White Phosphorus Allegations: Human rights groups and The New York Times report Israel used white phosphorus near Lebanese civilian areas, raising fresh scrutiny over the chemical’s severe burn and respiratory risks. Gulf Escalation & Ceasefire Strain: The US says it shot down four Iranian drones toward the Strait of Hormuz and struck coastal radar sites; Iran retaliated with ballistic missile attacks as Lebanon’s Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire remains fragile. Lebanon War Impacts: Reports describe continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon even after ceasefire announcements, including the killing of Lebanese troops. Defense Tech: Israel’s Esh-Tech unveiled DroneLight, a vehicle-mounted pulsed-laser counter-drone system aimed at hard-killing drones quickly with low power use. Health Funding Watch (US Medicaid): New data shows Lebanon Medicaid spending rose for ambulance/transport services and radiology procedures in 2024, highlighting shifting public health costs. Magnetic Tattoo Removal (GCC): Inventor Linda Paradis presented Magnetic Tattoo Removal at a Dubai dermatology conference, positioning it for patients who may not be good laser candidates. AI in Defense Policy: A US memo orders faster AI adoption across military and national security agencies while stressing oversight for autonomous weapons. Markets: Wall Street’s tech-led slide hit hardest in chips after a strong jobs report revived rate-hike fears.