The Moldovan Orthodox Church finds itself in turmoil as the minority pro-Romanian faction accuses the Moscow-linked majority branch of opposing the EU referendum, highlighting a significant influence as the nation heads into an important vote and election on October 20.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and its allies are advocating for a two-state solution amid rising Israeli-Palestinian tensions, seeking to bring international dialogue to cities such as Riyadh, Brussels, and Cairo. This comes as violence escalates with Hamas and Israeli retaliations, despite global calls for a ceasefire being rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

On a different front, President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to address new gun technologies and improve school safety, underscoring the right to be safe as a civil right according to Vice President Kamala Harris. This move aims to investigate and potentially restrict the use of machine-gun conversion devices and 3D-printed firearms.

Tensions flared briefly near Guinea's presidential palace in Conakry when gunfire erupted, prompting a brief lockdown by the military. Eleven dissident soldiers engaged special forces, resulting in three deaths and eight arrests, with the ruling junta quickly controlling the situation and dismissing it as a "fabricated" rumor.

In a related political vein, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Trump’s stance on Ukraine while President Biden committed nearly $8 billion in new military aid to President Zelensky during his White House visit. The support aims to bolster Ukraine as Biden discourages the use of long-range Western-made weapons against Russia.

Finally, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Israel about the dangers of escalating conflict with Lebanon, emphasizing the need for a 21-day ceasefire. Despite global efforts for a truce and humanitarian aid challenges, Israel’s ongoing offensive has resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, complicating civilian return efforts.