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Briefing of KUNA main news for Friday until 00:00 GMT

KUWAIT -- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sends a cable of congratulations to King Abdullah II on the National Day of Jordan.

JEDDAH -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman expresses condolences to Iran's interim president Mohammad Mokhber over the demise of president Ibrahim Raisi.

KUWAIT -- The International Court of Justice orders the Israeli occupation forces to "immediately" halt their assault on Rafah and to withdraw troops.

RIYADH -- GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi welcomes the ICJ order for Israeli occupation forces to stop their aggression on Rafah immediately.

JEDDAH -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomes the ICJ order for the Israeli occupation forces to halt their aggression on Rafah.

CAIRO -- Egypt reaffirms its joint sovereignty with Palestine over Rafah border crossing, and prepares for resuming the dispatching of aid into Gaza via Rafah crossing.

PARIS -- French President receives the contact group from the Arab League and the OIC to discuss the conflict in the Middle East.

WASHINGTON -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delegates his duties his Deputy Kathleen Hicks due to medical procedure he will undergo. (end) gb