Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
The chairwoman of ice cream company Ben and Jerry's this week called for a "permanent and immediate ceasefire" in Gaza, in a rare corporate statement against the US and Israeli establishments.
"Peace is a core value of Ben and Jerry’s," the company’s chairwoman, Anuradha Mittal, told the Financial Times.
"From Iraq to Ukraine [the company] has consistently stood up for these principles. Today is no different as we call for peace and a permanent and immediate ceasefire."
Health authorities in Gaza say more than 24,400 people have been killed in Israel's military operations in the enclave. The war started after the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths.
Other companies globally have faced boycotts or been accused of supporting Israel.
Starbucks faced criticism when it took legal action against a employee union after it expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
A Starbucks spokesman referred The National to a company statement that says “Starbucks stands for humanity”.
"We do not use our profits to fund any government or military operations anywhere – and never have,” the statement reads.
McDonald's received backlash when an Israeli franchise claimed it had given meals to Israeli soldiers.
The corporation later said in a statement that "actions from our local development licensee business partners were made independently without McDonald's consent or approval".
The company added that McDonald's does not support or fund "any governments involved in this conflict".
Ms Mittal is aware that a call for a ceasefire brings economic and political risk.
"It is stunning that millions are marching around the world but the corporate world has been silent," she said.
Ms Mittal asserted that her remarks had the support of the board and fitted in with the company's mission.
The comments are also expected to possibly frustrate Unilever, the parent company of Ben and Jerry's, after years of conflict over the ice cream maker's position on Israel and its policies on Palestinians.
In 2021, Ben and Jerry's moved to pull its products in occupied Palestinian territories, and Unilever chose to sell its Israeli arm to a local licencee.
Ben and Jerry's brought a lawsuit against Unilever, which was resolved in late 2022.
This is a corrected version of an earlier story that erroneously said Starbucks supported Israel.
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Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
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Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
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Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
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Founded: 2020
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Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
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Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
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Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
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- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
