Direct talks mark cautious step toward peace between Lebanon and Israel

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with most fertile land under Israeli control, leaving Palestinians with limited arable land after the ceasefire. Reports indicate that the death toll in Gaza has risen significantly, with over 70,000 fatalities attributed to Israeli military operations over the past two years.

Yasser Abu Shabab, a militia leader in Gaza, has been reported killed amid accusations of collaborating with Israel, a claim that has drawn significant attention during the ongoing conflict. His group was previously criticized for allegedly stealing humanitarian aid during Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Eurovision organizers are currently debating whether to bar Israel from participating in the upcoming contest, following allegations that Israel influenced public voting in the previous year. This discussion comes amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict, which has prompted several countries to threaten withdrawal from the competition if Israel remains involved.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that President Trump will engage in efforts to resolve the ongoing civil war in Sudan, asserting that Trump is uniquely positioned to address the crisis. This involvement comes as violence continues to escalate in the region, prompting international concern and calls for intervention.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking in the United States. This decision comes amid Trump's claims of intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela, raising questions about his commitment to a drug war narrative while pardoning a convicted trafficker.

Palestinians in Gaza are actively working to rebuild their cherished heritage landmarks that suffered extensive damage during the recent conflict with Israel. The destruction of these sites has not only affected the cultural identity of the region but also the emotional well-being of its residents, who view these landmarks as symbols of their history and resilience.

Five families from different parts of the world, including Kenya and Nepal, are sharing their experiences in combating the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among children. This issue is particularly alarming as UPFs now constitute a significant portion of diets globally, especially in the UK and US, where they make up over half of the average diet.

A report from the Transition Security Project highlights that the US is allocating billions to stockpile critical minerals for military applications, including advanced weaponry and AI-driven warfare. This diversion of essential resources is occurring amidst a global arms race, which is impeding efforts to address climate change as these minerals are vital for sustainable technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles.