*) Israel took institutions protecting peace, human rights hostage — Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised Israel, saying it has taken "hostage" all institutions meant to uphold peace, human rights, and democracy. Speaking in Ankara, Erdogan accused Israel of blinding global structures like the UN Security Council with “Zionist delusions.” Erdogan expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the Islamic world regarding Gaza, saying, “We couldn’t prevent 50,000 of our brothers and sisters from getting torn apart in the killing machine of the Zionist regime.” He condemned the global silence on Gaza as “shameful” for humanity, pointing to worsening conditions under intense bombardment. *) Lebanon PM hopes for ceasefire with Israel in 'coming hours or days' Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Lebanon “within hours or days,” expressing cautious optimism in an interview with Al Jadeed. In related developments, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN shared a draft ceasefire proposal, suggesting both nations would adhere to UN Resolutions 1701 and 1559. *) Devastating floods in Spain's Valencia region kill dozens Spain braced for further casualties on Wednesday as the death toll reached 95 in flash floods that swept through towns, upended vehicles, and disrupted transport. Rescuers expect to recover more bodies in what is now Spain's deadliest flood in over 50 years, with three days of national mourning starting on Thursday. Heavy rain and winds have battered Spain since early this week, with some areas experiencing nearly a year's rainfall in hours due to a storm over the Mediterranean. *) Ukraine, Russia in talks on halting strikes on energy facilities: report Ukraine and Russia have reportedly started preliminary talks to pause air strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, according to the Financial Times, which cited sources including senior Ukrainian officials. The discussions aim to revive negotiations mediated by Qatar that nearly reached an agreement in August. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the report, claiming there was widespread fake news, even in what he called "the most reputable media." *) 4,000-year-old ancient oasis town discovered in Saudi Arabia Archaeologists have uncovered a 4,000-year-old fortified town in an oasis in Saudi Arabia, offering insights into the shift from nomadic to urban life in the region. The ancient town, named al-Natah, lay hidden beneath the fertile Khaybar oasis in the Arabian Peninsula's northwest. Led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charloux, the research team found a 14.5-kilometre-long wall around the town.