ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Friday with, including France saying Israel’s detention of two of its diplomatic staff in Jerusalem is "unacceptable,” Mpox cases rising 545% across Africa this year according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and NATO’s secretary general warning that a Russian victory in Ukraine would threaten both Europe and the US.

TOP STORIES

• France says Israeli detention of 2 of its diplomatic staff in Jerusalem 'unacceptable'

The French Foreign Ministry said that two staff members of France's Consulate General in Jerusalem were arrested by Israeli security and later released after the country’s foreign minister intervened.

"As part of a trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, the minister (Jean-Noel Barrot) was due to visit Eleona, a French national estate," the ministry said in a statement.

Noting that Israeli security forces entered the site under the French administration "armed without authorization," it said: "The minister did not wish to visit the estate under these conditions."

• Mpox cases rise 545% across Africa: Public health agency

The African continent has seen an increase of mpox cases of 545% in 2024 compared to last year, according to data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

This year, 50,840 suspected cases have been recorded in 19 African countries and 1,083 deaths, the figures showed.

The Central African region, which is the hardest hit, accounts for 85.8% of all cases and 99.4% of fatalities recorded.

• Russian victory in Ukraine would threaten both Europe and US, NATO chief warns

A Russian victory in Ukraine would not only jeopardize Europe but also the US, the head of NATO warned.

“If Russia would be successful in Ukraine, you would have an emboldened Russia at our border, having gained land mass, having gained a huge defense force of Ukraine, but also the ingenuity of the Ukrainian people. So that will be a threat not only to Europe, the European part of NATO, but also to the United States,” Mark Rutte said in doorstep remarks at the European Political Community meeting in Hungary’s capital Budapest.

Rutte also noted that Russia’s military efforts against Ukraine are heavily supported by China, Iran and North Korea, also underlining the recent involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Türkiye's UN envoy Ahmet Yildiz expressed "grave concern" about rising violence and continued violations of international law by Israel and urged immediate international action.
• The White House said the outgoing Biden administration will prioritize keeping the government open until President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
• A massive wildfire in the state of California has already forced the evacuation of more than 14,000 residents.
• The State Department said the US has engaged in discussions with Israel in the last week about setting up an initial meeting to discuss incidents of civilian harm in the Gaza Strip.
• Years before his reelection to the White House, Donald Trump promised to address Congress wearing a taekwondo uniform.
• The UN warned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Gaza, saying the entire population is at "imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence."
• Russia is not expecting sanctions to be lifted quickly following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, said Aleksandr Shohin, president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
• Austria's Health Ministry declared the entire country to be at high risk of bird flu and announced the implementation of strict new biosecurity measures beginning at midnight.
• Türkiye is acting with a strategic perspective towards full EU membership, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his French counterpart.
• The Ukrainian president said there is no alternative to a strong Europe, calling for unity among European countries to reach peace amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pledged to further strengthen relations with France for the future of Europe.
• Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Donald Trump's win in the US presidential election could be beneficial for Europe.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Beijing to encourage strengthening strategic ties and enhancing mutual political trust to support their core interests.
• German police arrested a former US military employee on suspicion of attempting to pass sensitive information to Chinese intelligence services.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking with US President-elect Donald Trump before his inauguration.
• Europe must become the master of its "own destiny," the president of the European Council said in response to Donald Trump's second term as US president.
• Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces have taken control of the village of Kreminna Balka in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
• If the US invites Russia to reassess the current state of relations on a fair basis, Russia is prepared to engage, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
• German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on political leaders to act responsibly and prioritize national stability following the unexpected dissolution of the country's left-liberal coalition government.
• The Israeli army rounded up at least 18 Palestinians in military raids in the occupied West Bank, according to prisoners’ affairs groups.
• Israel, which continues to strike both Gaza and Lebanon, announced signing a deal to purchase 25 next generation F-15 fighter jets from US aviation giant Boeing.

SPORTS

• Galatasaray upset 10-man Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in UEFA Europa League

Galatasaray sealed a 3-2 win against a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur on matchday four of the UEFA Europa League.

Yunus Akgun scored an early goal with a long-range rocket to give Galatasaray the lead in the sixth minute at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park in Istanbul.

But William Lankshear leveled with a close-range shot in the 19th minute for the English club.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• US Federal Reserve lowers interest rate by 25 basis points

The US Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 25 basis points to the range of 4.5%-4.75%.

The move was the second rate cut by the central bank in four years, since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.


In September, the bank lowered rates by 50 basis points, exceeding market expectations.