At the World Economic Forum Urban Transformation Summit in San Francisco, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, highlighted the pressing need for sustainable redevelopment in tourism, emphasizing public-private partnerships in building resilient cities.

Meanwhile, tensions are high in the Middle East as Israel and Hamas show readiness for ceasefire talks in Cairo, with mediation from Egypt, and support from the US and Qatar, amidst escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

This conflict has turned Beirut's Hamra Street into a temporary refuge for displaced individuals, sparking economic activity but also bringing challenges such as overcrowding and strained local resources.

In a related geopolitical context, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed potential US-Russia relations and Ukrainian peace talks at the BRICS summit, emphasizing the acknowledgment of Russian territorial claims and responding to recent US political statements.

Meanwhile, escalating tensions in Chechnya have resurfaced as an attack on a Russian military convoy left one soldier dead, highlighting the region's ongoing conflict and complex relationship with Moscow.

Lastly, former UK Minister Alan Duncan sharply criticized fellow Conservative Robert Jenrick for his so-called "extremist" views on Israel-Palestine policy, cautioning against potential negative impacts on UK foreign policy, particularly with his proposal to move the British Embassy to Jerusalem.