Briefly

UNITED NATIONS

Washington needs to pay its dues: Statement

The top United Nations official on Thursday said the United States has a "legal obligation" to keep paying its dues that fund UN agencies after the White House announced that it was withdrawing support from more than 30 initiatives operated by the world body. "As we have consistently underscored, assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping budget, as approved by the General Assembly, are a legal obligation under the UN Charter for all Member States, including the United States," Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman, said in a statement.

MIDDLE EAST

Israeli attacks kill at least 13 across Gaza

Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 13 people, according to health officials, as US President Donald Trump was expected to announce the Board of Peace to oversee the fragile ceasefire. Health officials and family members said at least one child was among the dead in northern Gaza following several strikes there as well as east of Gaza City. Israel's army said on Friday it struck Hamas infrastructure and fighters in southern and northern Gaza in response to a failed projectile launched by militants from the Gaza City area.

Agencies Via Xinhua