Following DEM Party's historic İmralı visit, Abdullah Öcalan's messages dominated morning coverage, declaring readiness for "positive steps" and emphasizing a "new paradigm." The statement triggered responses across the political spectrum, with MHP and CHP leadership weighing in by afternoon.
A parallel crisis unfolded as reports detailed a South Korean passenger aircraft crash claiming 179 lives, prompting official condolences from Ankara. The Turkish defense establishment maintained focus on PKK operations, with operations neutralizing four militants in northern Iraq.
Evening coverage shifted to Turkish-Saudi defense talks and reactions to social media regulations. Weather services issued New Year's snow warnings for Istanbul, while Darıca schools suspended classes following gas explosions. The day concluded with denials of alleged PKK-linked social media campaigns targeting Foreign Minister Fidan.