Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Four people were killed and at least 46 wounded when Israeli troops opened fire following chaos at a new Gaza aid hub set up by a US and Israeli-backed foundation, local authorities said on Wednesday.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, crowds overwhelmed a distribution point outside Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah. In an attempt to disperse the rush, Israeli warplanes opened fire.
Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office for the Palestinian territories, told reporters in Geneva on Wednesday that it appeared Israeli army fire had caused most of the injuries.
The distribution hub in Tel Al Sultan, south-west of Rafah, was opened on Tuesday by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been slated by Israel to take over aid operations in the Palestinian territory.
The Israeli military said its troops fired warning shots in the area outside the aid compound.
The UN said it was “heartbreaking” to watch desperate Gazans crowding into food banks to collect parcels of aid as the unrest broke out on the first day of operations for the new foundation.
Israel's military said 8,000 food boxes were distributed, with parcels containing items such as pasta, flour and cooking oil. The foundation said aid was delivered to its “distribution hubs” through the Karam Abu Salem border crossing in southern Gaza.
The new arrangement has been criticised for sidelining the UN and established aid groups. Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the UN humanitarian office OCHA, said the operation is distracting attention from the need to reopen border crossings after nearly three months of an Israeli blockade on Gaza.
Displaced Gazans in Rafah held up GHF-branded parcels as the aid distribution centres began their operations on Tuesday. The Israeli military said the volume of people at one point was “such that the foundation's team fell back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely and dissipate”.
Chef Jose Andres, founder of the World Central Kitchen aid agency, claimed that Gazans had “stormed the distribution place, damaging the fence”.
The UN's spokesman called a video appearing to show thousands of Palestinians storming one of the sites “heartbreaking”. Stephane Dujarric said the footage was “hard to watch” but said he did not have “any clarity as to what is going on, exactly, at that loading area”.
The new foundation said 170 lorries carrying food, medicine and supplies had crossed into Gaza but did not specify who received the aid, nor how recipients were chosen. Few details are known about the foundation and it has not responded to The National's requests for more information.
The centres “are operated by international aid organisations and secured by an American civilian security company”, the Israeli military said. It said food was being distributed to “thousands of families in the Gaza Strip”.
About 462,000 meals have been distributed so far, according to the foundation. It said Gazans experienced “several-hour delays in accessing the site due to blockades imposed by Hamas”.
The World Food Programme has rejected Israel's allegations that aid is being withheld by Hamas, an allegation cited as justification by the US and Israel for setting up the new foundation.
“More trucks with aid will be delivered tomorrow, with the flow of aid increasing each day,” a statement by the group read.
Gaza requires at least 600 lorries of aid per day, the UN estimates. OCHA and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, told a press briefing in Geneva that they did not know whether any aid had actually been distributed by the new foundation.
Mr Laerke said the UN was not involved in the foundation's aid deliveries. “It is a distraction from what is actually needed, which is a reopening of all the crossings into Gaza; a secure environment within Gaza; and faster facilitation of permission and final approvals of all the emergency supplies that we have just outside the border that need to get in,” he said.
Israel continues to bombard Gaza in a bid to “eradicate” Hamas, killing more than 54,000 people, mostly women and children, since October 2023.
Critics say that because Hamas was the de facto authority in Gaza before the war began, thousands of civilian employees of its administration, such as doctors and teachers, are likely to be unfairly deprived of aid.
Gaza's health authorities say dozens of children have died as a result of malnutrition since an Israeli blockade on the territory was imposed on March 2. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) estimates half a million people in Gaza are facing starvation.
Aid groups have boycotted the new foundation's plans, which they say violate international humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
Gaza on the verge of famine – in pictures
The foundation's chief executive Jake Wood resigned on Sunday, citing those same reasons. In a statement, Mr Wood said it had become clear the plan could not be carried out while “strictly adhering” to humanitarian principles.
The foundation's plan to hand over aid at distribution centres puts civilians in a position where they must travel in high-risk areas to receive assistance, the UN and other NGOs have said.
The mechanism also encourages displacement because besieged Palestinians would want to live closer to where aid is available.
A UNRWA spokeswoman told The National the foundation was attempting to replace a system that had been in place and continuously improved since 1945.
“I cannot speak about an entity that nobody knows anything about but with all the rules, regulations, vetting, clearing and security systems that the UN has put in place, I would be curious about how another entity born the day before yesterday can carry out business,” Tamara Al Rifai said.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
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
Anxiety and work stress major factors
Anxiety, work stress and social isolation are all factors in the recogised rise in mental health problems.
A study UAE Ministry of Health researchers published in the summer also cited struggles with weight and illnesses as major contributors.
Its authors analysed a dozen separate UAE studies between 2007 and 2017. Prevalence was often higher in university students, women and in people on low incomes.
One showed 28 per cent of female students at a Dubai university reported symptoms linked to depression. Another in Al Ain found 22.2 per cent of students had depressive symptoms - five times the global average.
It said the country has made strides to address mental health problems but said: “Our review highlights the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms and depression, which may long have been overlooked."
Prof Samir Al Adawi, of the department of behavioural medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, who was not involved in the study but is a recognised expert in the Gulf, said how mental health is discussed varies significantly between cultures and nationalities.
“The problem we have in the Gulf is the cross-cultural differences and how people articulate emotional distress," said Prof Al Adawi.
“Someone will say that I have physical complaints rather than emotional complaints. This is the major problem with any discussion around depression."
Daniel Bardsley
The%20specs
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The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
Analysis
Maros Sefcovic is juggling multiple international trade agreement files, but his message was clear when he spoke to The National on Wednesday.
The EU-UAE bilateral trade deal will be finalised soon, he said. It is in everyone’s interests to do so. Both sides want to move quickly and are in alignment. He said the UAE is a very important partner for the EU. It’s full speed ahead - and with some lofty ambitions - on the road to a free trade agreement.
We also talked about US-EU tariffs. He answered that both sides need to talk more and more often, but he is prepared to defend Europe's position and said diplomacy should be a guiding principle through the current moment.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Poacher
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 2pm:
Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]
Not before 7pm:
Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]
Court One
Starting at midday:
Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)
Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)
Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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)
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sugary teas and iced coffees
The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.
For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
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
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
