Today, we mourn the passing of Fethullah Gülen, an influential Turkish spiritual leader who inspired many, as he was laid to rest in Pennsylvania after thousands attended his funeral in New Jersey. Despite facing accusations from Turkish officials, Gülen lived in the U.S. since 1999, promoting a philosophy blending Sufism, democracy, and education.

Moving to India, Cyclone Dana has led to flight suspensions and massive evacuations in Odisha and West Bengal, with the severe weather expected to hit hard from midnight. Preparations are in full swing, with schools closed and thousands moved to safety as the cyclone approaches with strong winds and rain.

Meanwhile, in a bid for peace in Gaza, Hamas is turning to Russia to help initiate talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for a potential unity government. This diplomatic move comes amidst longstanding tensions with the Palestinian Authority and opposition from Israel regarding Gaza’s administration.

In a related discussion at the BRICS summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin advocated for a two-state solution to prevent a full-scale Middle East war, emphasizing the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state. His call echoes continued concerns about instability in the region, especially with rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

Reflecting these escalating tensions, Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and Syria, marking a significant escalation in conflicts with Iran-backed groups. The strikes caused severe destruction, raising alarms about the potential for wider regional confrontation.

Finally, in Mozambique, tensions remain high as the nation waits for contentious election results amid allegations of fraud. With rising calls for protests from the opposition, the situation is fraught, yet the government urges calm as it prepares to announce the results amidst concerns over fairness and transparency.