Middle East Security: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem doubled down on Iran-backed alliance and rejected any normalization with Israel, urging Lebanon’s government to stop standing “against its own people” as it faces pressure over Israel. UNIFIL Aftermath: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun welcomed a Franco-Italian push to build a post-UNIFIL security coalition, stressing the Lebanese Army should remain the sole guarantor of sovereignty in the south. Gaza Diplomacy: Egypt urged intensified international efforts to complete the first phase of Trump’s Gaza plan and enable a second phase, calling for aid flow, recovery conditions, and an international stabilisation force. Ukraine War: Russia shifted air defences to protect Moscow and other key sites, while strikes hit Odesa’s Vylkove community and Dnipropetrovsk districts, causing power outages and injuries. Taiwan Defence Politics: Taiwan’s opposition parliament stalled a $6.6bn drone bill, arguing for its own versions as China’s threat looms. South Asia Regionalism: SAARC’s secretary general called for renewed unity and momentum to revive cooperation across member states. South Africa Governance: Gauteng expanded transport licensing and boosted e-government funding with R1.9bn for digital services, broadband, cybersecurity, and an AI office. Humanitarian Aid: WFP and Ukraine extended school meals support into 2026/27, building on 40m meals served in frontline regions. Health Policy: Elevance Health paid $342m to the US government to settle Medicare Advantage billing overcharge allegations. Education & Leadership: Ateneo’s president appeared before the NBI over a drowning probe, while Florida’s university leadership vote controversy continued to spark board infighting. Sports/Arts: MIFF named Lea Salonga its inaugural Icon Award recipient.