Diary
- Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
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- Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026
ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Israel awaits final election results
Israel’s Central Elections Committee is expected to complete the counting of special double-envelope ballots in the evening, potentially determining the final distribution of seats in the 120-member Knesset. Partial results showed neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot securing a parliamentary majority, with Arab parties holding a potentially decisive position.
Israeli parties weigh coalition options
Political developments following Tuesday’s parliamentary elections, as Netanyahu and opposition leaders assess possible coalition arrangements amid uncertainty over the formation of a new government. Attention will focus on reactions to the election results, the positions of Arab parties, and potential consultations with President Isaac Herzog.
US-Iran diplomatic standoff
Developments in tensions between Washington and Tehran amid continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding disputes over sanctions, the US naval blockade, and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Possible statements from Iranian and US officials and further mediation efforts by regional countries will be monitored.
Following global reactions around the Strait of Hormuz, with concerns over shipping, energy security, and the risk of wider regional escalation, as well as possible responses, including maritime security measures and calls for freedom of navigation.
Yemen’s expanding military confrontation
Developments in fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi group amid continued military operations across several fronts, particularly around Taiz. Further airstrikes, battlefield developments, casualty figures, and possible retaliatory attacks will be monitored.
Saudi Arabia responds to Houthi attacks
Repercussions of continued Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, following strikes targeting airports and energy infrastructure, including a reported attack on a major oil refinery. Attention will focus on further interceptions, the Saudi-led coalition’s military response, and possible disruptions to energy supplies.
Lebanon-Israel security arrangements
Developments in military and diplomatic contacts between Lebanon and Israel following US-hosted technical discussions on implementing the framework agreement. Attention will focus on Israeli withdrawal arrangements in southern Lebanon, border security, and possible further meetings.
Gaza humanitarian and security situation
Developments in the Gaza Strip amid continuing Israeli military operations and humanitarian concerns, with attention to reported Palestinian casualties, aid deliveries, displacement, and international efforts to improve humanitarian conditions.
West Bank tensions
Developments across the occupied West Bank amid Israeli military operations, movement restrictions and attacks by illegal Israeli settlers. Attention will focus on possible raids, arrests, Palestinian casualties and incidents involving Palestinian communities during the olive harvest season.
Türkiye celebrates 103rd anniversary of Republic Day
Celebrations marking the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye will begin with a ceremony at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the country's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the capital Ankara.
Headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the ceremony will be attended by state and military officials. Later, Erdogan will host the Republic Day reception at the Presidential Complex.
Türkiye-Uzbekistan meeting
Erdogan will meet with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Presidential Complex, where they are expected to discuss bilateral and regional issues.
Meeting of OTS Council of Foreign Ministers
Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will host the Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to be held in Ankara as part of the 13th OTS summit.
The OTS, formerly called the Turkic Council, was established in 2009 as an intergovernmental organization comprising prominent independent Turkic countries that work together to elevate relations and union among themselves.
Following student protests in France
Monitoring developments in France throughout the week related to violent student protests in both countries. French authorities arrested 1,314 people during nationwide demonstrations on Oct. 24, while Yellow Vest movement calls for new day of mobilization on Oct. 31.
Macklemore 'Free Palestine' tour continues with Paris
Rapper Macklemore performs the second of three European shows in Paris on Thursday and in London on Friday as part of his Free Palestine tour, which comes after his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop tour following backlash against him using his platform to call for Palestinian liberation.
German defense minister visits AI defense firm
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visits the Munich headquarters of Helsing, a German defense technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and drones to view its latest products.
EU-Canada summit takes place in Montreal
EU and Canadian leaders will meet in Montreal, Canada, on Oct. 29-30 for high-level talks expected to focus on deepening their political and economic partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced a new form of associate membership for Canada, marking a new type of relationship with the EU.
EU energy ministers gather in Luxembourg
Energy ministers from EU member states will meet in Luxembourg to discuss a proposal for a regulation aimed at future-proofing electricity bills across the EU by reducing system costs, enhancing energy security, and fostering electrification and digitalization. The discussions come amid an ongoing energy price crisis driven by regional tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Aftermath of deadly high-speed train collision in Spain
Following the developments after Wednesday's deadly collision between two high-speed trains near Urda in Toledo province, central Spain, which killed at least 68 people, authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, while rescue and recovery efforts and disruptions to rail services remain in focus.
Serbian parliamentary elections final results
Serbia's election authority, the RIK, could announce final results following the snap parliamentary elections held on Oct. 25. Once the results are officially announced, a 30-day period begins for parliament to convene.
Ivan Toney appears in London court on assault charge
England striker Ivan Toney is expected to appear at Southwark Crown Court in London on an assault charge relating to an alleged incident at a Soho nightclub on Dec. 6 last year. Toney pleaded not guilty at an initial hearing on Oct. 1.
Trump to hold midterm campaign rally in South Carolina
US President Donald Trump will address a campaign rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina, as Republicans intensify efforts to mobilize voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Vance to campaign in Texas Senate race
US Vice President JD Vance will hold a campaign rally in Weatherford, Texas, in support of Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who faces Democrat James Talarico in the midterm elections.
US secretary of state to meet Finnish foreign minister for talks on Ukraine, bilateral ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Washington to discuss Russia-Ukraine war, peace efforts, and bilateral relations. The two will also attend a signing ceremony for agreements on critical minerals and technology cooperation.
Rubio will separately meet with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban and attend a signing ceremony for agreements on energy security and law enforcement cooperation.
Canadian premier to announce measures to strengthen AI sovereignty
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney will make an announcement in Montreal on strengthening Canada's sovereignty over artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
UN Security Council to hold high-level debate on maritime security, emerging tech
The UN Security Council will hold a high-level open debate on emerging technologies and maritime security, chaired by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
UN experts to brief on human rights situation in occupied Palestinian territories
The UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a briefing on humanitarian and human rights conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and other experts are expected to address developments in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
UN Myanmar human rights investigator, accountability chief to brief journalists
UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Kelley Anne Eckels-Currie and Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, will hold a joint news briefing at UN headquarters in New York.
Moscow hosts plenary session of 3rd Russia-Africa Summit
The plenary session of the 3rd Russia-Africa Forum to be held in Moscow under the co-chairmanship of Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current chairman of the African Union. While Putin is scheduled to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event, the two presidents are also scheduled to hold a joint news conference to assess the summit.
Developments amid local ceasefire in Russian-controlled city of Oleshky
Following developments as a local ceasefire, brokered by US first lady Melania Trump, took effect at 0100GMT on Tuesday in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshky in Ukraine's southern Kherson region. The ceasefire seeks to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations, and is due to end late Sunday.
Russia and Ukraine continue to report frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, continue.
ASEAN defense ministers conclude meetings in Philippines
The Philippines hosts the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meetings for the final day.
South Korean president hosts German chancellor
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung hosts German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Seoul, who is on a two-day visit to the East Asian country. The two leaders are expected to discuss matters such as trade, investment, semiconductors, AI and defense cooperation. Merz is also scheduled to attend the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business.
Hong Kong releases findings of deadly fire last year
Hong Kong expected to release findings of the report submitted by an independent committee probing last November's deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Swiss foreign minister visits North Korea
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis travels to North Korea for political talks and formal reopening of Switzerland's diplomatic office in Pyongyang. The discussions will cover security on the Korean Peninsula and geopolitical issues.
CPC Central Committee concludes plenary session
The 5th plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concludes in Beijing. A statement is expected to be issued.
German president's China trip
Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gives a speech to students at Peking University in Beijing during his state visit to China.
Top Philippines diplomat wraps up visit to Myanmar
Philippines Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, who is also serving as the current ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar, wraps up two-day visit to Naypyidaw. Her visit comes ahead of next month's ASEAN leaders' summit.
Iceland's foreign minister continues China visit
Iceland's Foreign Minister Gunnarsdottir continues visit to China for talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
Esra Tekin,Diyar Güldoğan