
Macron re-appoints Sébastien Lecornu as French prime minister

French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, just days after he resigned and his government collapsed after 14 hours.
Lecornu said he accepted the return "out of obligation," with the aim of approving the budget within the year and ending the political crisis that has engulfed France.
Macron's decision was met with strong criticism from the opposition, which called it a "provocation" and a "democratic shame", as he faces his lowest popularity levels since 2017.
Displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza begin journey home as ceasefire takes effect

After six months of incessant fighting, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced in southern Gaza have begun returning north after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect.
The agreement calls for the release of 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, as part of a US-brokered peace plan.
Although many have welcomed it as a hope for peace, both sides remain skeptical and have warned that the war could resume if the conditions are not met.
Mexico floods kill at least 23 as storms continue

At least 23 people have died in Mexico after heavy rains swept through almost the entire country over the past week.
Floods and landslides have caused extensive damage, especially in the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi, where thousands of homes have been destroyed.
The military is engaged in distributing aid and sheltering the displaced, while authorities prepare for Tropical Storm "Raymond" expected to hit at the weekend.
NATO launches "Steadfast Noon" nuclear exercise amid tensions in Europe

NATO will hold its annual "Steadfast Noon" nuclear exercise next week, led by the Netherlands and involving 71 aircraft from 14 member countries.
The exercise, which will last about two weeks and will be held mainly in the North Sea, aims to strengthen the protection of nuclear weapons before their use.
The alliance emphasizes that the exercise does not target any specific country, but sends a message of strength and readiness against any potential threat.