Lebanon–Israel escalation and health impacts: Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, including a drone attack that killed one and injured two, with additional strikes hitting Tyre and Bint Jbeil and emergency personnel; separate reports described multiple civilian deaths in Nabatieh and Kfar Rumman, underscoring how medical teams and ambulances are repeatedly affected. Humanitarian and civilian protection: UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israel to withdraw from Lebanon and stressed protection of civilians, healthcare, and civilian infrastructure under international law. Digital payments push in Lebanon: Banque du Liban is cutting card-payment merchant fees (including supermarkets, bakeries, gas stations, pharmacies, and hospitals) to help shift Lebanon away from cash and toward a more transparent system, with card transactions reportedly up sharply year-to-date. Public health leadership (Lebanon in the mix): A PGIMER Chandigarh programme is bringing 50 senior nursing leaders from 27 countries, including Lebanon, to strengthen health policy and management skills. Wellness note: A reader Q&A recommends a handheld LED device (no tight mask) as an alternative for facial treatment, pairing blue/red LEDs with heat/cool modes.