An Egyptian warship has delivered a significant cache of weaponry, including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, to Somalia, heightening regional tensions with Ethiopia. This arms transfer follows a joint security pact between Egypt and Somalia, two nations bound by their mutual distrust of Ethiopia. Ethiopia has sharply criticized this move, viewing it as a threat and a response to Somalia's opposition to Ethiopia's dealings with Somaliland, which Somalia deems a sovereignty violation.

Meanwhile, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called on the UN to play a more active role in resolving the Gaza crisis. During the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee meeting at the 79th UN General Assembly, Abdelatty emphasized the importance of rejecting any solution that displaces Palestinians and reviving efforts for a two-state solution. He also urged UN agencies to facilitate aid to Gaza and ensure international law is upheld to protect Palestinian rights.

Supporting this call, top UN officials have demanded an immediate end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused widespread suffering. Highlighting the necessity for safe and unobstructed humanitarian access, they reported over 500 attacks on healthcare facilities and the deaths of nearly 300 aid workers. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, more than 41,000 Palestinians have died, leaving 2.1 million residents in dire need of food and healthcare.

Shifting to the UK, former Defense Minister Ben Wallace is facing scrutiny over his support for the controversial Overseas Operations Bill. This bill, which initially protected soldiers from war crimes prosecutions for offenses older than 10 years before being reduced to five, is under fire for potentially providing immunity to Britain's Special Air Service accused of war crimes in Afghanistan, as revealed by a BBC "Panorama" investigation.

In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas targeted in Israeli operations against Hezbollah, following deadly strikes that resulted in 274 deaths, including 21 children. This call comes amidst an escalation of conflict after an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel and subsequent Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel, which has led to intensified military responses and significant casualties.

Concluding on a diplomatic note, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan met with US President Joe Biden at the White House to enhance the strategic partnership between their countries. Their discussions on September 23, 2024, covered a broad spectrum of issues, including trade, investment, technology, AI, space, energy, and climate action. Sheikh Mohamed is also set to meet with US Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip.