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Here's today's free edition. This is the World and Brief from The Economist.

Our top stories. The UN Security Council passed a resolution to boost the aid allowed into

Gaza. The intensely negotiated final draft calls on parties to

quote create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. America abstained from the vote, allowing the proposal to pass,

it had objected to earlier drafts that demanded a ceasefire and gave the UN,

rather than Israel, the power to inspect aid deliveries into the enclave.

Russia objecting to the weakened document also abstained.

In a policy shift seen as intended to help Ukraine's war effort, Japan is to allow

the sale of advanced Patriot air defence systems to America, despite the easing of its strict restrictions on weapons exports,

it cannot sell patriots which are American designed directly to Ukraine. But by adding to America's stockpile, the move

may free up other supplies. America's Supreme Court declined to fast track one of Donald Trump's appeals, opting to let it process first through lower courts. Jack Smith, the Special Counsel, trying the former President, for allegedly attempting to steal the 2020 election,

had requested the expedited review.

The trial is scheduled for March.

Mr. Trump, who denies wrongdoing, argues he should be immune from prosecution for actions he took while in office.

France will reportedly close its embassy in Niger, citing restrictions imposed by the country's military government on the mission's operations.

French diplomats had already left in September when tensions mounted following the army. and President. Local staff have now also been dismissed.

France withdrew all 1,500 of its troops stationed in its former colony.

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