Lebanon Crisis at the UN: A majority of UN Security Council members condemned Israel’s escalating strikes on Lebanon, warning that renewed occupation would worsen instability and displacement; Russia urged immediate troop withdrawal and warned of a Gaza-style replay. UN Peacekeeping Options: UN chief António Guterres proposed new southern Lebanon force arrangements after Unifil’s eventual withdrawal, outlining multiple troop-and-observer models to support the Lebanese army and help prevent renewed conflict. Gaza Displacement Fears: Palestinians in Gaza fear further forced movement as Israel plans to expand its “yellow zone,” potentially confining nearly two million people into a smaller part of the enclave amid severe shortages. Heat-Proof Farming in the Desert: In Yuma, researchers tested large-scale evaporative cooling to protect crops from extreme heat and extend harvest windows, aiming to reduce heat-driven yield losses. Food and Water Stress Signals: Pakistan cut its mango export target by 30,000 tons due to Middle East shipping disruptions, higher freight costs, and climate-linked crop losses; in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, El Niño-linked drought is driving hunger fears as wells dry. Energy Security Pressure: Oil prices steadied after Trump claimed progress on Lebanon and US-Iran talks, while markets remain sensitive to Hormuz and ceasefire uncertainty.