France’s premier quits hours after naming government

PARIS (AP) — France’s new prime minister has resigned just a day after naming his government and following less than a month in office. Sébastien Lecornu was France’s fourth prime minister in barely a year. The French presidency said Monday that President Emmanuel Macron accepted his resignation. Lecornu’s choice of ministers had faced criticism across the political spectrum. His decision to bring back former Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire to serve at the defense ministry was particularly contentious. It’s now up to Macron either to name a new head of government or to dissolve the National Assembly and call an early legislative election.

ICC makes the first conviction over past atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The International Criminal Court has convicted a leader of the feared Janjaweed militia of playing a leading role in atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region over 20 years ago. It’s the first time the court has convicted a suspect of crimes in Darfur. The court ruled Monday that the atrocities were part of a government plan to snuff out a rebellion in the western region of Sudan. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman showed no emotion as the presiding judge read out 27 guilty verdicts. He will be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum life sentence.

Pivotal talks between Israel and Hamas begin in Egypt on eve of Gaza war anniversary

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli and Hamas officials have launched indirect talks in Egypt on a potential ceasefire in Gaza. They are discussing the U.S.-drafted peace plan to end the war on the eve of its second anniversary. The negotiations focus on a ceasefire’s first stage. That includes the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to join. Many uncertainties remain about the plan including the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza. Israel continues with airstrikes despite Trump’s order to stop.

Ukraine says it struck Russian ammunition plant, oil terminal and weapons depot

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine has launched long-range drone and missile attacks on key Russian targets. Authorities said Monday that these included an ammunition plant, an oil terminal in Crimea and a weapons depot. The strikes are part of Ukraine’s strategy to pressure Russia’s military logistics. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country is using domestically produced weapons and aims to expand these capabilities with foreign funding. Ukraine’s defense industry is growing with plans to export surplus weapons by the end of the year. The country hopes to provide at least half of its front-line weapons needs with domestically produced arms.