Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Senior White House officials held an online meeting with Israeli authorities on Thursday to discuss plans to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
The White House said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan led the US side, while Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi led the Israelis.
"The main purpose really is to talk about Rafah and to continue to have a conversation with the Israelis about their intentions, and to also share our continued concerns over a major ground offensive there," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Air Force One.
US President Joe Biden has said that Washington opposes a large-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah, as it would endanger Palestinian civilians.
The UN has estimated there are 1.3 million people in the southern Gaza city, with many displaced after fleeing Israeli operations in other parts of the territory.
More than 33,900 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza so far, according to local authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate after Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles towards Israel at the weekend.
"The discussion began in a small group format to discuss the Iran attack and the collective efforts to further enhance Israel’s defence through advanced capabilities, as well as co-operation with a broad coalition of military partners," the White House said after Thursday's meeting.
"The two sides agreed on the shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah.
"US participants expressed concerns with various courses of action in Rafah, and Israeli participants agreed to take these concerns into account and to have further follow-up discussions between experts."
For weeks, the White House has been trying to hold in-person talks with Israeli officials to discuss Rafah, but so far no date has been set.
Mr Netanyahu initially agreed to send a high-level delegation to Washington to hear US concerns in March but backed out over a controversial UN vote.
On Thursday, media outlets reported that the US had given tacit approval for an invasion of Rafah in exchange for a limited attack on Iran.
But a National Security Council official told The National that the reports were “not accurate”.
Washington has repeatedly said it wants to avoid the Israel-Gaza war spilling over into other parts of the region.
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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.
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Company profile
Company: Eighty6
Date started: October 2021
Founders: Abdul Kader Saadi and Anwar Nusseibeh
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Hospitality
Size: 25 employees
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investment: $1 million
Investors: Seed funding, angel investors
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
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