Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The day after Israel announced it had killed Hamas leader and reported October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar, the few Hamas officials talking about the future of the militant group vowed that it would fight on.
Hamas will only "grow stronger" even if its leaders are eliminated, said one official. Basem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member in Gaza, was equally dogged, but also frank about the pain and significance of Mr Sinwar’s death.
“Yes, it’s very painful and distressing to lose beloved people, especially extraordinary leaders like ours, but what we are sure of is that we are eventually victorious; this is the outcome for all people who fought for their liberty,” he said on Friday.
No amount of bullish words can mask the fact that the loss of Mr Sinwar puts what remains of Hamas at an extremely difficult crossroads.
First, the group must find a new leader for the second time in a little over two months, after the assassination Mr Sinwar's predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on July 31. Israel is widely held responsible, though it has never confirmed its involvement.
Gaza analyst Aziz Al Masry told The National that Khalil Al Hayya, who led Hamas's ceasefire negotiating team, was “generally expected” to be chosen as the next leader. Zaher Jabarin, Hamas’s leader for the West Bank, would be deputy, he added.
Other possibilities include Khaled Meshaal, who led the Hamas political bureau from 1996 to 2017 and now lives in the Qatari capital Doha, and Mr Sinwar's brother Mohammed, who is considered a hardliner.
Reaching agreement on a candidate will be challenging – after more than a year of fighting in Gaza, the group's organisational and communication structures are in tatters.
“There is limited communication between Hamas’s field operations in northern Gaza, the south and the central region,” Mr Al Masry said. “Now, there is a major divergence in views between the political leadership in Doha and the field leadership in Gaza.”
Only once the group has a new leader can it try and set a direction for the future, but it will be fraught with difficulties, Mr Al Masry added. “Hamas is currently in a critical phase. In the span of two months, two of its political bureau leaders have been assassinated.
"There is growing anger on the streets of Gaza, particularly due to the prolonged war, the genocide, displacement and homelessness. These factors will exert significant pressure on the new political bureau leadership.”
Mr Sinwar’s death also puts Israel, in particular Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at a crossroads. Hamas's future depends in large part what Israel does next.
After months of more and more Israelis viewing the Gaza campaign as a costly stalemate with no strategic direction, Mr Netanyahu can flaunt the biggest military victory in the strip since the war began. He can tell supporters – and there are increasing numbers of them, according to recent polling – that his controversial approach of favouring massive military force over diplomacy to secure Israel’s war goals has paid off.
It is unlikely this formula will work for long. Israeli hostages seized in Hamas's October 7 attacks, whose safety is a political priority for many Israelis, are still languishing in the strip. The many pressure groups, protest blocs and politicians who support their release above all else were already demanding within hours of the news of Mr Sinwar’s death that the government renews efforts to free them.
Hebrew media reported on Friday that Mr Netanyahu would soon convene a security meeting to discuss hostage negotiations in light of Mr Sinwar's killling. The Prime Minister’s office also said that Mr Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden discussed how it might present an opportunity for a hostage deal.
But without a clear Hamas leader and the near total collapse of its command and control and external communications, even beginning such negotiations will be a challenge.
“Hamas is no longer an organisation we can speak with. There is Khaled Meshaal who thinks he’s leading the organisation, but most of its members didn’t want him,” said Amit Assa, a former Israeli security official.
Israeli analyst Shira Efron said she is hearing about a possible pause in fighting for three days to a week to help the Israelis “find who to talk to [in Gaza and Hamas] about this hostage arrangement”.
“Do you speak to Khaled Meshaal? Do you speak to folks in Gaza? Do you let the Israeli negotiating team try to revamp negotiations with mediators? We don’t know where all hostages are and who is with Hamas, Islamic Jihad or a certain clan. Who do they even call if they want amnesty or a cash reward for information about a hostage? This system needs to be created,” she said.
“I hope what I’m hearing about such an initiative involving a lull to see how this military achievement can be leveraged into an agreement about hostages, then even a 'day after' plan for Gaza, will indeed take place.”
Gaza analyst Mustafa Ibrahim said it “seems unlikely that a ceasefire will be announced”.
“How would it happen? Will it be as Netanyahu said with Palestinians surrendering the [Israeli hostages]? Or will it be a full ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza? Or will Israel maintain military control over Gaza?”
“Sinwar and Hamas had clear goals – freeing the Palestinian prisoners [held by Israel] – and I don't believe Hamas will back down from these objectives after Sinwar's death, as that would be seen as a defeat for both Hamas and the Palestinian people."
While much remains uncertain about Hamas in the near future, many of the group's leaders have been assassinated throughout its history, a point raised by Basem Naim.
"It seems that Israel believes that killing our leaders means the end of our movement and the struggle of the Palestinian people. They can believe what they want," he said, citing the killings of Hamas founder Ahmed Yasin, co-founder Abdel Aziz Al Rantisi and the first chief of it military wing, Salah Shehade.
"Each time we became stronger and more popular, and these leaders became an icon for future generations to continue the journey towards a free Palestine."
Kobi Michael, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute think tanks in Israel, disagrees, saying the death of Mr Sinwar was “very substantial, very significant".
"In the end, Sinwar was the ultimate leader of Hamas, not only in the Gaza Strip, but he was also elected to replace Haniyeh as the head of the political wing, which means the leader of the entire organisation. So, the organisation, once again lost its head. But what is more crucial than that, it lost its most crucial centre of gravity in the Gaza Strip,” he said.
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The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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).
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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The years Ramadan fell in May
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The five pillars of Islam
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Results
2pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: AF Sahwa, Nathan Crosse, Mohamed Ramadan.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,000m, Winner: AF Thobor, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: AF Mezmar, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
4pm: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup presented by Longines (TB) Dh 200,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Galvanize, Nathan Cross, Doug Watson.
4.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Ajaj, Bernardo Pinheiro, Mohamed Daggash.
MATCH INFO
West Ham United 2 (Antonio 73', Ogbonna 90 5')
Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 36', Moura 42', Kane 49')
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Tim Paine (captain), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
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.
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.
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
Scoreline
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 17
Jebel Ali Dragons 20
Harlequins Tries: Kinivilliame, Stevenson; Cons: Stevenson 2; Pen: Stevenson
Dragons Tries: Naisau, Fourie; Cons: Love 2; Pens: Love 2
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
