ISTANBUL 

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start Saturday, including a synagogue attack in France, Israel's defense to South Africa's ICJ appeals and the latest developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

TOP STORIES

• French police shoot dead man during attempt to set fire to Rouen synagogue: Interior minister

French security forces shot and killed a man who was "clearly" trying to set fire to a synagogue in the northwestern city of Rouen, the country's interior minister announced Friday.

Police "neutralized early this morning an armed individual clearly wanting to set fire to the city's synagogue," Gerald Dermanin wrote on X.

The man, who was armed with a knife, according to local reports, tried to start a fire at the synagogue before police were called to the scene at 6.45 a.m. local time.

• Israel's defense to South Africa’s urgent appeal begins at ICJ

An Israeli delegation on Friday started defending at a two-day hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) upon the request of South Africa's urgent appeal.

The second day of the new hearing in The Hague began earlier with opening remarks delivered by Israeli representative Gilad Noam.

He said the notification of the hearing "came as a great surprise," adding that although Israel asked that the hearing be rescheduled to next week, it was rejected.

• Palestinian death toll surpasses 35,300 as Israel continues to pound Gaza

At least 35,303 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive on the Gaza Strip since October, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave said Friday.

A statement added that 79,261 victims have also been injured in the onslaught.

“Israeli attacks killed 31 people and injured 56 others in the last 24 hours,” it said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Putin hails energy cooperation with China, stresses tech integration

• UAE foreign minister warns of dangerous regional escalation

• 2 Thai hostages die in Gaza

• 13 countries sign joint letter warning Israel against major offensive in Rafah

• 2 civilians killed in Ukraine's drone attack on Russia's Belgorod region

• Parts of New Caledonia out of control, says official

• Palestinians continue to flee Rafah, with 630,000 since May 6: UN

• Half of Israelis favor Gantz over Netanyahu for premiership: Poll

• Spain turns back ship suspected of carrying arms to Israel

• Taiwan’s legislature sees brawls, booing and bruises concerning parliament reforms

• Houthis claim to have shot down US drone in Yemen’s Marib city

• Japan begins fresh release of nuclear waste amid concerns by China, Russia

• Slovakian premier in serious condition, undergoes another surgery: Defense minister

• Death toll from building collapse in South Africa reaches 33 as rescue operation ends

SPORTS

• Brazil announced as host of 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup

Brazil has been chosen to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the 10th edition of the football event, at the FIFA Congress in Thailand on Friday.

"At the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, Brazil was announced as the host nation of the tenth FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in 2027, becoming the first South American nation to host the tournament," FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA added that Brazil collected 119 votes, while the joint bid of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany received 78.

•  Palestinian football officials call for Israeli ban from FIFA

The Palestinian Football Association called for the immediate suspension of Israel from the world’s football governing body, FIFA.

During the 74th Congress in Bangkok, the association's President Jibril Rajoub took the stage to demand Israel's immediate suspension from international football.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• UN rapporteur calls for end to sanctions on China

A UN special rapporteur Friday demanded an end to sanctions on China, pointing out the “multifaceted negative” effect of such restrictions, including on jobs and Chinese students as well as education and academic cooperation with US and European institutions.

“China represents a particular case with regards to the impact of unilateral sanctions and means of their enforcement, given its strong and diverse economy and its growing global economic outreach,” said Alena Douhan.

• US arrests 2 Chinese for laundering $73 million tied to crypto scams

Two Chinese nationals were arrested in the US for laundering at least $73 million through shell companies tied to cryptocurrency investment scams, the Justice Department said Friday.

Daren Li, 41, a dual citizen of China and St. Kitts and Nevis, and a resident of China, Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates, was arrested April 12 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and subsequently transported to the Central District of California, it said in a statement.

Yicheng Zhang, 38, a Chinese national and resident of Temple City, California, was arrested Thursday in Los Angeles, it added.