In Lebanon, parliament is meeting today in a crucial attempt to elect a new president, aiming to resolve a leadership vacuum lingering since October 2022. This effort comes alongside a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with the possibility of army chief Joseph Aoun taking the presidency amidst intense political talks and French mediation.

Meanwhile, in Tbilisi, Georgia, violent protests have broken out as citizens react to the ruling party's suspension of EU accession discussions. The decision to halt negotiations, amid claims of authoritarian behavior and a lean towards Russian-aligned policies, comes despite overwhelming public support for joining the EU, illustrating the deep division between government decisions and public opinion.

Back to historical acknowledgment, French President Emmanuel Macron has recognized the 1944 massacre in Thiaroye, where West African troops were killed by the French Army, spotlighting France's dwindling influence in West Africa. This formal admission comes amid calls for transparency regarding the massacre, which stemmed from tensions over unpaid wages, showing how historical grievances still shape current diplomatic relations.

In the realm of journalism, Gaza journalists Belal Alsabbagh and Youssef Hassouna have been awarded the 2024 Rory Peck Award for their compelling coverage of the Palestinian conflict. Their honored work captures the devastation following recent violence, using drone imagery to bring international attention to the dire situation faced by civilians, highlighting the power of media in international awareness.

Shifting to environmental issues, as world leaders gather at the UN summit in Busan to tackle plastic pollution, challenges persist in finalizing a global treaty. With delegates from 175 countries grappling over contentious dynamics like plastic production limits, nations such as Saudi Arabia push for alternative solutions like recycling, underscoring the complex negotiations involved in addressing environmental concerns.

Closing with maritime news, the New Zealand navy is dealing with the aftermath of a mishap involving the HMNZS Manawanui, which sunk after hitting a reef near Samoa due to an autopilot error. While the incident fortunately resulted in no major injuries, it raises significant environmental worries regarding potential diesel leaks, adding to the ongoing discourse about marine safety and environmental protection.