The National Times - News around the clock from Sydney, Australia and around the world

The UN's top court on Friday said Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its war with Hamas and allow aid into Gaza, but stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting.

The White House said Friday it was "deeply troubled" by the first-ever execution in the United States using nitrogen gas, an untested method which also drew condemnation from the United Nations and European Union.

The Baltimore Ravens have received a major boost ahead of their AFC Championship showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with tight end Mark Andrews available again after two months out with injury.

Yemen's Huthis claimed Friday a missile strike on a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden that set the vessel on fire, the latest attack on international shipping by the Iran-backed rebels.

Elfyn Evans held on to his lead in the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally on Friday but serial winner Sebastien Ogier was lurking only a handful of seconds behind.

European Council chief Charles Michel announced Friday he was dropping a bid to try and win a seat in upcoming EU parliament elections after coming under "personal attacks".

American swimmer Lia Thomas, who became the first transgender athlete to win a US national college title, is taking legal action in a bid to be allowed compete again in elite female competition, including the Paris Olympics.

Palestinians trapped in the grip of war were caught between feelings of pride and frustration on Friday following the UN's top court saying Israel must prevent genocide in Gaza.

Thousands of people took to the streets across Austria on Friday to protest against right-wing extremism and racism, inspired by similar rallies in neighbouring Germany.

Mike Maignan, the victim of racist abuse in AC Milan's last match, is "serene and strong" ahead of his next Serie A game, coach Stefano Pioli said on Friday.

Aaron Wainwright has given Welsh rugby union a major boost ahead of the Six Nations by agreeing a new contract with regional side the Dragons.

Fans of Taylor Swift and politicians expressed outrage on Friday at AI-generated fake porn images that went viral on X and were still available on other platforms.

France's top farmers' union won a number of concessions from the government on Friday after it blockaded major routes into Paris in protests focused on pay, taxes and regulations.

Drivers will climb into their sulkies at Vincennes hippodrome on the outskirts of Paris on Sunday for harness trotting's Holy Grail - the Prix d'Amerique.

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will leave Napoli this summer and join "either Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or an English club", the Italian club's president and owner Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Friday.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso on Friday played down speculation he could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in the summer, saying: "what comes next, I don't know".

The UK's failed free trade talks with Canada show that it is struggling to deliver on its promises to thrive after Brexit, experts said on Friday.

Europe's main stock markets shot higher Friday, with Paris closing at a record high as shares in LVMH surged on record annual profits at the French luxury group.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi refused to be drawn on talk he could succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool following the German's shock decision to quit at the end of this season.

The World Health Organization on Friday denied Israel's claim that the WHO was in collusion with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the "military use" of hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

Mike Maignan, the victim of racist abuse in AC Milan's last match, is "serene and strong" ahead of his next Serie A game, coach Stefano Pioli said on Friday.

Lando Norris signed a "multi-year" contract extension with McLaren on Friday to end speculation over his Formula One future.

Three lions kept in captivity in Ukraine arrived at a wildlife park in France on Friday after their rescue from the war-ravaged country.

Britain's King Charles III was said to be "doing well" after undergoing scheduled prostate surgery on Friday, at the same private clinic where his daughter-in-law is recovering from an operation.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp plans to take a break from football for a year once his time in charge at Anfield finishes at the end of the season.

The reactions to the top UN court's ruling Friday in the Israel-Gaza case were split along the lines of the war raging in the Palestinian territory.

Everton manager Sean Dyche underlined his confidence in Dominic Calvert-Lewin by insisting Friday an end to the striker's goal drought was "coming his way".

South Africa on Friday hailed a ruling by the United Nations' top court that Israel should do everything it can to prevent any acts of genocide in Gaza, with President Cyril Ramaphosa saying he hoped it would lead to a ceasefire.

Hailed by exasperated motorists or condemned as a vigilante who risks lives, a saboteur known as "Fleximan" has been destroying speed cameras across northern Italy, sparking a national debate.

Education campaigners demanded government action Friday after new figures revealed the number of children in England being homeschooled jumped more than 13 percent in one term last year.

Jurgen Klopp's shock decision to step down at the end of the season leaves Liverpool looking for a new manager for the first time in nearly a decade.

The United States, which ships more liquefied natural gas (LNG) than any other country, is hitting pause on new export facilities, the Biden administration announced Friday in a step hailed as vital to tackling the climate crisis.