Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
While Lebanese politicians are condemning Tuesday's Israeli drone strikes on Beirut that killed Hamas's number two, there is an unmistakable sense the episode has underlined the powerlessness authorities have over the conflict with Israel, which has now moved to the capital.
And yet as Hamas and its allies – the so-called Axis of Resistance – threaten revenge for the killing of Saleh Al Arouri and six other Hamas members, the Lebanese government insists it is trying to calm matters, even if previous efforts have achieved little.
"Hamas leadership are present in Doha, in Turkey," said a representative from the Lebanese Forces, parliament's largest party.
"We didn't see such attacks in Doha and Turkey. Why? Because the state in Doha and Turkey is controlling the whole dynamics of these people. Here it's a totally chaotic situation. The state has no say in anything, it is a mere observer of events."
The LF is highly critical of groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas using Lebanese territory to conduct operations they say have taken place outside of state control.
"What were the interests of the Lebanese people yesterday?" the representative added.
"The trauma suffered by the Lebanese people since yesterday is for nothing. People are reconsidering everything, they are reconsidering going to work today, travelling in and out of the country.
"Everything was affected one way or another. For what purpose?"
The Lebanese government has strongly condemned Israel's actions in Palestinian territories since October 7, when Hamas went on a rampage in southern Israel. But the state, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, has refrained from directly entering the conflict.
Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, however, has engaged in daily cross-border clashes with Israel since the start of war in Gaza.
In the aftermath of Tuesday's attacks, Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib underlined the near complete lack of control. He said the government was seeking to convince Hezbollah not to respond, stressing it would become apparent if the group intend to do so within the next day.
"We are very concerned, [the] Lebanese don't want to be dragged – even Hezbollah does not want to be dragged – into a regional war," he said.
Hezbollah leader's speech eagerly awaited
Hezbollah says its attacks on northern Israel are aimed at alleviating the pressure on Hamas and other Palestinian allies in Gaza, which is being pummelled by a barrage of Israeli attacks from the air and on the ground.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati accused Israel on Tuesday of trying to "drag Lebanon further into the Israel-Gaza war". Mr Mikati, along with other ministers, have long voiced their wish to avoid such a scenario. But those calls have seemingly gone unheeded as daily clashes persist in southern Lebanon.
The country, once again, awaits Hassan Nasrallah's evening speech with bated breath, unsure what the response of the Hezbollah leader will be to the assassination of a close ally in a densely populated area of southern Beirut.
Israel's drone strike and breach of Lebanese sovereignty has been condemned from all sides but has also given the fiercest critics of Hezbollah a reason to once again decry a group they say is acting outside government authority.
"This is a brutal violation of the sovereignty of Lebanon," said a representative of the so-called opposition, a bloc of MPs that comprises about a third of parliament and includes the LF.
"But it's a brutal violation also of the sovereignty in all directions, not only the drone strike," the source said.
They were referring to the daily cross-border exchange of gunfire in which Hezbollah and its Palestinian allies have engaged with Israel.
"Make no mistake, we are not condemning the Palestinian cause," the opposition source added. "We are for the Palestinian cause 100 per cent. But how exactly are we helping their cause?"
if you go
The flights
Fly direct to Kutaisi with Flydubai from Dh925 return, including taxes. The flight takes 3.5 hours. From there, Svaneti is a four-hour drive. The driving time from Tbilisi is eight hours.
The trip
The cost of the Svaneti trip is US$2,000 (Dh7,345) for 10 days, including food, guiding, accommodation and transfers from and to Tbilisi or Kutaisi. This summer the TCT is also offering a 5-day hike in Armenia for $1,200 (Dh4,407) per person. For further information, visit www.transcaucasiantrail.org/en/hike/
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
WWE TLC results
Asuka won the SmackDown Women's title in a TLC triple threat with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair
Dean Ambrose won the Intercontinental title against Seth Rollins
Daniel Bryan retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against AJ Styles
Ronda Rousey retained the Raw Women's Championship against Nia Jax
Rey Mysterio beat Randy Orton in a chairs match
Finn Balor defeated Drew McIntyre
Natalya beat Ruby Riott in a tables match
Braun Strowman beat Baron Corbin in a TLC match
Sheamus and Cesaro retained the SmackDown Tag Titles against The Usos and New Day
R-Truth and Carmella won the Mixed Match Challenge by beating Jinder Mahal and Alicia Fox
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
Aldar Properties Abu Dhabi T10
*November 15 to November 24
*Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
*Tickets: Start at Dh10, from ttensports.com
*TV: Ten Sports
*Streaming: Jio Live
*2017 winners: Kerala Kings
*2018 winners: Northern Warriors
