Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Saudi Arabia as a "comfortable" venue for negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict. Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Putin emphasized his strong personal ties with Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. He blamed Ukraine for hindering peace efforts, citing a decree by Ukraine's President that prohibits talks with Russia. While several nations, including China and Brazil, have pushed for peace, Putin stressed Ukraine’s refusal to engage in dialogue remains a significant obstacle. Saudi Arabia has also been involved in peace efforts on both the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine fronts.

King Charles faced disruption during his speech in the Australian parliament when Senator Lidia Thorpe shouted “genocide” and “f--- the colonies.” The protest occurred as the King addressed First Nations people, highlighting ongoing issues of colonialism and indigenous rights. Thorpe's actions reflect a growing sentiment among some Indigenous Australians regarding the monarchy's historical role. The royal visit aimed to strengthen ties with Australia but has sparked significant debate over the treatment of First Nations communities. Thorpe's outburst marks a bold statement on the need for recognition and justice for Indigenous Australians.

The US is investigating a leak of classified documents detailing Israel's military preparations to respond to Iran's missile attack on October 1. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the documents, which contain satellite imagery, were shared online last week. They are believed to have originated from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and NSA and are linked to the Five Eyes alliance. The leak raises concerns over US intelligence on Israel, with one document referencing Israel's nuclear capabilities. President Biden acknowledged having a "good understanding" of Israel's plans but did not disclose details.

King Charles faced protests during his visit to Australia, with Aboriginal Senator Lidia Thorpe confronting him in Parliament, declaring, “This is not your land. You are not our King.” Security removed her from the chamber as the King continued his conversation with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Earlier, the King and Queen Camilla were welcomed to Canberra by Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Serena Williams, who urged the King to apologize for colonial wrongs. Despite acknowledging Australia’s journey towards reconciliation, the King stopped short of issuing the apology many Indigenous leaders hoped to hear.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris intensified their attacks as they campaigned in key battleground states, just 16 days before the U.S. election. Trump visited Pennsylvania, serving fries at a McDonald's while accusing Harris of lying about her past job there. Harris, celebrating her 60th birthday in Georgia, called Trump "unstable and unfit" to lead. Both candidates are in a close race across seven battleground states, with Trump focusing on immigration and the economy. Meanwhile, Harris urged voters to reject "chaos and hate." Polls show a razor-thin margin between the two in these critical states.

At least 87 people were killed and over 40 injured in an Israeli air strike on Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Many victims are believed to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Israel is investigating the claims of casualties, stating earlier figures from Hamas were exaggerated. The UN has condemned the ongoing violence, stating "nowhere is safe" in Gaza. The strike is part of Israel's campaign to prevent Hamas from regrouping in the region, which has seen intensified military action since early October.

Elon Musk will give $1 million a day to a registered voter in Pennsylvania until the US election in November. The giveaway is part of his campaign group, AmericaPAC, which supports Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency. Voters can enter by signing a petition supporting free speech and gun rights. Musk hopes to get millions of voters to sign the petition in key battleground states. The first winner was chosen at a town hall event. Musk’s effort is legal, as voters are not paid to cast a ballot, but to support the petition.

The US is investigating a leak of classified documents about Israel’s plans for a possible strike on Iran. The papers, dated October 15 and 16, were shared online. They show details about Israel’s military preparations and air force exercises. The FBI, Pentagon, and intelligence agencies are involved in the investigation. The leak raises concerns about US-Israel relations, with trust between the two countries at risk. It is unclear whether the documents were hacked or deliberately leaked. This comes amid heightened US alert on Iranian cyber operations.

Israel launched strikes on Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Beirut after a drone was reportedly launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted a Hezbollah command center and killed three militants. Simultaneously, airstrikes in Gaza resulted in at least 73 Palestinian deaths, with the Israeli military stating it targeted Hamas. The conflict has intensified since the October 7 Hamas attack, leading to over 42,519 fatalities in Gaza. Hezbollah responded with rocket barrages, marking a significant escalation in ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed groups.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 87 people were killed and over 40 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. Many victims are believed to remain under the rubble, with ambulance crews unable to reach them. Israel says it is verifying casualty reports but accused Hamas authorities of inflating figures. In Lebanon, Israel resumed strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut. These events followed a drone strike aimed at Israeli PM Netanyahu’s home, which Israel attributed to Iran-backed Hezbollah.