Gaza’s ceasefire was put to the test for a second time on Tuesday, after a chain of escalations that underlined just how volatile relations between Hamas and Israel are.
It began with Israel accusing Hamas of breaking commitments on the return of hostage remains, as well as clashes that killed an Israeli soldier, leading to intense bombardment that killed more than 100 people in Gaza.
The violence came just over a week after a similar round of strikes, prompted by another disputed incident, a grim reminder of the many fears about the durability of the ceasefire deal.
While lauded internationally at the time, the agreement faces criticism for being too vague to work, particularly in its later stages that focus on the disarmament of Hamas, the reconstruction of Gaza and a full Israeli withdrawal from the coastal strip, phases that have not even been reached yet.
In the days following the first escalation on October 19, a string of senior US officials travelled to Israel to follow up on the progress of the ceasefire deal initiated by President Donald Trump. Some in the media called this “Bibi-sitting”, a reference to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nickname and fears that he might blow up the deal for his own political gain amid threats from parties in his coalition to walk away because they want the war to continue.
The US pressure seemed to divert the deal back on track, but with another escalation only days after the visits ended, fears are mounting that the ceasefire will collapse.
Anger among hawkish Israelis is rearing its head again, particularly after Israeli accusations that Hamas is manipulating the exchange of bodies for its own gain. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Wednesday that Mr Netanyahu’s government “will have no right to exist” if it does not commit to dismantling Hamas, an objective Mr Ben-Gvir has consistently tied to the resumption of the war in Gaza.
Even if both sides commit to the deal, the complex situation on the ground presents plenty of scope for misunderstanding. A report by Israeli news outlet Walla on Wednesday said Israel’s military is still unsure as to whether Hamas ordered Tuesday’s attack on Israeli forces, or whether it was a sleeper cell that acted of its own accord, fearing Israeli troops would soon kill them.
Uncertainty also lingers around the extent to which Hamas is capable of finding the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages.
Israel insists that delays in extracting corpses are down to cynical Hamas tactics. Hamas denies this and says that the extent of destruction across Gaza after two years of war, coupled with a lack of heavy machinery and access to all areas, makes it difficult to find the bodies.
Palestinian political analyst Hani Al Aqqad told The National that the ceasefire is “hanging by a thread”.
Despite a number of international guarantees, he said, the truce is undermined by Israel’s continued occupation of vast areas east of the so-called Yellow Line – the first stage of the Israeli military's withdrawal – that effectively divides Gaza into two disconnected territories.
“Anyone who tries to approach the line is shot,” Mr Al Aqqad said. “This reality alone makes the ceasefire unsustainable.”
Mr Al Aqqad added that while tension over the return of hostage remains has significant potential to derail the deal, the biggest challenge will be the next stage, which features disarmament, foreign peacekeepers and reconstruction plans.
“Israel is approaching Gaza with arrogance,” he said. “It wants Hamas completely disarmed, something the movement will never accept. Such a demand contradicts its founding principles and would deeply embarrass it both inside and outside Gaza.”
Mr Al Aqqad believes international mediators must act urgently to salvage the ceasefire. “Gaza cannot wait,” he said. “The mediators must pressure Israel to withdraw and start the second phase of the agreement, even if the issue of the bodies remains unresolved.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The squad traveling to Brazil:
Faisal Al Ketbi, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Khalfan Humaid Balhol, Khalifa Saeed Al Suwaidi, Mubarak Basharhil, Obaid Salem Al Nuaimi, Saeed Juma Al Mazrouei, Saoud Abdulla Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Zayed Saif Al Mansoori, Saaid Haj Hamdou, Hamad Saeed Al Nuaimi. Coaches Roberto Lima and Alex Paz.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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Honeymoonish
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What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
START-UPS%20IN%20BATCH%204%20OF%20SANABIL%20500'S%20ACCELERATOR%20PROGRAMME
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Company%20Profile
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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)
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
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