Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Friday, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying he is “very open” to Türkiye hosting a trilateral leaders’ meeting on peace talks with Russia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing a largely empty UN General Assembly hall amid protests over Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling for abolishing the UN veto mechanism and strengthening the General Assembly.
TOP STORIES
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv is “very open” to Türkiye hosting a trilateral leaders’ meeting on peace negotiations, expressing support for the proposal during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Describing the meeting as productive, Zelenskyy said Erdogan had told him that he was ready to host a trilateral meeting at the leaders’ level.
“I said that if the president could organize (it), we will support the idea to be in Türkiye,” he said.
“We will be ready to come for such a summit,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly before a largely empty hall after delegations from several countries walked out in protest because of Israel's genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, as large demonstrations took place across New York.
Delegations left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu took the podium, protesting the premier, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Before Netanyahu's speech, large crowds demonstrated near UN headquarters and elsewhere in New York against his appearance and accused him of committing genocide in Gaza.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for the abolition of the UN veto mechanism, urging a shift from a system that protects only five members to one that encompasses all member states and a stronger, more effective General Assembly.
Speaking to journalists at the Turkish House (Türkevi Center) in New York, Erdogan said the existing structure, in which the will of more than 190 countries is constrained by the veto powers of five permanent members, cannot adequately uphold global stability and justice.
The president's remarks came after his participation in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where he reiterated Türkiye's support for multilateralism and emphasized the need for a more inclusive and equitable global system.
NEWS IN BRIEF
• US President Donald Trump highlighted improving relations between the United States and China during a state dinner honoring his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
• French President Emmanuel Macron said he had warned US President Donald Trump that a possible US ban on diesel exports would raise fuel prices, calling the move a “bad” decision.
• European Council President Antonio Costa urged reform of the UN and its Security Council and expressed regret about the "impasse" in the Gaza Strip and Palestine, saying it was "prolonging the suffering" of millions of civilians.
• The United Arab Emirates suspended flights by Iranian air carriers to and from the country until further notice, according to the state-run WAM news agency.
• Colombia formally severed diplomatic relations with Iran due to "national and hemispheric security concerns," alleged links to international terrorist and narcoterrorist groups, and human rights violations.
• Gaza's economy has entered the world's "most severe crisis on record," with recovery and reconstruction needs reaching $71.5 billion amid widespread destruction of productive capacity, according to a UN report.
• Kazakhstan said that nine of its servicemen were confirmed dead after being swept out to sea during a naval military exercise in the Caspian Sea.
• Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the leading party in the country’s legislative elections, securing 97 seats, according to results announced by the Interior Ministry.
• The spokesman of the Saudi-led coalition for Yemen said six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels were intercepted and destroyed, thwarting an attempt to target the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu.
• Italy's Council of Ministers approved a school decree that bans face coverings including the burqa and niqab in schools and introduces a 30% cap on certain foreign pupils in first-year classes, the national news agency ANSA reported.
• A large crowd of protesters gathered in New York to denounce Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his address to the UN General Assembly, demanding he face prosecution for his war crimes.
• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani hit back at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticisms in his UN General Assembly address, pointing to an international warrant seeking the visiting prime minister’s arrest.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
The US and China agreed to extend a bilateral trade truce that would have expired in November through Jan. 10, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
Bessent also hinted that there could be further announcements in the coming days from the Chinese delegation, such as agreements to buy more US agricultural products and potential deals in the financial services sector.
SPORTS
Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off for using the corner flag to mimic a gun while celebrating his goal in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Austria in the Nations League.
The referee had booked Abu Farchi four minutes earlier and showed him a second yellow card for the celebration, leaving Israel with 10 players.
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