Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.
Dear reader,
As this edition of Beshara goes out, there are new signs of progress in the Gaza ceasefire talks.
Both Hamas and Israel welcomed US President Donald Trump’s proposed road map for peace, though some key details are still under negotiation. While the 'day after' remains uncertain, the immediate priority now is to end the bloodshed and bring relief to the people of Gaza.
Inside the enclave, residents are watching developments with guarded hope.
“We know our previous life will never return as it was,” one Palestinian told The National. “But we just want some relief from the sounds of explosions and constant shelling. People are exhausted – it has been two years of suffering.”
All eyes are now on Egypt, where negotiators are meeting to discuss ending the war and securing the release of the remaining hostages.
This month marks a grim milestone – two years since the Gaza war began on October 7.
But we hold on to the possibility that it could also usher in some long-awaited peace.
Aboard the world's only flying eye hospital
This week, we take a look inside the world’s only flying eye hospital to learn how the unique aircraft delivers sight-saving care to thousands in the developing world.
The operation, which has been running for more than 40 years, is sustained by the tireless work of volunteers and donors.
It was created to help patients receive care otherwise beyond reach in communities lacking medical infrastructure.
Since opening in 1982, the Flying Eye Hospital has visited more than 80 countries, enabled more than 22.3 million eye tests and conducted more than 607,000 eye surgeries and laser treatments, giving the gift of sight to thousands of people who would otherwise face a potential life of blindness.
Quoted
'Every decision and action can inspire others, so I strive to hold myself to the highest standards'
– UAE's first female astronaut, Nora Al Matrooshi, says she is an ambassador not just for the Emirates but the entire Arab world
Supermarket shop assistant lands massive cricket deal
Three young sisters in Dubai are transforming the lives of women and children thousands of kilometres away in Kenya.
Inaya Bhasin, 16, and her sisters Simar, 13, and Rania, 12, were inspired to establish Arise after visiting communities where children lack resources, women have few opportunities and the environment is under threat. The daughters of a third-generation Kenyan-Indian father, they have spent time in Kenya and feel a strong connection to the country.
“We noticed how education, empowerment and conservation are often treated separately, but to us, they are deeply connected,” Rania told The National. So, Arise was established in 2023, around these three pillars.
Its projects include donating recycled computers from African businesses to schools across Tanzania, supporting large-scale tree-planting drives across East Africa, and launching the Hot Meals Programme. The girls balance the projects with their own responsibilities, including school.
“We are a small foundation, but we’re hoping to grow in all three pillars,” they said. “Even though it might be small, it can still make a huge difference.”
Snapshot
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Impact on Instagram
Highlights
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