ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, June 17, 2024 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
MIDDLE EAST
Israeli onslaught in Gaza
Humanitarian and military developments in Gaza Strip as Israeli attacks continue despite efforts to reach a cease-fire. Israel has killed more than 37,300 Palestinians and injured many more since Oct. 7 last year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected “tactical pause” plan in southern Gaza Strip announced by his country's army to allow more aid into enclave.
West Bank raids
Almost daily military raids into cities and towns in occupied West Bank, which left at least 547 people dead, 5,200 injured and nearly 9,200 in Israeli custody since Oct. 7, 2023.
Protests against Netanyahu's government
Protests in Israel to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reach hostage-prisoners swap deal with Palestinians.
Gaza cease-fire talks
Mediated by US, Egypt, and Qatar, indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at reaching truce deal in Gaza continue.
Israel-Hezbollah clashes
Border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel against backdrop of Gaza war.
Red Sea tensions
Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of links with Israel in Red Sea and retaliatory airstrikes by coalition led by US on group’s positions in Yemen.
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice
Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice began on Sunday and ends on Wednesday.
US special envoy may visit Lebanon, Israel
US special envoy Amos Hochstein expected to visit Lebanon and Israel to try to prevent recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah from turning into all-out war.
US
Biden's meeting with NATO chief
President Joe Biden to host NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at White House.
Blinken to host top Greek Cypriot envoy
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet Constantinos Kombos, top diplomat of Greek Cypriot administration, at State Department.
UN Security Council briefing on Sudan, Ukraine
UN Security Council to hold open briefing and closed consultations on situation in Sudan. There will be open briefing on Ukraine as well.
AFRICA
South Africa’s president-elect expected to announce Cabinet
President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to unveil his Cabinet of government of national unity following his reelection for a second term in office.
EURASIA
US delegation to visit Armenia
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will travel to Yerevan to participate in US-Armenia Local Government Forum on Democracy, and meet Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.
International military drill Peace Shield 2024
Moldovan army together with servicemen of NATO and EU countries to hold Peace Shield 2024 multinational exercise. It will continue till June 28.
EUROPE
EU leaders meet
EU leaders to convene for informal meeting, their first such gathering since European Parliament elections. Heads of state and governments set to discuss outcome of European Parliament elections. Agenda includes election of European Council president, proposal for office of European Commission president, and appointment of bloc's foreign policy chief.
French election campaign kicks off
Campaign period begins for snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7. Polls were announced by President Emmanuel Macron after far-right gains in European Parliament elections.
Reform UK launches manifesto
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage launches his party's general election manifesto.
ASIA-PACIFIC
China-EU dialogue on climate
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to begin his 5-day visit to Brussels to hold 5th China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue.
New Zealand premier to meet Japanese counterpart
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, on four-day official trip to Japan, expected to meet his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio.
SPORTS
EURO 2024 group matches continue in Germany
Romania to face Ukraine in EURO 2024 Group E match in Munich, while Belgium to play Slovakia in Group E match in Frankfurt. Austria to take on France in Group D match in Dusseldorf.