ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israeli security cabinet meeting on West Bank ‘sovereignty’
Israel’s security cabinet will convene on Sunday to discuss imposing “sovereignty” over the occupied West Bank in response to the expected wave of international recognition of the State of Palestine next month.
The cabinet meeting will also address the ongoing war in Gaza and negotiations over the release of Israeli captives, according to the public broadcaster KAN.
Israeli army’s plan to occupy Gaza City
Situation on the ground in Gaza City and the international and regional reactions after the Israeli army declared the densely populated city a “dangerous combat zone,” launching heavy bombardments and airstrikes as part of its plan to occupy the city, a move that threatens nearly 1 million civilians at heightened risk of death and displacement.
Israel’s incursions into southern Syria
Israeli army’s ground incursions in southern Syria, particularly in the Quneitra and Daraa provinces, with warplanes flying over the region, accompanied by home raiding and arrests in repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty.
Largest flotilla for Gaza set to sail from Barcelona
A new humanitarian flotilla for Gaza, involving activists from over 40 countries, is set to depart from Barcelona, Spain. The "Global Sumud Flotilla" represents the largest civilian maritime mission organized to challenge Israel's illegal siege on Gaza. It unites grassroots organizers, doctors, artists, and solidarity activists from around the world responding to the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.
Merz to address domestic, international issues in interview
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will appear on public broadcaster ZDF's traditional Summer Interview program, addressing current political issues. The interview is expected to cover topics including migration policy, economic concerns, EU-US trade tensions, and other international issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and Israel's genocidal military campaign against Palestinians in Gaza.
China hosts summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads
China hosts the summit of heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in northern port city of Tianjin amid geopolitical tensions. Some 20 foreign leaders and heads of 20 international organizations are attending the 2-day summit amid Israeli war on Gaza, Ukraine conflict and US tariffs war among other regional and international issues.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the dinner hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in honor of the leaders as part of the summit.