ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Implementation of Gaza ceasefire deal amid Israeli violations
Developments in implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, including mediator efforts on prisoner repatriation and humanitarian aid, amid Israeli violations of the ceasefire with a wave of airstrikes that killed 15 Palestinians as of Sunday evening.
Anticipated visit by US vice president, Middle East special envoy to Israel
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Israel on Monday, alongside Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, to follow up on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian enclave, US official told The Times of Israel.
European reactions to Gaza-related developments
Monitoring statements from European countries on fragile Gaza ceasefire as the Israeli army launched airstrikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The US State Department accused the Palestinian group of preparing to breach ceasefire deal, which Hamas has denied.
EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting
Foreign ministers of the EU member states gather in Luxembourg for a meeting chaired by the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The agenda includes discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, EU-Indo Pacific relations, the situation in the Middle East, and relations with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to participate in the meeting.
Leaders of Southern EU nations meet in Slovenia
Slovenia hosts a summit for leaders from southern Mediterranean nations, also known as MED9, including Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, and the Greek Cypriot. Jordan’s King Abdullah and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also expected to attend the summit. The agenda includes exchanging views on current European topics and challenges in the region, focusing primarily on strengthening the competitiveness of the economy and resolving the situation in the Middle East, particularly the intolerable conditions in Gaza.
Reactions to EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg
Reactions on the part of Kyiv, and potentially Moscow, will be followed as Luxembourg hosts a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The meeting will be chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and will address multiple issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will join the meeting in person, according to Brussels.
Azerbaijani president to pay 2-day state visit to Kazakhstan
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to pay a state visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. High-level talks between the two countries will be held during the visit, according to the Kazakh presidency, which said the two presidents will also participate in a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council and a Kazakh-Azerbaijani business forum.
Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee holds 4th plenum in Beijing
The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convenes its 4th plenum in Beijing. The ruling elite of the country gathers for a 4-day closed-door meeting to deliberate on the country’s next five-year development plan. President Xi Jinping will chair the plenum, which is also expected to discuss new appointments in the government as well as the party.
Indonesia marks 1st anniversary of Prabowo government
Indonesia marks 1st anniversary of the government led by President Prabowo Subianto. Prabowo and Vice President Gibran are expected to make statements.
THE ECONOMY
China's GDP
China to release economic growth figures for the third quarter. In the second quarter, the Chinese economy grew 5.2% year-on-year.
Germany's producer inflation
Destatis to announce monthly producer inflation data for September. In August, the producer prices declined 0.5% on a monthly basis.
SPECIAL REPORTS
First climate tipping point crossed: Coral reefs in crisis, is there still a way back?
Report on the world crossing its first climate tipping point, as warm-water coral reefs experience mass dieback.
The story examines what crossing a tipping point means, how coral reef collapse threatens marine biodiversity, food security, and coastal livelihoods, and why scientists say it’s not yet the point of no return.
The report features insights from Tim Lenton of the University of Exeter, Melanie McField of the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, and Christian Voolstra, president of the International Coral Reef Society.
INTERVIEW - ‘Cultural neutrality ends where genocide begins’: UN expert urges action over Gaza
Interview with Alexandra Xanthaki, the UN special rapporteur for cultural rights, about the growing movement to isolate Israel in the fields of sports and culture.
Xanthaki calls for global sports and cultural institutions to end their silence over Israel’s actions in Gaza, arguing that neutrality in the face of genocide is complicity. She warns that inaction could embolden future perpetrators.
NEW MEDIA
VIDEO - Interview with UN Special Rapporteur for Cultural Rights Alexandra Xanthaki, who calls on global sports and cultural institutions to take a stand on Gaza and warns that neutrality in the face of genocide amounts to complicity.