In Kolkata, junior doctors concluded their 17-day hunger strike, initiated due to the rape and murder of a colleague, after a heartfelt plea from the victim's parents. The protest led to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promising much-needed hospital reforms, yet activists argue that women’s safety remains inadequate across India.

Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Jordan’s King Abdullah embarked on a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, with Crown Prince Al Hussein at his side, while Prince Ali bin Al Hussein assumed the role of Regent back home.

Across the region, the UN warns that poverty in the Palestinian territories might nearly double to 74.3% by the year's end due to the Gaza conflict, severely harming infrastructure and economic conditions, with unemployment expected to spike dramatically.

Turning to energy discussions, Qatar's Emir is in Germany meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Meseberg Castle to discuss strategic energy partnerships, as Germany seeks alternatives to Russian gas and explores Qatari investments.

As regional tensions rise, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that neighboring countries assured Iran they would not allow their territories to be used for attacks, following heightened tensions with Israel over missile strikes.

In efforts to further ease tensions, Araghchi met with Bahrain’s leadership to strengthen ties and promote regional stability, marking a significant step in a regional tour that will next take him to Kuwait.