Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank along the border with Gaza. AFP
Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank along the border with Gaza. AFP
Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank along the border with Gaza. AFP
Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank along the border with Gaza. AFP

US warns Israel against launching Rafah offensive after Gaza ceasefire resolution


Adla Massoud
  • English
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Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

The US warned Israel on Tuesday against a ground offensive in Rafah, saying it is “not the way to do it”.

“Our advice to Israel is there is a better way,” deputy US ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said a day after the Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to press ahead with the war in Gaza and condemned the council's resolution, saying it had emboldened Hamas to reject a separate proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release.

As the conflict continues in its sixth month, Israel and Hamas maintain that their respective definitions of victory are attainable, dismissing global attempts to end the war.

The US decision not to block the Security Council resolution has increased tension with Israel.

“That is a message that President [Joe] Biden, Secretary [Antony] Blinken, Secretary [Lloyd] Austin and ambassador [Linda] Thomas-Greenfield all have communicated to senior Israeli officials in recent weeks, and we will continue to emphasise,” Mr Wood said at a Security Council briefing on the Middle East.

UN Security Council passes the first ceasefire resolution in Gaza – video

He said the Gaza resolution is “only one step” towards a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.

“We need diplomacy on the ground,” Mr Wood said. “We should all be pressing Hamas to agree to this deal without delay.”

Hamas said it would hold on to the hostages until Israel agrees to a more permanent ceasefire, withdraws its forces from Gaza and releases hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

In her remarks to the council on Monday, US ambassador Ms Thomas-Greenfield claimed that the new resolution was non-binding.

“Do the statements by Ms Thomas-Greenfield and other officials mean that the US does not consider Security Council resolutions to be binding for the implementation by member states?” asked Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's UN envoy.

Israel targets Rafah with air strikes – in pictures

“Israel now, despite a direct demand from the Security Council, has complete carte blanche and is not planning to stop until it razes Gaza to the ground,” noted Mr Nebenzya.

Richard Gowan, UN director for the International Crisis Group, told The National that the Biden administration is “deliberately leaving open the option” that could allow Israel to resume military action against Hamas if it does not release the hostages.

“The US is clearly not in favour of an unconditional ceasefire, unlike many other members of the UN,” Mr Gowan said.

“We don't know what the US is saying to Israel in private about the resolution, but we do know that the Israelis are angry the US abstained on it.”

After the resolution was passed, Mr Netanyahu's office announced it had cancelled a visit to Washington by a delegation that would have been focused on discussing alternatives to a ground invasion of Rafah.

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
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Company name: Letstango.com

Started: June 2013

Founder: Alex Tchablakian

Based: Dubai

Industry: e-commerce

Initial investment: Dh10 million

Investors: Self-funded

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A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

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Two stars

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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88 Video's most popular rentals

Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.  

Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.

Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

The line up

Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego  

Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh  

Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com

MATCH INFO

Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')

Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')

Infiniti QX80 specs

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Power: 450hp

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Results

6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.

7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

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Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
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Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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Updated: March 27, 2024, 6:47 AM`