Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
An Israeli air strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah media chief Mohammad Afif on Sunday afternoon, two officials said. His death was confirmed by another Hezbollah media official following the strike on Ras Al Nabaa, a rare attack outside of the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital, which have come under repeated bombardment.
The attack struck a building of the Arab Socialist Baath party, the leader of the group, Ali Hijazi, said. Mr Hijazi, who was not present, also confirmed Mr Afif’s death. The country's health ministry said the strike killed one and injured three.
Mr Afif was one of the few Hezbollah officials to appear in public in recent weeks and had given a number of press conferences. The National heard the missile whistle for a few seconds before it thudded into the building. The strike hit a neighbourhood where many people displaced from Beirut's southern suburbs by the Israeli bombardment had been seeking refuge. Unlike in other strikes on Beirut's south and other areas of Lebanon, Israel did not give prior warning.
Families, some wearing pyjamas and bathrobes, loitered in the streets nearby, unsure of where to go after leaving their houses during the initial shock. Some sat on the benches of a nearby park attempting to plan their next steps. A father marched grimly holding a newborn baby.
“They’re striking in the middle of Beirut. There‘s nowhere safe to go,” a woman in pyjamas told The National, referencing the strike’s location right next to the Beirut neighbourhood of Ashrafieh, which borders the Ras Al Nabaa neighbourhood. Ashrafieh is in Christian East Beirut while Ras el Nabaa is in Muslim West Beirut. Ashrafieh has been spared from Israeli aggression in past conflicts.
Mr Afif, a civilian, was a well-known figure in the Lebanese media scene. He was also an adviser to longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in September in a massive Israeli air strike in Beirut. Mr Afif was the former director of Al Manar, a TV station backed by Hezbollah.
Elsewhere, Israel attacked the southern suburbs of Beirut multiple times on Sunday morning, flattening numerous residential buildings. The Israeli military released multiple eviction orders shortly beforehand, claiming they were bombing Hezbollah interests. There were no immediate reports of fatalities from the attacks on southern Beirut. Some of the strikes were particularly strong and were felt across Beirut, rattling windows.
More than 3,500 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon since Hezbollah and the Israeli military began firing over the border at each other in October last year, after the Hamas militant group launched a terror attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to over 200 being abducted and taken back to Gaza. The majority of those deaths have occurred in the last eight weeks, when Israel began a ground invasion and significantly stepped up air strikes across Lebanon.
For nearly a week the Lebanese capital has been repeatedly attacked throughout the daytime, leaving no respite for residents. Despite its senior leadership being destroyed, Hezbollah continues to regularly launch rockets deep into Israel while its fighters are engaged in fierce ground battles with invading Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon. The group's attacks have killed at least 76 people, including 31 soldiers. A rocket attack on the northern city of Haifa on Saturday damaged a synagogue and wounded two civilians.
Hezbollah has fired dozens of projectiles into Israel daily and expanded their range to central Israel. The attacks have killed at least 76 people, including 31 soldiers, and caused some 60,000 people to flee.
Also on Sunday, two Lebanese Army soldiers were killed and at least two injured when Israel bombed their position near Hasbaya in south Lebanon. While the Lebanese state does not recognise Israel, the army is not involved in the continuing fighting.
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
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
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
Biblioasis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
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.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
ABU DHABI T10: DAY TWO
Bangla Tigers v Deccan Gladiators (3.30pm)
Delhi Bulls v Karnataka Tuskers (5.45pm)
Northern Warriors v Qalandars (8.00pm)
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
