Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Dozens of countries meeting in Paris for a conference on the situation in Lebanon have pledged more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid and support for the Lebanese army, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Thursday.
"We have collectively raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the security forces," Mr Barrot said at the end of the conference, which was also attended by international organisations including the UN.
Key issues discussed included an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and the posting of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south of the country, in line with UN Resolution 1701, which ended the last round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah nearly two decades ago.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed gratitude for the show of international solidarity: "We have seen a strong solidarity with Lebanon and [calls for] a ceasefire as soon as possible. Today, I can feel that Lebanon is not alone."
The event highlighted the worsening humanitarian and security crisis in Lebanon, exacerbated by sectarian tensions as Israel attacks largely Hezbollah-aligned Shiite communities.
Israel responded last month to Hezbollah's increased cross-border attacks in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza with a bombing campaign that has wiped out much of the group's leadership.
The war has displaced more than a million people and deepened Lebanon's economic crisis. At more than 2,500, the number of those killed has already passed the death toll of the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006.
Today, I feel that Lebanon is not alone
Najib Mikati,
Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon
"No external power can impose the hegemony of a community in Lebanon," said Mr Barrot, in an apparent reference to Iran. "The Shiite community, which is most affected by the ongoing war, has all its place in Lebanon and must continue to live in security under the protection of the state."
"This war threatens the very cohesion of this country, which has already been deeply weakened in recent years by an unprecedented succession of political and economic crises," added Mr Barrot. "Its 15 years of growth in Lebanon have been wiped out."
Commitment to UN resolution 1701
Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, was among those who called for a ceasefire.
Speaking to The National at the conference, Ms Al Kaabi said it was important Lebanese politicians agreed on appointing a new president after a two-year vacancy that has further enervated institutions weakened by a financial crisis. She told delegates random bombings were raising the threat of war spreading further across the region.
"The UAE is very committed to making sure there is a de-escalation and a commitment to UN Resolution 1701," she said.
Resolution 1701 required the full withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon and for Israel to stop entering Lebanese airspace. Neither was executed, with Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace and Hezbollah maintaining its paramilitary presence in the region.
The international community should support the country's army, Ms Al Kaabi added. "There has to be a political resolution that all parties should adhere to."
The UAE pledged $130 million at the beginning of the crisis and has recently shipped the equivalent of more than 50 planeloads of aid that will arrive in Lebanon on Friday.
It is also working on sending 40 tonnes of additional food supplies to Lebanese refugees in Syria and to the Syrians returning to their country, said Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations.
More aid for Lebanon announced on Thursday included a French pledge of €100 million ($108 million). Germany has announced €96 million in aid, the UK £15 million ($19.5 million), while Ireland on Wednesday said it would give €5 million. The UN had previously estimated the urgent humanitarian needs in Lebanon to be $426 million.
A follow-up conference aimed at strengthening the Lebanese army is expected to take place in Rome. While the army says it has indicated its readiness to take on a more prominent role in southern Lebanon, it insists that more international support is crucial. The Lebanese cabinet has already approved hiring an extra 1,500 soldiers but there are plans for the recruitment of 6,000 more.
However, hopes for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza remain dim. With neither Iranian nor Israeli representatives in attendance, the Paris conference was not expected to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough.
Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the event, Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheal Martin, warned of the escalating dangers in the region.
"There was no evidence yet" for a ceasefire, Mr Martin said. "But people are very worried in terms of further escalation in the region and what that can do to the world at large."
Mr Mikati said the effects of the war cannot be overstated. "My heart is heavy and this is because we have to increasingly be mobilised and active to support our country." He said the war was leaving a "trail of destruction and misery", inflicting severe damage to the country’s infrastructure, and economy and social fabric.
Mr Mikati was accompanied by Hezbollah's representative in his cabinet, Minister of Public Works Ali Hamiyeh, as well as Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Industry Minister George Bouchikian, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin and Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan.
Mr Hamiyeh told The National that discussions were continuing on the "modalities" of the application of Resolution 1701. The Lebanese cabinet and Hezbollah say they have accepted it in principle. Israel has reportedly asked for changes to the resolution, which would give its military more leeway to continue operating in Lebanon.
Questions were raised during the conference about US level of attendance in the absence of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was replaced by Richard Verma, Deputy Secretary of Management and Resources.
Mr Barrot denied rumours of tension between Washington and Paris, saying the US had pledged about $300 million alone in humanitarian aid for Lebanon. "I want to salute the exceptional US contribution to this conference," he said.
Meanwhile, NGOs hailed announcements of more humanitarian aid but criticised the lack of political will, including in France, to pressurise Israel into ending its wars in Lebanon and Gaza.
"This masks a deliberate choice to continue to support a partner that is starving two million people in Gaza and is finishing off Lebanon after years of crisis," said Jean-Francois Corty, president of Medecins du Monde. "This shows this conference is more about communication. Politicians shouldn't be trying to do humanitarian work, they should do politics."
Related
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
British Grand Prix free practice times in the third and final session at Silverstone on Saturday (top five):
1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:28.063 (18 laps)
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:28.095 (14)
3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:28.137 (20)
4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:28.732 (15)
5. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) 1:29.480 (14)
Overall standings
1. Christopher Froome (GBR/Sky) 68hr 18min 36sec,
2. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) at 0:18.
3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:23.
4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 0:29.
5. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 1:17.
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
Book%20Details
%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EThree%20Centuries%20of%20Travel%20Writing%20by%20Muslim%20Women%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEditors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiobhan%20Lambert-Hurley%2C%20Daniel%20Majchrowicz%2C%20Sunil%20Sharma%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIndiana%20University%20Press%3B%20532%20pages%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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
The biog
Name: James Mullan
Nationality: Irish
Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”
Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Western Clubs Champions League:
- Friday, Sep 8 - Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Bahrain
- Friday, Sep 15 – Kandy v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
- Friday, Sep 22 – Kandy v Bahrain
Women%E2%80%99s%20Asia%20Cup
%3Cp%3ESylhet%2C%20Bangladesh%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20results%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ELost%20to%20Sri%20Lanka%20by%2011%20runs%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20fixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ETue%20Oct%204%2C%20v%20India%3Cbr%3EWed%20Oct%205%2C%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EFri%20Oct%207%2C%20v%20Thailand%3Cbr%3ESun%20Oct%209%2C%20v%20Pakistan%3Cbr%3ETue%20Oct%2011%2C%20v%20Bangladesh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
LIGUE 1 FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Nice v Angers (9pm)
Lille v Monaco (10.45pm)
Saturday
Montpellier v Paris Saint-Germain (7pm)
Bordeaux v Guingamp (10pm)
Caen v Amiens (10pm)
Lyon v Dijon (10pm)
Metz v Troyes (10pm)
Sunday
Saint-Etienne v Rennes (5pm)
Strasbourg v Nantes (7pm)
Marseille v Toulouse (11pm)
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
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
The%20specs
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Arabian Gulf League fixtures:
Friday:
- Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
- Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
- Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm
Saturday:
- Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
- Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
- Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
Takreem Awards winners 2021
Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)
Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)
Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)
Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
Company%20profile%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EElggo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20August%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Luma%20Makari%20and%20Mirna%20Mneimneh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Education%20technology%20%2F%20health%20technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Four%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
The specs: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster
Price, base: Dh708,750
Engine: 1.5L three-cylinder petrol, plus 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 374hp (total)
Torque: 570Nm (total)
Fuel economy, combined: 2.0L / 100km
