Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is urging Western countries to take "deterrent steps" against Israel, following attacks in Lebanon which he claims show Israel's intent to regionalize the conflict. Erdogan plans to address these concerns in his upcoming speech at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the importance of pressuring Israel to avoid a broader regional disaster. Notably, Ankara has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, halted trade, and requested to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Harrods is facing legal battles as a team representing women alleging rape and sexual assault by the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed has received over 150 new enquiries. This follows a BBC documentary detailing multiple allegations, with claims now filed against Harrods for enabling systematic abuse over 25 years. The department store, now sold, has expressed its abhorrence at the claims.

On a more positive note, Saudi Arabia is leading the G20 in international tourism growth, boasting a 73% surge in international tourists during the first seven months of 2024. The kingdom welcomed around 17.5 million international tourists in this period, with the IMF praising Saudi Arabia's tourism sector for its role in economic diversification and significant contributions to GDP and job creation. This growth is part of Saudi Vision 2030's ambitious plans.

As the summer season ends, the Jeddah Astronomical Society announced the onset of autumn on Sept. 22, bringing cooler temperatures and increased weather fluctuations. This transitional period also marks the beginning of the rainy season in many Arab countries, with higher chances of thunderstorms in the Arabian Gulf and the return of Jupiter and Saturn to the evening sky.

Back in the political sphere, Turkish President Erdogan is planning to meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad during the UN General Assembly to discuss normalizing Turkiye-Syria relations, which were severed in 2011. Erdogan aims to address broader regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, as Turkiye continues to manage its interests in northern Syria and hosts a significant refugee population.

Lastly, in Yemen, the Houthi militia has abducted journalist Mohammed Dabwan Al-Mayahi and dozens of others for criticizing the group and celebrating the 1962 revolution. The Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate and other officials have condemned these actions and called for Al-Mayahi's release, highlighting the Houthis' ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression and dissent.