ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, July 11, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Indirect Gaza ceasefire talks between Israel, Hamas
Ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas after the Palestinian movement said it agreed to release 10 Israeli hostages as part of its “flexibility” to reach a Gaza agreement as it “continues its intensive and responsible efforts to ensure the success of the ongoing round of negotiations.”
Reactions to Israel’s proposed ‘humanitarian city’ to relocate Gazans to Rafah
Mounting international and regional reaction to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s reported instructions to army to draw up plan to relocate all Palestinians to what he called a “humanitarian city” on the ruins of Rafah, southern Gaza.
Continued efforts to extinguish Syria’s Latakia wildfire
Ongoing efforts to contain massive wave of wildfires sweeping across rural areas of Latakia, Syria after more than 14,000 hectares have been reduced to ash since July 3. The flames are expected to be fully controlled by Friday.
Donald Trump, first lady to visit Texas following deadly floods
US President Donald Trump to travel to Texas, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, in aftermath of deadly July 4 floods. They are set to meet with first responders before moving on to New Jersey.
Turkish foreign minister to attend Türkiye-ASEAN meeting
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to attend the seventh trilateral meeting of the Türkiye-ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, held on the margins of ASEAN's foreign ministers’ meeting.
Deadline for report in court challenge over Department of Health and Human Services firings
Deadline for US Department of Health and Human Services to submit status report on their compliance with judge's order that HHS not proceed with planned layoffs and restructuring. A lawsuit was filed by Democratic attorneys general of 19 states and Washington, DC claiming the administration did not have the authority to restructure the agency or carry out mass layoffs.
Ukraine Recovery Conference continues in Rome
Conference dedicated to swift recovery and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine continues and is set to conclude with final session.
UN agencies to hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva
Focus of briefing to be announced by communications officials shortly beforehand.
China hosts Global Civilizations Dialogue
China hosts Global Civilizations Dialogue in Beijing under the theme “Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development.” Joint declaration is expected as more than 600 participants from nearly 140 countries and regions are attending.
ASEAN meetings continue in Malaysia
Top diplomats of Southeast Asian nations continue their meetings with visiting delegates including from the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, UK, and EU in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, which this week hosted East Asia foreign ministers summit. Current issues like trade and regional and global tensions are expected to be brought up. Joint statements expected to be issued.
Chinese, US top diplomats to meet for 1st time in Malaysia
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet face-to-face for the first time since Rubio was appointed in January. Meeting to take place in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur where they are attending ASEAN-related meetings. Wang and Rubio have only spoken on the phone once, soon after Rubio's appointment.
THE ECONOMY
British GDP
Britain's Office for National Statistics to release gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures for May. In April, the UK's GDP contracted 0.3% on a monthly basis. Office also to share foreign trade figures for the month.
Türkiye's retail trade
TurkStat to announce monthly retail sales figures for May. In April, sales rose 2.8% month-on-month.
Türkiye's current account
Turkish Central Bank to share current account figures for May. In April, the account posted a deficit of $7.86B.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Tech with purpose: How AI is enhancing lives of people with disabilities
Interview with disability advocates Rodrigo Mendes and Tilly Lockey done at AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, who tell how artificial intelligence is transforming lives by enabling independence and expression, not just support.
Lockey, 19, speaks about her AI-powered Hero Arms with 30 customizable grip modes, while Mendes, a quadriplegic educator, recounted driving a Formula 1 car using only brainwaves, developed in collaboration with neuroscientist Olivier Oullier, co-founder of Inclusive Brains.
They also share insights on the reasons for and implications of the persistent issue of unequal access, and emphasize the need for ethical, inclusive, and affordable solutions for all.
Where does Thailand go next after Shinawatra’s suspension?
Report on evolving political situation in Thailand following the ouster of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as premier over a leaked phone call that critics say compromised national interests.
Story explains reasons for the political turmoil and illustrates how her suspension has destabilized the fragile coalition government, reigniting tensions surrounding the powerful Shinawatra dynasty. It also lays out possible scenarios that could play out in Thailand’s politics over the coming months.
Report includes interviews with Thitinan Pongsudhirak, international relations professor at Chulalongkorn University; Mark Cogan, associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Kansai Gaidai University; and Thai political science expert Wanwichit Boonprong.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO – Interview with disability advocates Rodrigo Mendes and Tilly Lockey about how AI is transforming lives of people with disabilities by enabling independence and expression.