Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The 10 non-permanent members of the UN Security Council have called for a vote on Wednesday on a draft resolution demanding an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, respected by all parties".
The resolution, drafted by Slovenia alongside Algeria and Guyana, and seen by The National, repeats the council’s demand for the “immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups".
It also urges the “immediate lifting of all restrictions” on humanitarian aid into Gaza, ensuring safe and large-scale distribution, including by the UN around the besieged enclave.
Slovenia, as the co-ordinator of the non-permanent group, sent the resolution and requested a vote for Wednesday, which will take place at 4pm New York time.
A UN diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US is likely to veto the measure. For a resolution to pass, it requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from any of the five permanent members – the US, Russia, China, Britain or France.
On Tuesday, 27 people were killed in southern Gaza as Israeli troops opened fire near a US-backed aid centre, with the military saying the incident was under investigation.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called the deaths of Palestinians seeking food aid “unacceptable”.
“We are witnessing unthinkable loss of life in Gaza [and] the Secretary General condemns the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. “It is unacceptable civilians are risking and in several instances losing their lives just trying to get food.”
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
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- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
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Bangladesh (from): Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Abu Jayed
Afghanistan (from): Rashid Khan (capt), Ihsanullah Janat, Javid Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Qais Ahmad, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Afsar Zazai, Shapoor Zadran
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FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
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Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
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Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.
The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.
All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.
No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.
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Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
