ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, September 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Israeli army steps up Gaza assault in fresh offensive
Following Israeli army’s continued offensives and escalating assault in Gaza in phase two of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, officially announced by Israeli chief of General Staff on Wednesday.
Israeli Cabinet to discuss taking ‘sovereignty’ over West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a meeting with top Cabinet ministers to discuss taking Israeli “sovereignty” over the West Bank.
Iraqi prime minister's official visit to Oman
Second and last day of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s official visit to the Omani capital Muscat to discuss bilateral ties and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Muslim world marks prophet’s birthday amid suffering in Gaza
Celebrations of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in several Arab and Muslim countries, with focus on global Muslim suffering, including Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
European Council president due in Bulgaria
European Council President Antonio Costa continuing his three-week tour of EU capitals to discuss political priorities and cooperation with stop in Bulgaria, where he will meet with Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov.
NATO secretary general to visit Czech Republic
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to visit the Czech Republic, where he will deliver a speech at the IISS Prague Defense Summit. He will also meet Prime Minister Petr Fiala and hold a joint press conference.
Gaza Tribunal in London
Two-day Gaza Tribunal set to bring together witnesses, experts, scholars, and political figures to examine and give testimonies on “Britain’s complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza.” Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, and Gaza journalist Abubaker Abed Palestinian are both due to take part.
France, UK to co-chair coalition of the willing meeting
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to co-chair coalition of the willing meeting in Paris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also participate. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to take part. The leaders are expected to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine under a possible end to the war.
Rubio to pay official visit to Ecuador
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to be received by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in the capital Quito, where he will also hold talks with Cabinet members and Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. Rubio and Sommerfeld will later speak to reporters.
Trump to host dinner
US President Donald Trump will hold a dinner at the White House’s newly renovated Rose Garden, reportedly with executives of major tech firms and other companies. The event is closed to the press. Monitoring related developments.
US health secretary to appear before Senate committee
Senate Finance Committee to hold a hearing with embattled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss the Trump administration’s 2026 healthcare plans. Facing calls to resign, Kennedy has been under fire in recent days over his vaccination policy and the firing of top officials who disagree with his unorthodox views.
Putin to take part in work of Eastern Economic Forum
Working trip to China of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is set to take part in the X Eastern Economic Forum and hold talks with Laotian Prime Minister Sonsay Siphandone, Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar, and Li Hongzhong, the vice chair of China’s National People's Congress Standing Committee. Eurasia desk will follow the event in coordination with Asia-Pacific desk via official statements, media reports, and live broadcast, if available.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold press briefing in Moscow on current issues. Eurasia desk will not attend event but will follow via live broadcast.
Indian and Singaporean premiers to hold talks in New Delhi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to host his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in New Delhi for bilateral talks. The two sides are expected to discuss bilateral ties, trade relations, and cooperation on international platforms.
China’s Xi to host Slovakian Premier Fico
Chinese President Xi Jinping to host bilateral meeting in Beijing with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The sides are expected to discuss bilateral ties as well as ties with EU. Fico was the lone EU leader to attend China’s Victory Day commemoration.
North Korea likely to release details of Kim’s China trip
North Korea likely to release details of leader Kim Jong Un’s trip to China, in his first multilateral event since taking office. Besides meeting other foreign guests, Kim held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Political crisis continues in Thailand
Monitoring developments as Thailand possibly moves to dissolve parliament. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has submitted a petition to dissolve the body.
THE ECONOMY
US trade figures
The US will announce trade figures for July. The country’s trade balance posted a deficit of $60.2 billion in June, and markets expect that figure to grow in July. The country will also share jobless claims figures.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW - Irish lawmaker joins Gaza aid flotilla, urges action against Israel
Interview with Irish lawmaker Paul Murphy, who has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is heading to Gaza to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
Murphy, a parliamentarian with the People Before Profit party, speaks about his motivations in joining the flotilla, stressing the need for urgent action to halt Israel’s ongoing atrocities against Palestinians.
He also shares his views on the risks of detention by Israeli forces, while urging the international community to protect activists and organizers taking a stand against genocide.
Here comes the sun: Africa bets big on solar energy
Report based on latest findings of think tank Ember, which shows surge in the use of solar power in many countries across Africa.
The story lays out the key findings of the report and charts the growth of solar energy on the continent, while also identifying major players in the boom and its impact in the years to come.
The report includes insights from Dave Jones, director of Ember’s Global Insights Program, who explains the reasons for Africa’s shift to solar and discusses the major challenges ahead, including policy and protection.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with Irish lawmaker Paul Murphy, who has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is heading to Gaza to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.