Mourners carry the coffin of senior Hezbollah commander Yasser Nemr Qranbish, who was killed by an Israeli air strike in Syria near the border with Lebanon, at his funeral in Beirut. AP
Mourners carry the coffin of senior Hezbollah commander Yasser Nemr Qranbish, who was killed by an Israeli air strike in Syria near the border with Lebanon, at his funeral in Beirut. AP
Mourners carry the coffin of senior Hezbollah commander Yasser Nemr Qranbish, who was killed by an Israeli air strike in Syria near the border with Lebanon, at his funeral in Beirut. AP
Mourners carry the coffin of senior Hezbollah commander Yasser Nemr Qranbish, who was killed by an Israeli air strike in Syria near the border with Lebanon, at his funeral in Beirut. AP

Hamas allies vow to halt attacks if Gaza ceasefire reached as talks yield 'concessions'


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Yemen's Houthi rebels and Iraqi militias have informed their ally Hamas they will cease attacks on Israeli targets if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza, aiming to provide the Palestinian faction with greater flexibility during negotiations, three sources within the armed factions told The National on Thursday.

The stance, following Hezbollah's confirmation that Hamas was negotiating on behalf of the Iran-backed militias in the region, came as the militant group and Israel had made "significant concessions" during intense talks over recent days, according to two sources involved in the process.

They said Hamas and Israel had reached a "framework agreement" for a ceasefire that would stop the devastating nine-month-long war, but cautioned that timelines and many "intricate details" are yet to be ironed out.

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the powerful Lebanese Hezbollah, said on Wednesday the so-called anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" would accept any deal to which Hamas agrees, despite Israel's warning that a ceasefire would not affect other fronts and would not end its war with the heavily armed group.

Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the central Gaza Strip. AP
Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the central Gaza Strip. AP

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby told The National on Thursday that attacks from the Houthis and other Iran-backed groups should stop immediately.

“They need to stop now,” Mr Kirby said, speaking on the sidelines of the Nato summit in Washington.

“These are attacks that never should have happened in the first place. President [Joe] Biden put together a coalition of some 20 nations in the Red Sea to shoot those attacks down, they need to stop now.”

The pledges from Hamas's allies come as the Middle East stands on the precipice of large-scale regional war, as tensions rise between Israel and Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iraq. Israel has long accused Iran, its arch-enemy, of encircling it with hostile forces, including Hamas in Gaza.

"We are involved in high co-ordination with the countries and factions of the axis regarding this matter [ceasefire], and the brothers in Hamas are authorised to negotiate on behalf of the resistance movements in Gaza and the other fronts," a member of the Houthis' political council said.

"We in Yemen have linked our military operations to what the brothers in Hamas agree on."

Another Houthi official confirmed that the group, which has been attacking vessels in the strategic shipping lanes of the Red Sea in support of Hamas, has communicated its stance to the Hamas leaders involved in the negotiations.

Any ceasefire deal reached between Hamas and Israel will apply to all within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq
Iraqi lawmaker

In Iraq, the armed groups have also sent a similar message to the Palestinian group, a politician with links to the armed factions told The National.

“Any ceasefire deal reached between Hamas and the Zionist enemy will apply to all within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” he said, referring to the umbrella groups of the powerful pro-Tehran Shiite militias.

Hamas continues to update Iraqi factions on the developments in negotiations, he said, adding that earlier this week, a delegation representing various Palestinian factions visited Iraq and met heads of armed groups.

Framework agreement

Gaza ceasefire talks resumed this week as mediation efforts to pause the war gain momentum. The talks in Doha and Cairo initially involved mid to high-level mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar as well as representatives from Israel and Hamas.

Later, CIA director William Burns, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and his Israeli counterpart, the Mossad’s David Barnea, joined the negotiations.

According to the two sources involved in the process, the "framework agreement" reached covers security and government arrangements in postwar Gaza as well as the reconstruction of the coastal territory.

However, "there's still a long way to go", warned one of the sources. "The whole thing can collapse when the agreement is filled out or during implementation."

Mediators from the US and its Arab allies Egypt and Qatar have been trying for months without success to broker a Gaza ceasefire. The only truce in the war, brokered by the same mediators, lasted a week and ended on December 1 after the release of about 100 hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees.

The war started when Hamas attacked southern Israel in October, killing about 1,200 people and taking another 240 hostage. Israel responded with a relentless military campaign that has to date killed more than 38,300 Palestinians, with more than twice as many injured 80 per cent of the territory's 2.3 million residents displaced.

From left, Iran’s acting president Mohammad Mokhber, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian supreme leader, in talks in Tehran. EPA
From left, Iran’s acting president Mohammad Mokhber, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian supreme leader, in talks in Tehran. EPA

The war has also reduced to rubble most of the territory's built-up areas and created a humanitarian crisis, with many now in the tiny but densely populated strip facing hunger while famine looms over its north.

The chances of clinching a deal significantly increased when Hamas softened its conditions last week, dropping its insistence that Israel must commit in writing to a permanent ceasefire at the end of the first phase of the agreement. Instead, the group now wants guarantees in writing from the three mediators that talks to reach a permanent ceasefire will commence as soon as the first six-week phase begins.

Israel has given a “conditional nod” to Hamas’s new positions, hinging its final position on the satisfaction of its demands on the timetable and details of the release of hostages. Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons will be freed in exchange for Israeli hostages, mirroring the week-long exchange in November.

Meanwhile, domestic opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has grown over his perceived failure to agree to a ceasefire, with thousands of Israelis rallying weekly in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities to call for a deal. Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, appears to also be coming under popular pressure to accept a deal.

The two sources said one of the ideas on the table is that postwar Gaza will be governed by a UN-led administration that includes a Palestinian component, but not from Hamas nor the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas. A UN force could also be stationed in the enclave to maintain security, they added.

A Kibbutz member passes by a car that was damaged in a drone attack in the Galilee region of Israel. Getty Images
A Kibbutz member passes by a car that was damaged in a drone attack in the Galilee region of Israel. Getty Images

"Neither the US nor Israel want Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to play a role in the transitional period in Gaza," said one of the sources.

Separately, Egypt has proposed to Israel that an "international entity" with Palestinian representation takes charge of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Israel captured that side of the border point in May.

The Egyptian proposal also envisages an Israeli "redeployment" outside the border strip in return for putting in place security measures such as a wall fitted with security cameras and sensors, explained the two sources.

Israel has alleged underground tunnels running under the Egypt-Gaza border have been used to smuggle weapons, money and personnel into the territory and the hands of Hamas. Egypt, which shut down the Rafah crossing in response to Israel's capture of its Palestinian side, has categorically denied the allegations.

Hamza Hendawi in Cairo, Sinan Mahmoud in Baghdad, Thomas Helm in Jerusalem and Mohamad Ali Harisi in Abu Dhabi contributed to this article

Scoreline

Arsenal 0 Manchester City 3

  • Agüero 18'
  • Kompany 58'
  • Silva 65'
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?

Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.

They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.

“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.

He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Recent winners

2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)

2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)

2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)

2007 Grace Bijjani  (Mexico)

2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)

2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)

2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)

2011 Maria Farah (Canada)

2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)

2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)              

2014 Lia Saad  (UAE)

2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)

2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)

2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)

2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)

RESULT

Wolves 1 (Traore 67')

Tottenham 2 (Moura 8', Vertonghen 90 1')

Man of the Match: Adama Traore (Wolves)

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
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
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THREE
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Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

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Results

5pm: Reem Island – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Farasah, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi

5.30pm: Sir Baniyas Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: SSR Ghazwan, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Astral Del Sol, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Al Maryah Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Toumadher, Dane O’Neill, Jaber Bittar

7pm: Yas Island – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Saadiyat Island – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,400m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Gary Sanchez, Ismail Mohammed

Schedule
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Updated: July 12, 2024, 10:49 AM`