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The US has recorded more than 2,000 fatalities due to the novel coronavirus in a single day, becoming the first country to do so.
According to the latest data, 2,108 people deaths have died in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 18,671, and the number of infections crossing more than half a million.
It comes as experts on the White House COVID-19 task force confirmed that the outbreak was stabilising, but hadn't peaked.
Researchers predict that the death toll would hit its peak on Friday and then gradually begin to decline.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump ordered his administration to help Italy in fighting the coronavirus by providing medical supplies, humanitarian relief and other assistance.
US President Donald Trump will follow up his summit with Xi Jinping by taking the Chinese leader on Friday to the US National Archives, where they are expected to stress views about the history and direction of ties between their countries.
France will send troops and defence systems to Saudi Arabia to help protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu, which is key for energy transport, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned that the Palestinian economy is currently facing “the most severe economic crisis recorded anywhere in the world", with an estimate $71.5 billion needed for recovery.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mounted a forceful defence of Israel's actions in the region at the UN, seeking to counter growing international isolation ahead of elections he could lose, as dozens of delegates streamed out.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday for a lavish state summit expected to be heavy on symbolism but light on substance, with both leaders keen to showcase stable ties despite a host of thorny issues.
A total of 17 tanks were seized for the illegal disposal of harmful materials during the first half of the year, Dubai Police announced on Friday, adding that 18 suspects were detained.
Flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE have been suspended until further notice, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has looked at strengthening international humanitarian response during talks with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in New York.
Trump to wrap up Xi summit with a tour of US archives
France to send military to protect Saudi Arabia, Macron says
Gaza facing world's worst economic crisis, says UNCTAD
At UN, Netanyahu defends Israel as delegates walk out
Trump welcomes Xi to Washington looking for a trade win
