ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
North African aid convoy en route to Gaza calls for end to Israeli blockade
The advance of the overland aid convoy from North African countries, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania, which marks a determined effort to spotlight the devastating Israeli blockade on Gaza, as activists push through regional borders to deliver humanitarian support and amplify international pressure.
The convoy is expected to arrive at the Egyptian border by Thursday, though access to Rafah remains uncertain and still awaits formal approval from Egyptian authorities.
Coordination with upcoming sea convoys from Europe and solidarity events across the Arab world may amplify media and diplomatic attention. The success or obstruction of the convoy could shape future grassroots efforts to challenge the blockade.
Israeli coalition teeters as Haredi draft dispute threatens Knesset dissolution
Developments as Israel’s ruling coalition faces mounting strain after failed talks over the Haredi draft exemption bill, with a preliminary Knesset vote on dissolution is set on Wednesday evening.
Failure to pass a conscription exemption bill acceptable to Haredi demands could trigger a plenum vote and set Israel on a path toward early elections. The preliminary vote—first of four legislative stages—would buy time for further negotiations, but deepen political instability.
With the Gaza war ongoing, Netanyahu aims to avoid elections. However, growing public anger over unequal draft obligations makes compromise increasingly difficult.
Israel places Gaza-bound aid activists in solitary confinement
The latest developments as Israeli authorities placed Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan in solitary confinement after detaining them aboard the Gaza-bound Madleen vessel.
They were among 12 activists intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters while attempting to break the Israeli blockade on the war-torn strip.
Rights groups are likely to increase pressure for their release, citing unlawful detention and treatment. Diplomatic responses may escalate, particularly from Brazil, France, and EU bodies.
Trump to participate in bill signing
US President Donald Trump will attend a bill signing event in the East Room. The president is likely to take questions from reporters amid speculation that Iran’s nuclear facilities could come under Israeli attack.
Hegseth, Caine to testify before House committee
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to appear before the House Committee on Armed Services alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine. Testimony comes amid speculation that Israel could unilaterally carry out strikes against Iran targeting its nuclear program.
Trump to sign executive orders
US President Donald Trump will sign executive orders in the Oval Office. The event is currently listed as closed press, but that could change at the last minute.
Hearing on California National Guard lawsuit
Federal court to hold hearing on California Governor Gavin Newsom's request for a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration over its move to deploy the National Guard and US Marines to the state amid ongoing protests against ICE over immigration arrests.
UN General Assembly to vote on Palestine
UN General Assembly will convene for an emergency session to vote on a draft resolution urging all member states to take "all measures necessary" to ensure Israel respects its obligations under international law. Türkiye is one of the co-sponsors of the draft resolution.
UN Security Council to discuss Yemen
The UN Security Council will convene an open meeting on the situation in Yemen. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and Joyce Msuya, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, will brief council members.
Italy’s premier, NATO chief meet in Rome
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hosts NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Rome.
‘Weimar Plus’ - Rome ministerial meeting on Ukraine and European security
A meeting of European diplomatic and geopolitical alliance, Weimar Plus, on Ukraine and European security to be chaired by Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome and attended by the foreign ministers and representatives of Germany, Poland, Spain, the UK, France and Ukraine, and of the EU and NATO institutions.
UK foreign secretary speaks at lord mayor's Summer Banquet
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy delivers remarks at annual dinner, at which the lord mayor usually thanks the Foreign Office for its work during the previous year.
European Council president to visit Portugal, Spain
European Council President Antonio Costa will travel to Portugal and Spain. There, he will attend to the ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of both countries signing the Accession Treaty. In Spain, he also has a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at 6 pm, no press conference is expected.
North Korea suspends propaganda broadcasts in similar move by Seoul
Pyongyang appears to have suspended loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border a day after South Korea stopped blaring out the propaganda against North Korea. However, North Korea was yet to officially confirm its decision. The move by newly elected South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung is seen as step towards mending strained ties with Pyongyang.
Pakistan prime minister to visit UAE
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to undertake an official visit to the United Arab Emirates. Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
China hosts 2nd Belt and Road conference on science and technology
China holds 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in southwestern city of Chengdu. The exchange is themed ‘Building the Innovation Silk Road for Shared Development: Working Together for a Belt and Road Science and Technology Community.’ Discussions are focused on subjects such as academic exchange, industrial innovation, international mega-science projects, artificial intelligence, and Belt and Road sci-tech planning and policy coordination. Over 100 attendees and international organizations are attending the event.
North Korea likely to react to claims Pyongyang turned down Trump’s letter
North Korea likely to react to claims that Pyongyang has refused to accept a letter from US President Donald Trump. The letter addressed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un aims to restart talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Foreign Ministry holds regular briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry holds regular news briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on significant regional and global matters as well as trade talks with the US in London.
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 such as upcoming G7 meeting in Canada and Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba’s attendance.
Russia to mark Russia Day
Russia to mark the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1990.
As part of the holiday celebrated annually, celebrations will be held across the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to present state awards in the Kremlin. The Kremlin said that Putin, on the same day, will meet with participants in the Time of Heroes educational program.
Russia, Ukraine to hold new prisoner swap agreed upon during Istanbul peace talks
Russia and Ukraine to hold a new prisoner swap agreed upon between the two countries during the second round of direct peace talks held in the Turkish metropolis Istanbul on June 2.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky said they will begin “urgent 'sanitary exchanges' of seriously wounded prisoners from the front line," without providing further details on where the swap will take place and how many people it will involve.
THE ECONOMY
UK industrial production
UK will release industrial production figures for April. It fell by 0.7% in March and a negative figure is expected for April.
Türkiye’s industrial production
Türkiye will release industrial production figures for April. In March, output rose by 2.5%.
US producer prices
US will release producer prices index for May. In April, prices rose by 2.4% and 2.6% increase is expected for May.
SPECIAL REPORTS
What does the Trump-Musk feud mean for US political landscape?
Report examining the rift between US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, exploring how the once-aligned duo have diverged in both tone and substance.
The story traces the potential internal impact on Trump’s administration – disrupting agencies like NASA – and how the president has managed to navigate the crisis so far, while also analyzing broader implications for US foreign policy and tech diplomacy.
The report includes comments from Tom Packer, honorary research fellow at University College London’s Institute of the Americas, and John Owens, a faculty fellow at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at the American University in Washington.
As the ice melts, a way of life disappears in Greenland
Report on the challenges facing the fishing industry in Greenland, where fisher communities are contending with the double threat of climate change and exploitation.
The story explains how in Greenland’s fjords, once-frozen lifelines are disappearing fast as Arctic warming outpaces global averages, threatening generations of fishing tradition. Local fishermen like Johan Henrickson say thinning sea ice and unpredictable conditions are upending daily survival, while rising fuel costs and altered fish patterns deepen the crisis.
The story includes on-the-ground accounts from Henrickson and his partner Aviaia Juelsen, while also examining the geopolitical spotlight on Greenland, including US President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring the island.
Esports: Will the next Ronaldo, Messi, or Jordan be a gamer?
Report exploring how esports have exploded in popularity worldwide, with a growing number of players and fans helping push digital competitions onto the global stage.
The story charts the rapid rise of esports, backed by the latest audience and market data, and explores how competitive gaming is transforming into a mainstream sport, with a historic Olympic debut scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh.
The report includes insights from experts like Istanbul Wildcats chairman Orlando Carlo Columena, who explain what the esports boom means for the future of traditional sports.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Report on the challenges facing fisher communities in Greenland, who are contending with the double threat of climate change and exploitation, featuring personal accounts from local fishermen.
VIDEO - Report on the skyrocketing popularity of esports that presents latest audience and market data, and explores how competitive gaming is transforming into a mainstream sport, with insights from industry experts.