Since the Gaza ceasefire talks collapsed four months ago, Israel has had a total blockade in place that has prevented food and aid supplies from entering the Palestinian enclave. As a result, the 2.2 million Palestinians confined there have had inflicted on them constant hunger, malnutrition and, as the situation has worsened, a mounting death toll from an entirely avoidable, man-made famine.
This is quite apart from the Palestinians still dying and being injured by Israeli aerial attacks and gunfire – Palestinian authorities say more than 59,821 people have been killed since the Gaza war began – and several dozen lives routinely being taken at aid distribution sites, where the clamouring and desperation for food is tragically clear.
In response to the crisis and after several countries appear to have convinced Israel to allow alternative methods of aid distribution, the UAE on Saturday said it is resuming aid air drops to Gaza. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted: "We will ensure essential aid reaches those most in need, whether through land, air or sea. Air drops are resuming once more, immediately. Our commitment to alleviating suffering and providing support is resolute and unwavering."
Up until last year, the UAE dropped thousands of tonnes of humanitarian aid, food and relief supplies into Gaza. Its other relief operations have also continued. Just last month, the UAE sent a ship with 2100 tonnes of aid to Gaza.
For the first time since the war began, Israel has also air dropped packages of supplies for Palestinians. And it has permitted Jordan (along with the UAE) to do so as well. Countries such as the UK are also in the process of facilitating the parachuting of aid.
Given the context of starvation and the urgent need for food in Gaza, aid air drops at this time are necessary. But they are also inadequate and cannot be viewed as a long-term solution. The much more effective way to deliver aid, much of which is lying in warehouses ready to be delivered, is by road, access to which has been systematically denied by the Israeli government.
Given the context of starvation and the urgent need for food in Gaza, aid air drops at this time are necessary
The images of emaciated babies and skeletal helpless frames of their guardians speak for themselves. The death toll so far from malnutrition and starvation in Gaza over the past 20 months of war has risen to 133, including the deaths of 87 children.
An Israeli concern frequently repeated is that the aid, were it to be allowed thorough the road checkpoints – as aid trucks from Egypt were let in from Rafah on Sunday – would likely be intercepted by Hamas, and looted. However, no proof has been presented of this. Some gangs have reportedly attacked convoys and without the UN, aid distribution is greatly disrupted. But even with these challenges, the logic doesn't stand up to scrutiny when on the other hand is the strategic starvation of Palestinians. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres last week said: “The last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing."
Teams of the UN's World Food Program delivered 350 truckloads of food aid into Gaza last week. The millions of impoverished people in the enclave need much more than what they are set to receive in the coming days. WFP says more than 62,000 tons of food assistance is needed monthly to cover the entire Palestinian population.
And they need a constant supply through aid corridors that are allowed to stay open and not just when international stakeholders decide to turn up the heat on Israel.
The Gaza ceasefire appears to have stalled. But just because the killings continue doesn't mean that the starvation campaign cannot be brought to an immediate and permanent end.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club race card
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
6pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,000; 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed; Dh180,000; 1,600m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 2,200m
7.30pm: Handicap (PA); Dh100,000; 2,400m
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
RESULT
Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
The biog
Age: 32
Qualifications: Diploma in engineering from TSI Technical Institute, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dubai’s Al Ghurair University, master’s degree in human resources from Abu Dhabi University, currently third years PHD in strategy of human resources.
Favourite mountain range: The Himalayas
Favourite experience: Two months trekking in Alaska
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
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