrov’s statements at the meeting and remarks of other participants on international issues.
China’s premier pays state visit to Indonesia
Chinese Premier Li Qiang pays three-day state visit to Indonesia. Li and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will hold talks to review bilateral ties, as well as regional and international issues.
Japan, US hold 3rd tariff negotiations
Japan’s top trade negotiator Akazawa Ryosei discusses tariffs with the US side during the third round of ministerial discussions in Washington, DC. Tokyo has repeatedly urged the Trump administration to fully eliminate additional tariffs on Japanese exports to the US.
New Zealand's top diplomat begins tour of South Asia
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters begins a tour of South Asia with the first stop in Sri Lanka. Peters will hold talks with officials in the capital Colombo and is expected to meet with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Later, he will fly to India and Nepal for official talks.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW - AI's cyber threat puts developing nations at risk, warns UN telecom chief
Interview with Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, the director of the UN International Telecommunication Union’s Development Bureau, on how artificial intelligence is transforming global cybersecurity dynamics and challenging resilience strategies.
Zavazava explains how AI is not only intensifying cyber threats but also exposing gaps in global preparedness, and shares his views on why developing nations are especially vulnerable, lacking the infrastructure and resources to counter rapidly evolving threats.
He also emphasized ITU's new initiative, Cyber for Good, which aims to mobilize industry partners to provide technical and financial assistance to vulnerable nations.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, the director of the UN International Telecommunication Union’s Development Bureau, about the transforming impact of AI on global cybersecurity dynamics and growing risks for developing nations.