ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israel deports Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen activists
Responses and developments as Israel deports Gaza-bound vessel Madleen activists—a Freedom Flotilla Coalition boat—after it seized and detained all those onboard before it could reach the Gaza shore to challenge the Israel blockade.
Tel Aviv deported Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and three others. The other eight will be transferred to a detention center due to their refusal to sign deportation documents, according to Israeli media.
North African aid convoy heads to Gaza
An aid convoy from North African countries is making its way to Gaza in an effort to spotlight a crippling Israeli siege on the Palestinian enclave.
The convoy, with activists from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania, set off from Tunisia on Monday and is expected to arrive in Cairo by Thursday, before continuing to the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Sunday.
Israel ongoing targeting of Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid
The Israeli army’s ongoing targeting of Palestinians near humanitarian aid distribution points under the supervision of the Israeli-American aid group known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
The latest targeting resulted in 36 deaths and 208 injuries near an aid distribution point near the Netzarim Corridor area, south of Gaza City, bringing the total aid-seekers death toll to 163 deaths and 1,495 injuries, according to Gaza authorities.
Vote of confidence at Polish parliament
Lawmakers are due to hold a vote of confidence in the government. The vote was instigated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk in the wake of the victory of right-wing candidate Karol Nawrocki in the June 1 presidential runoff.
Kallas speaks at German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum
Annual policy conference brings together political, business and academic leaders from Europe and North America. Speakers this year include EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights briefing
Background briefing with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, with a short on-record Q&A at the end, will be held in Geneva.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold press briefing
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing via videoconference. She is expected to touch on issues including the third round of the Russia-US talks and the Ukrainian settlement.
Trump to attend ambassador ceremony
US President Donald Trump to participate in an ambassador credentialing ceremony. The event is currently listed as closed to press, but may be opened to the pool.
Panel to review Trump request to appeal criminal conviction
A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will hear arguments in President Donald Trump's effort to have his appeal over his criminal conviction in state court moved to the federal appeals court.
Hegseth to testify before Senate
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to appear at a Senate Appropriations Committee subcommittee hearing on the Pentagon’s 2026 budget request. Also appearing is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General John Cain. Defense leaders likely to face intense questioning over department’s priorities and policies.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte receives impeachment summons
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte received summons over her impeachment. The summons were issued after Senate returned the impeachment file to lower house of the parliament. Sara, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been accused of mismanaging funds when she was holding portfolio of education secretary, a post she left last year amid tensions with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
North Korea likely to react to phone talks between South Korean, Chinese presidents
North Korea likely to react to phone call between South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lee urged Xi to help in denuclearization of Korean Peninsula and the Chinese president pledged to make such efforts.
Japanese government holds news conference
Japanese government spokesman holds regular news conference in Tokyo. The spokesman is expected to deliver statements on national and international issues including upcoming G7 meeting in Canada as well as sail of two Chinese carriers in the Pacifics.
THE ECONOMY
US inflation figures
US will release consumer inflation figures for May. The inflation rose 2.3% annually and 0.2% monthly in April. Market expects monthly inflation to rise 0.2% and annual inflation to increase 2.5% in May.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Macron woos Southeast Asia: Is there any substance to French president’s ‘third way’ proposal?
Report analyzing French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent tour of Southeast Asia, particularly focusing on the question of whether his offer of a “third way” to countries facing a power battle between the US and China holds any value for regional nations.
The story presents an overview of the statements made by Macron detailing his “third way” proposal, while analyzing the potential objectives behind his outreach to countries in the high-stakes region. Experts detail various reasons for Macron’s pitch and evaluate the pros and cons for increased French engagement in the region.
The report includes comments from Celine Pajon from the French Institute of International Relations and Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore.
DR Congo’s minerals gamble: Can a deal with US deliver lasting peace?
Report on DR Congo’s potential minerals deal with the US, focusing on whether it could lead to an agreement that brings about lasting peace in the country’s restive eastern parts.
The story is based on interviews with Rose Mumanya, a Nairobi-based political risk analyst, and Daniel Van Dalen, a senior analyst at Signal Risk, who explain why sustained peace is unlikely without addressing deep-rooted issues such as Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels, ethnic tensions, and Congo’s weak state structures.
The experts also explain how the US-Africa relationship is evolving, with reduced aid, increased competition with China, and a focus on economic leverage marking a move from soft power diplomacy to transactional relationship.
Pakistan’s Indus delta in danger of losing its lone surviving predator
Report on the endangered Indus fishing cat, the last surviving predator in Pakistan’s Indus River Delta, which is facing a sharp population decline due to habitat loss, food shortages, and human activity.
The story presents an overview of the problem, with experts estimating the cat’s population has halved in the past two decades, while global numbers have also fallen 30% since 2010. It also explains how the fishing cat, listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, plays a crucial role in balancing aquatic ecosystems.
The report includes interviews with Zareef Ahmed Shaikh, head of the Indus Fishing Cat Project, senior wildlife expert Saeed-ul-Islam, and volunteer activists from local communities who are working together to raise awareness and prevent hunting.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interviews with Celine Pajon from the French Institute of International Relations and Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore, about French President Macron’s offer of a “third way” to countries in Southeast Asia facing a power battle between the US and China.