Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
European countries must stop discussing what post-war Gaza will look like and instead focus on calling for a ceasefire and ending the conflict, the Palestinian ambassador to the EU, Abdelrahim Alfarra, has told The National.
There has been no formal EU proposal about how Gaza should be managed after the war, but ideas currently "floating around EU corridors" include the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in the enclave or placing it under civilian Egypt control, Mr Alfarra said.
"The war must be stopped and there needs to be a cease-fire, then we can think about what can be done," said Mr Alfarra.
Mr Alfarra said he was disappointed by the EU's refusal to call for a ceasefire. Its 27 leaders said in a joint statement on October 26 that "humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs" were necessary.
The EU's humanitarian aid chief, Janez Lenarcic, on Monday called for "meaningful" pauses in the fighting in Gaza and the urgent delivery of fuel to keep hospitals operational.
More than 11,000 Palestinians have died in retaliatory fire after a Hamas attack on Israel killed about 1,200 Israelis on October 7. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after they took about 240 hostages.
Hospitals in the centre of the heaviest fighting in Gaza have been forced out of service amid shortages and fierce combat, according to local authorities.
The EU's 27 countries stated that hospitals "must be protected" and condemned Hamas for using the medical facilities and civilians as "human shields".
The bloc demanded "immediate humanitarian pauses" to allow desperately needed aid into the besieged territory in a statement on Sunday.
Some EU leaders such as France's President Emmanuel Macron have called for a ceasefire but this is not a consensual position among all EU countries.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen suggested last week that an international peace force under UN mandate may be deployed in Gaza once the conflict between Hamas and Israel is over.
Ms von der Leyen also warned that there could be no long-term Israeli security presence in Gaza.
Asked what he thought of such proposals, Mr Al Farra said: "I told Ms von der Leyen's cabinet that it's not the time to discuss Gaza's future."
A representative for Ms von der Leyen told The National that the EU’s position on the conflict has been defined by heads of state and government in the latest European Council meeting.
"The President of the Commission put forward a series of principles for the post-conflict period because it is essential to start thinking about “the day after"," said Eric Mamer.
Egypt's ambassador to the EU Badr Abdelatty also dismissed the idea of discussing post-war Gaza as "ridiculous" at this stage.
"It's ridiculous to talk about the future of Gaza with the continuation of mass killings of civilians," said Mr Abdelatty.
"We will not allow anybody to talk about the day after without addressing the concerns and conditions of today," he added.
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Dubai World Cup factbox
Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)
Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)
Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)
Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)
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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.
Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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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.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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- 600-seat auditorium
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Boston%20Strangler
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Matt%20Ruskin%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKeira%20Knightley%2C%20Carrie%20Coon%2C%20Alessandro%20Nivola%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400hp
Torque: 500Nm
Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)
On sale: 2022
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
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Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
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Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
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UAE Falcons
Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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Toss: Northern Warriors, elected to field first
Bengal Tigers 130-1 (10 ov)
Roy 60 not out, Rutherford 47 not out
Northern Warriors 94-7 (10 ov)
Simmons 44; Yamin 4-4
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Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
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The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
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8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
THE%20SPECS
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Company%20Profile
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6.35pm: Race of Future – Handicap (TB) $80,000 (Turf) 2,410m
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7.10pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
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20.20pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed (TB) $100,000 (D) 2,000m
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The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
