Thousands of Malaysians rallied in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, braving continuous rain to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and show solidarity with Palestinians. After Friday prayers, demonstrators gathered outside the Tabung Haji building before marching toward the U.S. Embassy, chanting slogans and condemning Israeli aggression. Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, praised the Global Sumud Flotilla as a symbol of humanity and criticized the detention of volunteers carrying aid. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged caution on new flotilla missions, warning of risks but stressing the importance of humanitarian support. The third flotilla wave, carrying journalists, doctors, and aid workers, set sail from Italy on September 27 with nine Malaysian delegates aboard. Turkey, Indonesia, and Qatar voiced strong support for Gaza, while the U.S. and EU maintained cautious stances, balancing humanitarian concerns with Israeli security claims. The rally and flotilla highlight Muslim unity for Palestine and demonstrate ongoing global solidarity with Gaza despite political obstacles.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to halt the Gaza war, labeling it a direct “threat” rather than a peace initiative. In a Facebook post on October 3, Mahathir argued that the proposal, co-drafted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is essentially a demand for Hamas to surrender within four days or face even deadlier massacres. He stated that the plan reflects Israel’s long-term agenda to force Palestinian capitulation under the guise of peace. Mahathir emphasized that over 60,000 Palestinians have already been killed, and asking them to surrender now would render their sacrifices meaningless and Gaza’s destruction futile. He further criticized Trump as a leader who pressures parties into submission rather than negotiating genuine peace, citing his failures in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Mahathir warned that if Hamas rejects the proposal, genocide in Gaza may escalate further with increased U.S. support for Israel.

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration’s newly imposed import tariffs could generate more than one trillion dollars in annual revenue for the United States. In an interview with One America News, Trump stated that revenue collection from tariffs has already begun and is projected to reach the trillion-dollar mark in the coming years. According to him, these tariffs are not only a revenue measure but also a protective step to safeguard the American economy against unfair trade practices. He emphasized that the US is open to trading with all nations, provided fairness and equal rights are ensured in such partnerships. Trump reiterated the same stance during his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly last month, highlighting that equitable trade is the foundation of his policy. The president believes that the tariffs placed on most countries around the world serve as a necessary shield to protect American industries and jobs.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that there are no legal obstacles to implementing the July Charter, which will be carried out in line with recommendations from the National Consensus Commission. Speaking at a discussion with local journalists at Johan Dream Valley Park auditorium in Jhenaidah on Friday, October 3, he emphasized that all constitutional institutions were weakened during the Awami League’s rule. According to him, individuals in government service who were not involved in serious crimes during that period will continue their duties under the state. However, those who committed offenses under political directives will face legal action. He clarified that the government will assess their involvement case by case before taking action. Earlier in the day, a separate meeting was held with Jhenaidah Journalists’ Forum in Dhaka. The sessions were attended by prominent figures including leaders from the local press club, business associations, and political representatives, highlighting the broader public interest in the July Charter’s implementation.

BNP’s Secretary for International Affairs, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, has warned that if elections are not held after February 2026, Bangladesh will fall into severe uncertainty. He urged the Election Commission to immediately begin preparations and to exclude individuals involved in previous elections as well as “supporters of fallen tyranny” from the electoral process. He accused the Awami League of destroying all key state institutions, including the judiciary, the Election Commission, and the police administration. Highlighting local development issues, he emphasized that reforms require coordinated action by all political parties. He stressed that BNP engages in politics not for power, but for the welfare of the people.

The U.S. has approved nearly $250 million in military aid to support Lebanon’s Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF). Before the fiscal year ended, $192 million was allocated to the LAF and $54 million to the ISF. The aid aims to strengthen state forces against terrorism and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanese President Michel Aoun recently met U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, urging increased support for the LAF to expand state authority nationwide.

Russia’s air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions in one night. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the operation took place between 11:00 PM on October 2 and 7:00 AM on October 3 (Moscow time). Nine drones were shot down over the Black Sea, four in Voronezh, three in Belgorod, three in Crimea, and one in Kursk. The ministry emphasized that all drones were successfully neutralized without Russian casualties.

Chinese researchers have created a new medical adhesive called “Bone-02” that can join broken bones in just three minutes. The glue stabilizes bone fragments and is naturally absorbed by the body after healing, eliminating the need for implant removal surgery. Inspired by how mussels cling underwater, it works even in blood-soaked conditions. Tested on over 150 patients, the glue shows strong bonding and compressive strength, potentially replacing metal plates and screws while reducing complications and infection risks.

In Dhaka’s Mirpur Senpara area, a passenger bus operated by Alif Transport was shot at and set on fire on October 3 near Metro Rail’s Pillar No. 266. The attack occurred after the bus was signaled to stop, and the driver and assistant were beaten while passengers fled. Police suspect the incident stems from a recent dispute over bus ownership, with some recently laid-off employees reportedly involved. No arrests have been made so far, and the bus owner has been advised to file a case.

Israeli forces have detained the last operational ship of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Polish-flagged Marinet, carrying six crew members near the Palestinian coast on October 3. Earlier, Israel had seized 43 other vessels in the aid convoy. Human rights activists, including Greta Thunberg, were aboard the flotilla. The initiative, involving over 40 civilian ships from 44 countries, aims to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel claims links between the flotilla and Hamas, though no evidence has been presented.

In Mirpur’s Senpara area of Dhaka, a passenger bus operated by Alif Transport was set on fire by unknown miscreants on Friday morning. The fire broke out at 7:23 a.m. and was brought under control by the Fire Service by 7:35 a.m. Two units from the Mirpur Fire Station responded promptly. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage, and no casualties have been reported so far.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Hezbollah remains active and is becoming increasingly powerful, despite attempts by its critics to downplay its influence. Speaking at an event commemorating the death anniversary of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Ghalibaf highlighted that Israel fears Hezbollah and Lebanon’s resistance forces. He emphasized that cooperation among Islamic countries strengthens the resistance front and stated that normalization plans like the Abraham Accords have never and will never succeed in undermining these movements.

The Government of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the Israeli detention of the Global Sumud flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a severe violation of international law and an example of using hunger as a weapon. Bangladesh demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained human rights and peace activists and urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international law, and allow uninterrupted humanitarian access. Bangladesh expressed steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Israeli forces detained 23 Malaysians, including public figures, from the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the arrests, launching diplomatic talks with Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and planning outreach to the U.S. The mission, backed by Greta Thunberg and Susan Sarandon, aimed to challenge Gaza’s blockade. Protests in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia demanded the detainees’ release and humanitarian access to Gaza. Malaysia insists humanitarian aid must not be obstructed and vows continued global advocacy.

Venezuela’s defense minister said five U.S. warplanes were detected about 75 kilometers off its coast, calling the move a threat from Washington. The government accused the U.S. of reckless actions that undermine Caribbean peace and urged American officials to step back. The U.S. has deployed warships in the region, citing anti-drug operations, and claimed to have destroyed Venezuelan boats, killing several. President Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of seeking regime change but signaled willingness to talk with U.S. envoy Richard Grenell.