The once vibrant square in one of Beit Hanoun’s tight-knit communities was a favourite place for residents to hang out, drinking sugared mint tea late into the night, and lighting small fires in the absence of electricity.
Israeli air bombardments reduced it to rubble during the 11-day war with militants in the Gaza Strip in May.
All of the residents survived, but the trauma — and an onset of post-traumatic stress — sticks with them.
“We now start to determine whether the traumatic events of the war turn into post-traumatic stress or not,” said Mahmoud Awad, a psychologist with Medecins Sans Frontieres at Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza.
“A natural response to any traumatic event is usually to ‘fight, flight or freeze’," he added.
In any other war, people have the opportunity to escape, but in Gaza, you can’t run anywhere; you can’t run from the bombs
Mahmoud Awad,
psychologist
“In any other war, people have the opportunity to escape, but in Gaza, you can’t run anywhere; you can’t run from the bombs. There is nowhere to go; no border to cross.”
Mr Awad and his colleague Merva Abu Anour see dozens of patients each week. The hospital has just hired a third psychologist, determining that mental health needs are higher than expected.
Gaza has been under a blockade since June 2007, which has restricted imports, exports and the movement of people. For a person to cross the border, they must obtain a permit through a long bureaucratic process. Leaving — even to take a mental break — is nearly impossible.
“Gaza is in a constant state of humanitarian crisis due to the long-running blockade, and the escalation of violence over recent weeks has compounded an already catastrophic situation,” said Helen Ottens-Patterson, the MSF head of mission in Gaza. She said she was worried about how people were going to cope and rebuild what has been destroyed.
Taghrid Nassir, 37, has been plagued by nightmares after her apartment on the top floor of a family house near the square was reduced to rubble.
“I wake up screaming most nights,” she said.
More than one month on, she sits with her fingers nervously shaking as she tries to put a confident smile on her face for her children. Like most Gazans, she had never really considered seeing a psychologist — the opportunity is largely unavailable. But with her neighbourhood among the most devastated in Beit Hanoun, teams of mental health workers have regularly visited the affected families, including Ms Nassir.
“What broke me was my son Mahmoud reciting the Shehada after the first bomb fell,” Ms Nassir said, referring to the Islamic proclamation of faith. “He is only four years old, but he mumbled the words because he was sure he’d be dying. He had accepted it.”
While the family survived the bombings, the trauma haunts them.
“Earlier today Mahmoud asked me why I was cleaning the apartment because it would surely be bombed again in the future,” Ms Nassir said. “My children live in constant fear. I don’t know how they will overcome this.”
The 11-day war killed at least 256 Palestinians and 13 people in Israel. More than 2,000 homes were destroyed and thousands more damaged in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian territory's Ministry of Public Works, uprooting tens of thousands of people. There is little prospect of rebuilding starting soon.
Jawaher Nassir, 24, said she ran to the nearby hospital after the first bomb fell on May 10, forgetting to grab her five-month-old son Mohammad from their home near the square.
“I screamed when I realised,” she said. “Above, I could hear airplanes as I was running back for my child, the roads empty and dark. I saved him minutes before the next bombs fell.”
More than a month later, the young mother said she was struggling. “Each time I hear a drone or a plane in the sky, the memories come back. I see images of my son at home, alone. I am terrified.”
While Israel and Hamas agreed on an Egypt-brokered ceasefire, the situation in the strip remains volatile. A lasting truce with binding agreements from both sides has yet to be signed.
“A ceasefire is solely a cessation of fighting, without dealing with the underlying causes,” said Dr Basem Naim, a member of the Hamas group that rules Gaza and head of the Council on International Relations, adding that it could break down at any moment.
Fear of a new escalation is widespread among Gazans.
Last month’s hostilities resulted in more than 9,000 injuries, according to the World Health Organisation. Many, such as those who lost limbs, must get used to completely different lifestyles, which can cause severe depression.
Ibrahim Amman, 30, is recovering at Al Awda hospital, his legs in supports. After seven operations, it is still not certain that they can be saved.
“One of the missiles hit our house directly,” he said, sitting in a wheelchair. “I was trapped under rubble for hours, screaming.”
Mr Amman said he never expected his house to be hit. “I didn’t think we were at risk at all. My family isn’t political and neither is anyone else in the neighbourhood.”
Three of his sisters and his father were killed in the blast. Mr Amman — then in intensive care — could not attend their funerals. What haunts him are the hours trapped under rubble. Since being admitted to hospital, he has been talking to Mr Awad regularly, processing the events of the last month.
“Here in Gaza, people have developed high levels of resilience, and this might help them overcome the trauma they have experienced,” Mr Awad said.
Mr Amman said he did not see a future in Gaza, but did not have the choice to leave. “It’s not an option; it’s impossible for us,” he said. “That’s why I don’t think about it."
He rolls up the sleeve of his T-shirt to show a fading tattoo on his right upper arm, created by an amateur friend: three birds around the word “free”.
MATCH INFO
Delhi Daredevils 174-4 (20 ovs)
Mumbai Indians 163 (19.3 ovs)
Delhi won the match by 11 runs
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
What is the definition of an SME?
SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.
A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
England 19 (Try: Tuilagi; Cons: Farrell; Pens: Ford (4)
New Zealand 7 (Try: Savea; Con: Mo'unga)
More on animal trafficking
More on animal trafficking
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
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TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 2pm:
Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]
Not before 7pm:
Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]
Court One
Starting at midday:
Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)
Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)
Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
City's slump
L - Juventus, 2-0
D - C Palace, 2-2
W - N Forest, 3-0
L - Liverpool, 2-0
D - Feyenoord, 3-3
L - Tottenham, 4-0
L - Brighton, 2-1
L - Sporting, 4-1
L - Bournemouth, 2-1
L - Tottenham, 2-1
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Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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