Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike on the Lebanese city of Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley. AFP
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike on the Lebanese city of Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley. AFP
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike on the Lebanese city of Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley. AFP
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike on the Lebanese city of Baalbek, in the Bekaa Valley. AFP

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The world can't just stand by and watch Lebanon go up in smoke

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September 27, 2024

The world mustn't abandon Lebanon

With reference to the report on The National's Israel-Gaza war live blog Wednesday 'most violent night' in Lebanon's Baalbek as Israeli strikes continue (September 26): Where is the global uproar over the bombing and displacing citizens of Lebanon? Has this already become the new norm? Are we free to kill and attack anyone, our neighbours, without repercussions? I can't wait to see what comes next. There is so much damage being done and people appear to be either just watching or supporting what's been done to Gaza and now Lebanon.

Sam Taha, Beirut

I'm praying for my family and others who are in the middle of Baalbek.

Fatima M, Dubai

Consequences of Israel's pager blasts

With regard to Michael Young's op-ed Lebanon pager explosions show Hezbollah is leaking like a sieve (September 18): The triggering of blasts through remote controls in Lebanon has serious implications for the communications and travel industry. Explosions in the future could be triggered through mobile phones, laptops or even cameras. So, will airlines permit them to be carried? Detonations through remote-controls are devastating for Lebanon and the ripple effects will be felt in the wider region, aggravating a war-situation in the Middle East. Hezbollah is bound to react. It is becoming a tit-for-tat situation, with each side reacting with more destruction and deaths.

The US should have taken the leadership to resolve the imbroglio between Israel and Hamas-Hezbollah. But America is preoccupied with their presidential elections.

Perhaps countries in the Gulf region and even China and India should take the initiative to patch differences between Israel and its neighbours. We cannot be bystanders, as if we're watching a war movie. If the world does not act now to ensure peace in the Middle East, we could hurtle towards a major escalation triggered by thoughtless actions and recurring mistakes.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Healing Gaza children's psychological scars

With reference to Shireena Al Nowais's report UAE safe haven helps Gazans heal psychological wounds of war (September 26): This was a hard read. But it is heartening to hear of the progress the children are making. May the work of the doctors and counsellors pay off. These children have been though unimaginably difficult conditions. The story of the little boy, Siraj, who lost both his parents, his brothers and even his leg is heartbreaking. May his gradual improvement continue. I hope he adjusts well to his prosthetic leg and is able to be happy.

Hussain A, Abu Dhabi

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“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.”

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Lebanon