ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israel’s plan to reoccupy Gaza Strip
The latest updates in the Gaza Strip after the Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir approved a plan to move to the “next phase” in the Gaza war, vowing intensified strikes on Gaza City as part of a strategy that includes a scheme to reoccupy the territory.
This comes as the military spokesman Avichay Adraee claimed that the army would resume allowing the entry of tents and shelter equipment for Palestinians in Gaza City, a move to further displace the people from Gaza City to the southern part of the enclave ahead of its occupation.
Palestinian Prime Minister's visit to Egypt
The second day of an open-ended visit by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to Egypt, which started on Sunday to discuss with Egyptian officials ways to end the Israeli assault on Palestinians and deliver the humanitarian aid.
Mustafa and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty will hold a joint press conference at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing after inspecting the crossing grounds and warehouses designated for storing relief supplies bound for Gaza, according to Palestine’s official news agency, Wafa.
Trump to host Washington talks with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy, European leaders, NATO chief
US President Donald Trump will host talks at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, several European leaders, and NATO’s top official following last week’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war between Kyiv and Moscow. Confirmed participants include UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump is expected to hold bilateral talks with Zelenskyy, followed by a multilateral meeting that will include the European leaders.
European reactions to White House meeting on Ukraine
Monitoring European reactions to Monday’s White House meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and EU and NATO leaders. It comes a few days after Friday’s Alaska Summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Reactions and developments both in Moscow and Kyiv will also be followed.
Germany, Denmark, Greenland trilateral talks
Germany’s Deputy Defense Minister Nils Schmid will meet with Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen in Nuuk. The talks will focus on enhancing security and defense cooperation.
Heat waves, wildfires across Europe
Following heat waves and forest fires across Europe, as some parts of the continent are still in the grip of extreme heat, while wildfires are threatening tourist locations in southern Europe. More than 430,000 hectares have been burnt since the beginning of the year, with at least 1,628 fires detected so far, according to the European Forest Fires Information System
Iranian president to visit Armenia
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to pay an official visit to neighboring Armenia on Aug. 18. According to Pezeshkian's political advisor Mehdi Sanaei, strengthening bilateral ties, especially in terms of business, and signing documents are among the goals of the president's two-day visit, which also includes Belarus. Pezeshkian is expected to meet Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the visit. Discussions are also expected to touch on the initial peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and related issues.
US, South Korea hold annual military drills
The US and South Korea hold annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise until Aug. 28. The drills feature live, virtual, constructive and field-based training, engaging personnel from various military services. It comes amid Seoul’s attempts to restore dialogue with North Korea. It is set to begin with a 4-day-long nationwide civil defense drill.
Search, rescue continue in Pakistan's flood-affected regions
Search and rescue operations continue in flood-affected areas in northwestern Pakistan, where many people remain missing. Over 350 people have been confirmed dead and dozens of others injured due to rain and flash floods.
China's top diplomat Wang Yi pays 1st trip to India since 2022
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins 3-day trip to India to discuss disputed border issues. This marks Wang's first trip to China's southern neighbor since 2022.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's short-term foreign debt
Turkish Central Bank to release short-term foreign debt figures for June. In May, the debt rose 1.2% on a monthly basis to $170.3 billion.
Eurozone foreign trade
Eurostat to share monthly foreign trade figures for the euro area for June. In May, the eurozone posted a foreign trade surplus of $18.8 billion.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Alaska summit: What did Trump get from talks with Putin?
Report on the outcomes of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, where both leaders claimed progress toward peace in Ukraine but offered few details.
The story examines the lack of clarity around agreements reached, Trump’s pivot from demanding a ceasefire to backing a peace deal in line with Putin’s position, and questions over whether the US president handed Moscow a symbolic win without concrete gains. It highlights Trump’s emphasis on the responsibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and explores the implications for Washington’s policy on territorial swaps and security guarantees.
The report includes analysis from David Kearn, associate professor of government and politics at St. John’s University, and features statements from Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy on the summit’s aftermath.
DR Congo, M23 peace plan: Will a political solution take hold?
Report on the peace process between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group, assessing prospects for stability after decades of violence.
The story reviews the terms of the declaration of principles the two sides inked in Qatar in July, which set Aug. 18 as the deadline for signing a peace deal. It highlights reasons for skepticism and why lasting peace will be difficult without addressing thorny issues such as the inclusion of all armed groups and geopolitical influences.
The report includes comments from Rose Mumanya, a Nairobi-based political risk analyst, and Martin Ziakwau of the Catholic University of Congo.