Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The severity of Israel’s bombing of Lebanon almost matches that of the US aerial assault on Iraq in 2003 during the invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, according to the Israeli Air Force’s own account of its campaign.
The bombing of Iraq, intended to stun regime forces into rapid surrender, was envisioned by planners as a “shock and awe” assault, mainly by air before the ground invasion began. The strategist behind the “shock and awe” phrase, Harlan K. Ullman, said the aim was to use overwhelming force to make the enemy feel helpless.
It remains one of the most intense bombing campaigns in history but was focused on about 700,000 Iraqi forces - many of whom chose not to fight - across an area close to the size of France, about 400,000 square kilometres.
Lebanon is about 10,000 square kilometres and much Israeli bombing is focused on the south and Beirut. Hezbollah is thought to number anywhere between 20,000 and 50,000 fighters, according to various analysts.
At least 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 8 last year. Health authorities say the toll includes 127 children and 73 medical workers. Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah fighters. Deaths are rising sharply.
The initial plan in Iraq called for 3,000 targets to be struck in the first 24 hours of the assault. But problems including sand storms and rapidly dispersing Iraqi forces made it a struggle to find targets so the number averaged about 500 daily for the first four days, US pilots said after the war.
Overall invasion bombardments, including those launched by British jets, soon stepped up as fighting intensified and peaked at about 2,000 bombs a day, according to a post-war analysis by an RAF veteran group commander of the conflict.
Israel’s air force said it has mounted several days of strikes comprising more than 4,600 targets hit between September 20 and October 3. While this averages 383 targets struck per day, the Israeli air force said 1,600 targets were struck in the first 24 hours of the assault, close to the height of the Iraq invasion.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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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.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The view from The National
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
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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