Najlaa Al Dibari was diagnosed with blood cancer last year at the age of 23. On diagnosis she was told the radiation treatment required to fight the disease was not available where she lives in the enclave of Gaza, only in occupied East Jerusalem.
This means navigating the complicated system that allows travel between the two Palestinian territories, a task made harder by her need for a companion to help her make the arduous journey.
Two treatment sessions in July and October have taken a toll on her body; her mother Najat Salman now helps her move around with a wheelchair as the tumor on Najlaa’s spine has led to nerve damage and the cancer treatment made her frail.
Najat, in her late forties, stays by Najlaa’s side as they scramble to take private taxis at their own expense each time they go for treatment. The journey requires the pair to pass through the Israeli Erez crossing, only after securing a referral from the Palestinian Authority and a permit from the Israeli side.
The daughter’s three requests for a permit from the Israeli authorities have been approved, but her mother has been denied access for the third journey.
"We have been waiting since November and thought it might have to do with Coronavirus restrictions," Najlaa told The National. "We have learnt in a phone call that there's a hit on my mother's name and she needs to wait."
“We re-applied immediately after the first rejection late last month but got the same response to wait with no explanation. We already feel the stress because of my cancer and now we have to endure this uncertainty to get my mom a new permit again to help me in the hospital.”
Najlaa and Najat’s case represents one of hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza who must go through the permit process every month to get medical treatment in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
World Health Organisation figures – from September 2020-March 2021 – show that 5,482 permit applications were submitted to the Israeli authorities for patients from Gaza to cross Erez for medical care in the West Bank including East Jerusalem, in Israeli hospitals or in Jordan.
Applications approved totalled 3,897 (71 per cent), while 44 (0.8 per cent) of applications were denied and 1,541 (28 per cent) were delayed, and patients lost their appointments in the hospitals.
In the same period, 6,514 permit applications were submitted for patient companions, of which 2,897 (44.5 per cent) were approved, 264 (4 per cent) were denied and 3,353 (51.5 per cent) were delayed.
Cancer patients topped the list last year representing 48 per cent of the cases.
Complex permit process
Health infrastructure in the Gaza Strip is not adequately equipped to cope with several conditions that require medical attention in hospitals with advanced facilities.
Israel and Egypt have severely restricted the movement of Gaza residents and goods since Hamas took over the strip in 2007 following a violent split with the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
The 41km territory is home to nearly two million people. Israel annexed it in the 1967 war and withdrew its troops and thousands of settlers in 2005.
The health services have been greatly undermined by years of conflict, frequent power cuts and grinding poverty.
Najlaa looked dejected when she found out about the rejection of her mother’s application, which came at short notice just one day before her third appointment on March 21.
“I had a stroke in my right leg in July and was rushed to Al Hilal hospital in Gaza, I have a tumour on my spine and can’t risk a surgery as it will leave me paralysed for the rest of my life if I survived leukaemia, I can’t walk on my own because of the radiation and therapy,” she said.
She missed the March appointment due to the lateness of the rejection and was forced to go to a new appointment unaccompanied on April 19 at Augusta Victoria in East Jerusalem. She has to stay there for six weeks.
Except for residents of East Jerusalem, access of Palestinians from territories occupied by Israel since 1967 and the blockaded Gaza Strip is governed by the Israeli permit regime.
We brought Najlaa's case to the attention of the Israeli military.
Each request received by COGAT is individually assessed on its merits, receiving a thorough examination that involves all the relevant professional offices and subject to security considerations - GOGAT
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (GOGAT), the Israeli military body dealing with civilian affairs in Gaza and the West Bank, would not comment on individual cases but said it has decided to reduce the movement between the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank as well as East Jerusalem since Hamas’ takeover of the strip in 2007. Only humanitarian cases are the exception, it said.
It added that “each request received by COGAT is individually assessed on its merits, receiving a thorough examination that involves all the relevant professional offices and subject to security considerations.”
Rights activists, however, argue that the Israeli permit system violates relevant international laws and hampers the right of free movement of the Palestinians.
Israel has further tightened the restrictions at the Erez checkpoint since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, which led to a dramatic decrease in the number of exits from Gaza. Hamas does not currently deny the exit of a Gaza patient unless they don't get an Israeli permit and imposes a self-isolation period of 10 to 14 days at home when patients return to the strip.
Israel's ongoing control over movement through Gaza's crossing points to Israel and the West Bank, comes with legal obligations toward the population living under its control - says Miriam Marmur, Gisha
“Israel’s ongoing control over movement through Gaza’s crossing points to Israel and the West Bank, comes with legal obligations toward the population living under its control. According to international law, it must facilitate normal life in the Strip, including allowing access for civilians and civilian goods, and establish reasonable and proportionate security measures,” says Miriam Marmur the International Media Co-ordinator at Gisha, an Israeli not-for-profit organisation whose goal is to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, which works in close coordination with Gisha and advocates for the Gaza patients who are denied permits or have their applications delayed, urges the Israeli authorities to consider permits carefully as it could be a matter of life or death for some cases.
Najat, the mother, is bracing herself to fill in the permit application all over again with the hope of catching up with her daughter.
“I have to go to her and keep trying. No treatment in Gaza. There’s nothing in Gaza,” she said.
Additional reporting Salem Al Rayyas in Gaza
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
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French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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THE SPECS
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic
Power: 595bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh999,563
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Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.
You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.
You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
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Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
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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
Omar Yabroudi's factfile
Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah
Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University
2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship
2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy
2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment
2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20six-cylinder%20turbo%20(BMW%20B58)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20340hp%20at%206%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20500Nm%20from%201%2C600-4%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20ZF%208-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.2sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20267kph%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh462%2C189%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWarranty%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030-month%2F48%2C000k%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
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UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
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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.
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• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
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Ajax v Dynamo Kiev
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The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make
When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.
“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.
This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).
|
Age
|
$250 a month
|
$500 a month
|
$1,000 a month
|
|
25
|
$640,829
|
$1,281,657
|
$2,563,315
|
|
35
|
$303,219
|
$606,439
|
$1,212,877
|
|
45
|
$131,596
|
$263,191
|
$526,382
|
|
55
|
$44,351
|
$88,702
|
$177,403
|
Barbie
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