Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
The father of Shani Louk has criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said his daughter was "killed on the spot" by Hamas militants before she could be taken to Gaza.
Ms Louk, a 22-year-old Israeli-German citizen, was one of more than 270 people killed by militants during an attack on the Nova music festival that took place near Kibbutz Re'im on October 7.
Her father, Nissim Louk, said he took comfort from knowing she was not being held as a hostage in Gaza.
“She was killed on the spot and not only did she not suffer, 10 minutes earlier she was still enjoying herself," he said.
He condemned Mr Netanyahu and his government, which he believes should have done more to prevent the attack.
"It's been excellent on the civilian side. The Israeli people have a good heart and a sense of community, but our government has been MIA for the past 20 years," he told Israel's Ynet news.
"If the Prime Minister were to show up at my house, I'd tell him to leave, since he bears much responsibility for what happened."
He described his daughter as "a beautiful girl who loved to dance" and that he would remember her as "very smart and witty".
Ms Louk's body was seen lying on the back of a pickup truck being driven near the Israel-Gaza border on October 7.
Her family initially believed she was kidnapped and taken to Gaza, but were later informed of her death by Israeli authorities.
A bone from the base of her skull was found at the Nova festival site and was matched to her DNA by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.
“It is assumed she was dragged on to that pickup truck after she was already dead,” her aunt told Israeli radio.
“Maybe there can be comfort in the thought that she died fast and the abuse to her body was perhaps done when she was already gone."
Ms Louk's death was announced on social media on Monday by her sister, Adi, and mother Ricarda Louk.
“With immense sorrow, we announce the death of my sister Shani Nicole Louk,” Adi Louk wrote.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose government has supported Israel as it launched retaliatory attacks on Gaza, said Hamas had to be held accountable for the killing.
"For me, this news is terrible. This shows all the barbarism that lies behind Hamas," Mr Scholz said during an official visit to Nigeria.
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The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
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Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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