Diary

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Washington-Tehran standoff

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the US and Iran amid continued disagreements over sanctions, the American naval blockade and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Developments in Strait of Hormuz

Latest developments in the strategic waterway following a series of attacks on commercial vessels, amid growing concerns over maritime security and disruptions to global energy supplies.

Military escalation across Yemen

Fighting between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi group amid intensified military operations across several fronts.

World leaders’ reactions to developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen amid concerns over shipping, energy security and the risk of wider regional escalation.

Saudi Arabia faces missile, drone threats

Situation after recent Houthi missile and drone attacks target Saudi Arabia, particularly airports and energy facilities, amid continued air defense operations.

Israel’s election race

Campaign developments, the latest opinion polls ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 Knesset elections, statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leaders, political alliances, and the positions of competing blocs.

West Bank security developments

Developments in the occupied West Bank following a shooting attack near Hebron that reportedly killed two Israeli soldiers, prompting Israeli authorities to prepare additional security measures and possible movement restrictions.

Lebanon-Israel security arrangements

US-hosted technical military discussions between Lebanese and Israeli representatives, focusing on implementation of the framework agreement, proposed Israeli withdrawals from southern Lebanon and measures aimed at reducing border tensions.

Gaza’s worsening humanitarian conditions

Developments in the Gaza Strip amid continued Israeli military operations and deteriorating humanitarian conditions, with attention to civilian casualties, food shortages, aid deliveries and international efforts to address the crisis.

Jordan church attack investigation

Developments in the investigation into a shooting at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak that reportedly left six people dead and 28 others injured.

Mass protests across France

French students and Yellow Vests protesters to hold 'Act II' demonstrations following mass protests on Oct. 17 over cost-of-living issues, including high fuel prices. An estimated 500,000 to 800,000 people turned out for demonstrations across France last week, resulting in over 2,500 arrests as some protests turned violent and led to rioting and looting.

Reactions to lockdown order in occupied West Bank

Following global reactions to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s order to prepare for a “full lockdown” across the occupied West Bank.

German chancellor addresses Bavarian sister party congress

Chancellor Friedrich Merz to speak to delegates at the party congress of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of his center-right Christian Democrats (CDU), in Munich. The speech is expected to address the difficult domestic political situation and the challenges facing the CDU/CSU alliance.

Anti-government protests across Italy

A group calling itself the October 17 Movement has called for anti-government protests across Italy every Saturday following violent demonstrations in Milan last weekend which led to looting. Protests are scheduled to take place in major cities including Milan, Rome and Florence.

UK issues weather warnings over Storm Boelo

Britain’s weather agency Met Office issues yellow warnings for wind as Storm Boelo brings impactful winds and heavy rain on Saturday night and through Sunday to northern parts of the UK.

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament protest in UK

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) group holds protest calling on the UK government to close the largest US spy base in the world outside of the US, situated at Royal Air Force (RAF) Menwith Hill in Yorkshire.

France’s National Rally holds party congress in Orleans

France’s far-right National Rally gathers at the CO’Met Arena in Orleans ahead of next year’s presidential election, with a campaign launch rally scheduled for Oct. 25. A counter-protest is planned for Oct. 24 amid security concerns following last weekend’s riots.

Students protest education costs across Belgium

Students call for gatherings in Brussels and other Belgian cities to protest high university fees and insufficient government funding for education.

French foreign minister visits Bulgaria

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visits Bulgaria for talks on Black Sea security, the Russia-Ukraine war and bilateral defense cooperation. Defense agreements are expected to be signed during the visit.

Trump to hold campaign rally in Georgia

US President Donald Trump to hold campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, as Republicans intensify efforts ahead of the Nov. 3 congressional midterm elections.

Early voting begins in Michigan, New York and New Jersey

Michigan, New York and New Jersey to begin in-person early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Canadian premier concludes Türkiye visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to conclude his visit to Türkiye following talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that resulted in an upgraded strategic partnership between the NATO allies.

Carney is scheduled to visit Kariye Mosque in Istanbul before departing for Ottawa.

Brazil presidential campaigns conclude ahead of runoff

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro will make their final campaign appeals ahead of Sunday’s closely contested presidential runoff. Bolsonaro is expected to join a motorcycle procession in Belo Horizonte, where Lula supporters are also holding a march.

Hurricane Vance expected to intensify off Mexico

Hurricane Vance is forecast to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane off Mexico’s coast to the eastern Pacific.

Moldovan president to meet Hungarian premier in Budapest

Moldovan President Maia Sandu will hold bilateral talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar in Budapest, focusing on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, Moldova’s European integration path and regional security.

Russia-Ukraine war

Russia and Ukraine continue to report frontline developments and exchanges of airstrikes, while discussions on humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, continue.

Typhoon Champi disrupts normal life in Taiwan, likely to impact Japan, China

Typhoon Champi shut almost all of Taiwan, disrupting normal life, air traffic and killing at least one person. The heavy storms are likely to impact parts of Japan and China.

Polish premier visits Vietnam

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk begins a 3-day visit to Vietnam for talks focusing on education, trade, culture, people-to-people exchanges and coordination at international forums. Several documents are also expected to be signed to strengthen the legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

Aftermath of Tibet earthquake

Chinese search and rescue authorities continue operations after a strong earthquake of magnitude 7 in southwestern Tibet region killed at least 16 and wounded dozens of others.

Protests in India

Developments as protests demanding resignation of top election officer in India are widening with farmer groups joining youth-led demonstrations. Protestors accuse the election commission of India of removing names from electoral rolls, a claim the watchdog denies.

Tensions prevail on Korean Peninsula

Developments as Seoul has proposed holding military talks with Pyongyang amid tensions following an explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone, which wounded 3 South Korean soldiers on Sept. 21.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW – Protecting women in conflict: UN Women regional chief on Gaza, peacebuilding and accountability

Interview with Belen Sanz Luque, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, on the protection of women and girls in conflict zones, with particular focus on Gaza and the impact of the humanitarian crisis on their safety and rights.

Drawing on her experience in Colombia during the peace process with the FARC, Sanz Luque discusses lessons for integrating women’s protection and participation into peacebuilding, ensuring women have a meaningful role in post-conflict governance and holding states accountable for their commitments to gender equality.

The interview also examines the practical mechanisms available to UN Women to support women and girls on the ground in conflict-affected areas and strengthen their role in recovery and political processes.

Merve Berker,Erva Beyza Çil