Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Israeli air strikes killed 15 people in Damascus on Thursday, Syrian state media said, amid an escalation in attacks in Syria and Lebanon this week.
The air strikes on the western districts of Mazzeh and Qudsaya came as Ali Larijani, senior adviser Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was due to arrive in the Syrian capital, state media said. Women and children were among those killed in the attacks, which destroyed “a number of residential buildings”, according to residents.
The Israeli military said it targeted “several military buildings and headquarters” of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, one of the two most powerful militant groups in Gaza along with fellow Iran-backed group Hamas.
While Israeli strikes on Syria predate the war in Gaza, they have significantly increased since the start of the Gaza war in October last year and an all-out war in Lebanon this September against the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
The attack on Damascus followed Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut for a third consecutive day, hitting locations in the southern suburbs early in the morning after a night of heavy bombardment. One of the strikes hit a building near the international airport as a plane was taking off.
In the Lebanese city of Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley, at least nine people were killed and five injured when Israel bombed a two-storey building on Thursday afternoon. Vast swathes of the historic city have been reduced to rubble since Israel unleashed a bombing campaign on Baalbek more than two weeks ago.
Five people were killed in Israeli air strikes on the towns of Bazourieh and Jumayjimah in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency NNA.
Israeli bombardment also destroyed infrastructure overnight in the area of Qusayr on the Syria-Lebanon border, according to local media and UK-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Sana reported “significant damage” to the area.
The strikes hit bridges on the Orontes River and border roads near Qusayr, which was bombed by Israel last week. The SOHR said last week's strikes targeted bridges used as smuggling routes into Lebanon.
The escalation of Israel's attacks on Lebanon and Syria is clearly “linked to four main factors”, a source close to Hezbollah and Damascus told The National.
One is “an apparent Israeli effort to force Syria and Lebanon to involve Russia in a future settlement for the war in Lebanon, through Russia intensifying its role in controlling the Syrian borders and preventing the transfer of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah,” the source said.
They were also a response to Hezbollah’s secretary general Sheikh Naim Qassem's rejection of any ceasefire settlement that “imposes conditions compromising Lebanese sovereignty”, they said.
Another factor was “Israel's success in destroying a series of front-line villages along the border, but failure to exert sufficient pressure on Lebanon to force acceptance of the Israeli (and US) proposed settlement terms, which include Israel's freedom to respond to any future perceived threats to its security after a ceasefire”.
Hezbollah's escalation of strikes in recent days, including deep inside Israeli territory, striking crucial military and security sites in Tel Aviv and Haifa, will have also spurred the Israeli response, the source said.
Israel's intensified air campaign against Hezbollah in Syria comes after a series of operations that killed many of the group's top echelons, including its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as operational commanders on the ground, forcing the group to rely more on Syria to maintain its command structure, security experts say.
Allied Iran-backed militias in Iraq, who are crucial for maintaining its weapons supply from the east, have also come under increased military pressure, after the recent US air raids on areas near the border with Iraq in eastern Syria.
While the Damascus suburb of Mazzeh has been hit previously, Thursday's attack was the first on Qudsaya, residents said.
“This is the first time I’ve seen them [Israel] attack this area, the windows shook, the house was rocking, the explosion is just a few blocks away from here,” said Hisham Al Khatib, 58, told The National. “We sometimes hear sonic booms over here from fighter jets, but we’ve never actually seen this happen here, we don’t really have any Iranians in this area. It’s scary.”
Qudsaya has at least one large complex belonging to the elite Syrian Republican Guard and is a part of the defensive line around the capital.
Mazzeh, situated near the road connecting Damascus to the Lebanese capital Beirut, is where Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and operatives of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah have increasingly established themselves in recent years, according to residents.
The attack on Thursday targeted the “Yafa Centre for Palestinian Development” near the Saraya Square which has been the target of increasingly frequent air raids, and levelled several buildings, they said.
Ahmad Mousally, 21, said he saw a building hit by more than one missile.
“This area has become dangerous; Israel seems to love us here in Mazzeh. I saw strikes, red explosions and then the force made me get to my knees. I ran to the scene, there were women and children and the building was collapsed.”
A traditionally upmarket Syrian neighbourhood with cafes, shops, restaurants and embassies, the area has transformed into a ghost town with people avoiding it because of the attacks, he said.
“Usually Mazzeh is one of the busiest areas in the whole of Syria, ministries, embassies and commercial shops, malls; it’s a prime location in Damascus. It’s clear it's on the hit list – even rental prices and house prices have gone down. People are dying here every day because of Israel.”
Israel has also struck key roads used by civilians fleeing to Syria from the violence in Lebanon, particularly in the eastern Bekaa valley, where Syrian refugees have been killed, and key roads to Damascus.
According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,300 people and wounded over 14,000 across Lebanon since last year.
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Makerah, Adrie de Vries, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Hazeme, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle
6.30pm: Handicap | Dh85,000 | 2,200m
Winner: AF Yatroq, Brett Doyle, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Shadwell Farm for Private Owners Handicap | Dh70,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Nawwaf KB, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Treasured Times, Bernardo Pinheiro, Rashed Bouresly
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press
Players Selected for La Liga Trials
U18 Age Group
Name: Ahmed Salam (Malaga)
Position: Right Wing
Nationality: Jordanian
Name: Yahia Iraqi (Malaga)
Position: Left Wing
Nationality: Morocco
Name: Mohammed Bouherrafa (Almeria)
Position: Centre-Midfield
Nationality: French
Name: Mohammed Rajeh (Cadiz)
Position: Striker
Nationality: Jordanian
U16 Age Group
Name: Mehdi Elkhamlichi (Malaga)
Position: Lead Striker
Nationality: Morocco
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Huddersfield Town permanent signings:
- Steve Mounie (striker): signed from Montpellier for £11 million
- Tom Ince (winger): signed from Derby County for £7.7m
- Aaron Mooy (midfielder): signed from Manchester City for £7.7m
- Laurent Depoitre (striker): signed from Porto for £3.4m
- Scott Malone (defender): signed from Fulham for £3.3m
- Zanka (defender): signed from Copenhagen for £2.3m
- Elias Kachunga (winger): signed for Ingolstadt for £1.1m
- Danny WIlliams (midfielder): signed from Reading on a free transfer
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Match info
Huddersfield Town 0
Chelsea 3
Kante (34'), Jorginho (45' pen), Pedro (80')
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
The biog
Favourite film: The Notebook
Favourite book: What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Favourite quote: “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness” Nelson Madela. Hometown: Emmen, The Netherlands
Favourite activities: Walking on the beach, eating at restaurants and spending time with friends
Job: Founder and Managing Director of Mawaheb from Beautiful Peopl
Abu Dhabi GP weekend schedule
Friday
First practice, 1pm
Second practice, 5pm
Saturday
Final practice, 2pm
Qualifying, 5pm
Sunday
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps), 5.10pm
SERIES SCHEDULE
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
MATCH INFO
Hoffenheim v Liverpool
Uefa Champions League play-off, first leg
Location: Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim
Kick-off: Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
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Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Race card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) US$100,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Meydan Classic Listed (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,600m
8.50pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 2 (TB) $300,000 (T) 2,810m
9.25pm: Curlin Stakes Listed (TB) $175,000 (D) 2,000m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m
10.35pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm: Shahm, 7.05pm: Well Of Wisdom, 7.40pm: Lucius Tiberius, 8.15pm: Captain Von Trapp, 8.50pm: Secret Advisor, 9.25pm: George Villiers, 10pm: American Graffiti, 10.35pm: On The Warpath
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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Copa del Rey
Barcelona v Real Madrid
Semi-final, first leg
Wednesday (midnight UAE)
Score
Third Test, Day 1
New Zealand 229-7 (90 ov)
Pakistan
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat
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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 specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
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)
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. 
