Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Supplies of food and cooking gas are running dangerously low in Gaza after 11 days of an Israeli blockade on the entry of goods and aid into the Palestinian territory, The National can reveal.
Residents and an aid official on Wednesday spoke of the deteriorating situation. “This situation necessitates urgent efforts from mediators, international organisations and human rights groups to pressure for the reopening of the crossings and the entry of food aid to the population, who are already suffering from the devastating consequences of the war," said Shareef Al Nairab, media director for the UAE's Gallant Knight 3 aid operation to assist Gaza's population after the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.
Israel imposed the ban on March 2 after the militant group Hamas rejected its proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal instead of entering the second stage requiring the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The move came at the start of Ramadan, dashing Gazans' hopes of properly observing the holy month after 15 months of devastating war.
“The closure of border crossings has severely impacted the delivery of aid and critical food products,” Mr Al Nairab said. "Based on reports from relief organisations, we believe that their stores of supplies are nearly depleted. If these supplies run out, Gaza will face a real famine – possibly the largest and most severe in its history."
Limits on aid entering the Gaza Strip during the war created a severe hunger crisis among the 2.3 million population, most of whom had been displaced as intense Israeli bombing and fighting destroyed homes across the small coastal enclave. Aid agencies warned repeatedly of food insecurity and severe hunger across Gaza, with near-famine conditions in some areas.
Mr Al Nairab said that although aid deliveries had increased after the ceasefire began on January 19, "the shortfall remains significant".
"The only noticeable improvement has been in the entry of basic supplies,” he added. He warned that the situation was deteriorating rapidly. “Every day, stored supplies are distributed to the people and the 11-day closure of the crossings has accelerated the depletion of these stocks. If the closure continues for just a few more days, warehouses will be completely empty, leaving the population with no resources to rely on.”
The shortage of cooking gas has already forced several bakeries to shut down, raising further concerns about food accessibility.
Abdul Nasser Al Ajrami, president of the Bakery Owners’ Association in Gaza, said bakeries were struggling to operate.
There was already “a severe crisis in Gaza” due to Israel’s closure of the border, Mr Al Ajrami told The National. "The available stock of flour and other essential baking supplies in bakeries is nearly depleted, with some bakeries having already run out completely.
“Five bakeries have permanently shut down – four in the southern Gaza Strip and one in the central governorate,” he said. “Cooking gas is a crucial component in bread production and its shortage is the primary reason for bakery closures. More bakeries may be forced to shut down in the coming days if the shortage continues.”
He estimated that most bakeries would run out of stock within two weeks at most. “There are no viable alternatives to cooking gas, especially given Israel’s restrictions on the sector and the continued closure of border crossings.”
The fact that someone else controls what we eat and drink, that our lives are dictated by the occupation’s decisions, is truly inhumane
Sarah Abu Hassira,
resident of Gaza city
Currently, 18 bakeries remain operational in Gaza, all of which are contracted with the World Food Programme, which supplies them with diesel and flour. However, the prolonged border closure threatens their ability to continue operations.
“The bakery crisis is one of the most severe hardships facing Gaza’s residents, as they rely entirely on bakeries for bread due to the unavailability of cooking gas and firewood for home baking,” Mr Al Ajrami said.
Sarah Abu Hassira, 35, described the uncertain food situation facing her and her two-year-old child in Gaza city.
“The idea that the food available now might not be available tomorrow is terrifying,” she told The National. The fact that someone else controls what we eat and drink, that our lives are dictated by the occupation’s decisions, is truly inhumane.
“Even if I tried to buy food in advance and store it, it’s impossible because there is no electricity to run refrigerators or freezers to keep food fresh. Going to the market is also a challenge – food prices are extremely high and many families simply cannot afford basic necessities. This situation forces us into starvation.”
She added: “Even bread is uncertain now. Maybe today we have it but tomorrow it may not be available due to the shortage of cooking gas. We hoped this Ramadan would be better than the last but it seems our suffering will not end.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%E2%80%99s%20race%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Tigist%20Ketema%20(ETH)%202hrs%2016min%207sec%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Ruti%20Aga%20(ETH)%202%3A18%3A09%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20Dera%20Dida%20(ETH)%202%3A19%3A29%0D%3Cbr%3EMen's%20race%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E1.%20Addisu%20Gobena%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A01%0D%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lemi%20Dumicha%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A20%0D%3Cbr%3E3.%20DejeneMegersa%20(ETH)%202%3A05%3A42%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
PROFILE BOX
Company name: Overwrite.ai
Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Sector: PropTech
Initial investment: Self-funded by founder
Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
Family reunited
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was born and raised in Tehran and studied English literature before working as a translator in the relief effort for the Japanese International Co-operation Agency in 2003.
She moved to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies before moving to the World Health Organisation as a communications officer.
She came to the UK in 2007 after securing a scholarship at London Metropolitan University to study a master's in communication management and met her future husband through mutual friends a month later.
The couple were married in August 2009 in Winchester and their daughter was born in June 2014.
She was held in her native country a year later.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
