‘This is the time of Gaza,' says Cannes-winning Palestinian director Arab Nasser
Once Upon a Time in Gaza director Arab Nasser tells The National why the world needs to see humanity
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The National
an hour ago
- The National
Three Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza in army's biggest loss of life since ceasefire collapse
Three Israeli soldiers have been killed in northern Gaza, the military said on Tuesday, in the army's biggest loss of life since Israel collapsed a ceasefire deal with Hamas in March. Another two soldiers were injured when the group's vehicle hit a roadside explosive device in the Jabalia area on Monday, according to an initial probe. The military found around 20 similar devices along the route, Israeli media reported. The dead were named as Lior Steinberg, 20, Ofek Barhana, 20, and Omer Van Gelder, 22. The death toll of Israeli personnel in the Gaza war now stands at 423. At least 54,249 Palestinians have been killed and 123,492 wounded since the war began in October 2023. The deaths of the soldiers highlight challenges the Israeli army faces in its campaign in the strip. Despite significantly weakening Hamas and other armed Palestinian factions in Gaza, Israeli troops continue to encounter deadly resistance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement, sending 'condolences from the depths of our hearts to the families of our fighters'. There were widespread reports in Hebrew media in May that the Israeli army estimated Hamas to have around 40,000 fighters, roughly the same number as before the war broke out. Israeli outlet Haaretz reported that the group still possesses thousands of short-range rockets, which continuously rained down on southern Israeli communities for months at the beginning of the war. Haaretz also said a significant tunnel network remained in Gaza, which has been used to great effect by militants to hide hostages and move around the battlefield.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Saudi Arabia launches world's largest cooling system as pilgrims gather for Hajj
The world's largest cooling system is in operation at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as more than a million Hajj pilgrims gather in the Saudi city amid the summer heat. The annual pilgrimage is to begin on Wednesday and Saudi authorities have vowed that the event will be safe as temperatures soar. Strict penalties have been enforced against illegal visitors to Makkah in an effort to prevent overcrowding. A cooling system with a capacity of 155,000 refrigeration tonnes, a unit of power used to measure refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, will keep temperatures at the mosque between 22°C and 24°C, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. The Grand Mosque houses the Kaaba and is visited by millions of worshippers every year. The oldest parts of the mosque date back to the 16th century. Two main cooling stations will pump air around the mosque – the Shamiya station, with a capacity of 120,000 tonnes, and the Ajyad station at 35,000 tonnes, SPA reported, quoting the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque. "These efforts are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at elevating the pilgrim experience and providing the highest levels of comfort and tranquillity during ritual performance, especially given the potentially harsh weather conditions," SPA added. Saudi authorities said last year that 1,300 Hajj pilgrims died as temperatures reached 50°C. Many were unregistered and lacked access to air-conditioned tents and buses. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for Muslims able to do so to perform the pilgrimage once in their lives. As of Friday, more than 1.3 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia, officials said. Temperatures this week are forecast to exceed 40°C. "I can't describe the joy of travelling finally for the Hajj," Abdullah Al Mutawa, 45, told The National at Dubai airport on Monday, before boarding a flight to Makkah. "I broke down in tears when I arrived at the airport knowing my dream has became a reality." More than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials will work to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry has warned that anyone attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a permit will face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals ($5,300). Those enabling illegal pilgrims to travel to Makkah face higher fines. Foreigners who breach the rules could be barred from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years. The Saudi government has built new infrastructure to enhance the safety of Hajj pilgrims. A quota system for visitors to Makkah was introduced in 1987, agreed on by member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, to limit the number of pilgrims allowed by each nation to 0.1 per cent of its population. This year, artificial intelligence will be used by authorities to monitor data and video, with a new fleet of drones to take to the skies above Makkah, to help manage the crowds.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
BMW Open Social dazzles in Sharjah with stellar scores and summer spirit
Under the fierce glare of the summer sun, golf balls flew and spirits soared at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, where the BMW Open Social brought together a mix of golfers for a sizzling day of competition and camaraderie. Sponsored by AGMC the event delivered more than just sunshine and swings. It offered drama, rivalry, and standout performances across the beautifully groomed course. The format was a better ball showdown, where teamwork was everything. And no pair worked the course better than Suresh Shewakramani and Shahid Habib, who lit up the scoreboard with a jaw-dropping 15-under-par. Their round featured ten net birdies and three net eagles—a masterclass in strategy, shot-making, and sheer synergy. The duo's flawless rhythm earned them top honours and bragging rights, walking away with the event's premier prize. Not to be overlooked, the front and back nine saw their own moments of brilliance. Kim Daeil and Young Koo Kang torched the front nine with a blazing 7-under-par (29), while Mani Thandapani and Zamir Bukhari surged late with a superb 8-under-par (28) on the back nine. Eeach duo earning recognition for their standout stretches. The BMW Open Social was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of community, competition, and a shared love of the game. From the first tee shot to the last putt, the event showed once again why Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club continues to be one of the UAE's most welcoming and well-run golf destinations.
