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This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

Mike Johnson, America's Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, quote strongly,

discouraged releasing an ethics report about Matt Gates, Donald Trump's

pick for Attorney General, arguing it breaks House, quote, tradition, because Mr. Gates is no longer

a member of Congress. Mr. Gates, a divisive Republican, resigned following his nomination this week.

He was being investigated over allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, which he denies.

Israeli strikes killed five paramedics at a civil defence centre in southern Lebanon,

according to the country's health ministry.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces ordered residents of Borja al-Brasnir, a suburb in Beirut, the capital, to evacuate. Shortly after

Lebanese media reported strikes on buildings in the area, the IDF claims they housed Hizbola

facilities.

Olaf Schultz, Germany's Chancellor and Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, spoke on the phone for the first time in nearly two years. Mr. Schultz condemned Russia's aggression and reiterated

Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, according to a German government spokesperson.

He urged Mr Putin to engage in, quote, serious talks for a, quote, just and lasting peace.

Mr. Putin blamed NATO for the war.

The coalition led by Anura Kumar Disaniaki, Sri Lanka's new president, swept a victory in a snap general election.

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