There's no justification for children to go hungry
With refence to the editorial Israel must let more food in to Gaza and end the starvation (July 28): Thousands of children are hungry in Gaza. According to the UN, one out of five children in Gaza suffer from malnutrition. What is the culpability of these innocents? They are not members of Hamas or any militant establishment. They have no role in the current discord. Yet, they are hollowed by hunger. Those who endure these acrimonious days will carry scars of deprivation and hurt for the rest of their lives.
It is time to end this protracted wretchedness of children. Food and health care should be continuously provided on a priority basis to children. The UAE should be extolled for supplying food and medicines to the people of war-shattered Gaza. The children should be in school with books. Instead they are on the streets with pots, scrounging for food. When will mankind awaken?
Rajendra Aneja, Mumbai
First woman brigadier in Dubai Police makes history
In reference to Nick Webster's piece Trailblazing Dubai Police officer shares pride after being named first female brigadier (July 27): Many congratulations to her. This is matter of pride for the city.
Masooma Ajaz, Dubai
The cultural legacy of Ziad Rahbani
With regard to Saeed Saeed's piece Seven ways Ziad Rahbani changed Arabic music (July 27): Interesting piece. Just one clarification: Kifak enta was not a love confession to a childhood sweetheart. It is from Fairouz to Ziad inspired by what she told him the first time she saw him after he came back to Lebanon.
Rachele Hayak, Abu Dhabi
Many of Ziad's lyrics, rhymes and harmonies will stay with us forever.
Francoise Eid Salameh, Doha, Qatar
He was a genius who shaped generations with his music and satire.
Rana C, Beirut
To add, his jazz style was influenced by the classical tradition he was trained in, and it shows in the structure and direction of the music, which is impressive even beyond the Arab world, in western culture.
Nour H, New York
Heartbreaking to see Fairouz at the funeral. Even though her son was 69 years old and lived a fruitful life, he was still her baby.
Dean M, Chicago, US
So fortunate to have been around when he was creating magic with his music.
Rabab Atie, Beirut, Lebanon
Rest in peace, Ziad. The voice of our generation. And just a note that calling Fairouz renowned feels like an understatement. She was nothing short of legendary.
Rebecca Rahi, Tyre, Lebanon
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Fujairah detects multiple marine violations affecting coral reefs, fish, turtles
Multiple environmental violations at several diving sites along Fujairah's coasts have been detected, the emirate's Environment Authority said on Tuesday. Among these illegal practices there was the disposal of abandoned fishing nets on the seabed, harming coral reefs, turtles and fish and posing an immediate danger to their lives. Inspection teams from Fujairah Environment Authority also recorded illegal diving activities within marine protected areas—a clear violation of approved environmental standards. Traditional anchors were also dropped in coral-rich areas, a harmful practice that broke or damaged parts of the natural coral off the emirate's coasts. The Authority clarified that this violation was carried out despite the availability of designated mooring buoys, which offer a safer alternative that protects seabeds from the damage caused by directly dropping anchors. Diving activities Stressing the importance of complying with relevant federal and local laws and regulations, the environmental body said in comments published by Emarat Al Youm that this compliance is a responsibility that falls on all marine activity operators. Guides and divers should be trained on sustainable environmental practices and how to interact with marine life and ecosystems before heading out to sea, it added. Obtaining a diving licence from the environmental authority in Fujairah is mandatory before conducting any diving activities within marine reserves. The use of jet skis or any form of diving in zones dedicated to marine life development is strictly prohibited. Marine reserves in Fujairah extend along the coast of Dibba Al-Fujairah, and all forms of fishing and activities that cause pollution or damage to coral reefs are not allowed within these reserves. Diving is only permitted to observe marine biodiversity or conduct scientific research and experiments, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Water, research centres, and the Emirates Diving Association. Marine protection authorities in the emirate also issued a disclaimer saying that it bears no responsibility for individual diving activities conducted at depths exceeding nine meters. It also emphasised the importance of avoiding any interaction with protected marine species—particularly molluscs and venomous fish that can sting upon contact. Divers are strongly advised to remain vigilant and steer clear of sharks frequently found in these waters, to safeguard both their own safety and the marine ecosystem. Marine operators and hobbyists are urged to immediately report any signs of pollution or harm to marine life by calling the toll-free number 800368.
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
Tributes paid to Emirati father killed in Oman crash who dedicated life to country and family
The son of a former Emirati soldier killed in a head-on crash in Oman during a holiday road trip has paid tribute to a "noble man" who dedicated his life to his country and family. Mohammed Al Tamimi, 70, was travelling on Haima Road on his way to Salalah on Saturday when his black Rox vehicle collided with a white SUV. The deadly crash was captured on a dashboard camera of another driver and was shared widely on social media. The Emirati citizen and the driver of the second car, Omani teacher Nasser Al Kendi, both died in the crash, while Mr Al Tamimi's wife and daughter were injured. His body was repatriated on Monday night and he was buried at Al Qusais Cemetery in Dubai after a funeral service. His son, Sabri Al Tamimi, told The National his father had been travelling for a holiday in Oman with his mother and sister, with other relatives joining them in a second car. 'We are still in shock. My father was a great man,' he said. 'My mother is still recovering from the injuries and can't travel because of her condition. Doctors told us she is stable but she can't travel. She will not say goodbye to my father.' She is expected to return to the UAE this week. He said his father was a former solider who had served his country for 27 years. He was also a cancer survivor, having first been diagnosed with the disease in 1989. 'My father had a long history with cancer since he was diagnosed in 1989,' he said. "He survived the cancer but recently it was back." He reflected on his father's patriotism and pride in his country, which he demonstrated by displaying a 25-metre UAE flag on the family's house in Mirdif to mark National Day celebrations in 2012. 'My mother in that time was battling cancer, too,' he added. 'We are in grief. My father was a noble man dedicated his life to serve his country and family. Safety plea after tragedy Tributes for the two drivers have flooded in on social media, along with many calling for safety measures to be stepped up on Omani roads, which are particularly busy during peak summer holiday months. On July 11, three members of an Emirati family were killed in a crash on a road to Salalah. Rashid Gareeb Al Yammahi, 25, his wife Jawaher Mohammed Al Yammahi, 21, and mother-in-law Khadija Ali Al Yammahi, 51, died in an accident involving three cars on Sultan Said bin Taimur Road in Dhofar governorate at 7am. Eight more members of the family – on holiday from the UAE and travelling in two cars – were injured in the pile-up in which five people were killed. 'Police should have more radars on that road. Having more police patrols on Salalah road is important,' said Mosa Al Hadi from Oman on X. Ahmed Al Tunaiji urged officials to expand the road to four lanes, with a central barrier in place to help prevent accidents. 'I wish the officials make the road two lanes in each direction with a road barrier between Nizwa to Salalah. People died because of this deadly road,' he said on X. In June, Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology announced plans for a series of developmental road projects in Dhofar to improve infrastructure ahead of the Khareef season, when huge numbers of tourists travel to Salalah to enjoy the green landscape and cooler temperature. According to Oman News Agency, construction has begun on the third, fourth and fifth phases of the Sultan Said bin Taimour dual carriageway road project, covering a near 400km route at a cost of 258 million Omani rial ($670 million).
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
UN migration agency demands accountability for Yemen boat tragedy
The UN's migration agency has called for 'accountability for smugglers and traffickers' after a vessel carrying 200 migrants capsized off the Yemeni coast on Sunday. At least 56 people died when the boat sank in the Gulf of Aden, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Fourteen of the dead were women, with 132 people still missing. Twelve survivors, all male, have been found, the UN agency said. It said the boat carried mostly Ethiopian nationals. "Every life lost is a powerful reminder of the human toll of irregular migration – and of the urgent need for safe, regular pathways, strong protection systems, effective search and rescue operations, and accountability for smugglers and traffickers,' the IOM said in a statement. Ethiopia's UN mission in Geneva said more than 60 of the dead were Ethiopians. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry is "working with partners to investigate and urges citizens to avoid irregular routes", the UN mission said on X. Yemeni security sources said the boat capsized as a result of heavy seas and strong winds as it headed to Abyan governorate in southern Yemen. Weather warnings are often ignored by smugglers, who profit off of the perilous migration route. Migrants have reported that smugglers are becoming more reckless, knowingly sending boats into dangerous conditions to avoid patrols, according to IOM. In a statement, the Abyan security directorate described a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. It said many bodies were scattered across a wide area. The dangerous journey from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is one commonly undertaken by refugees and migrants hoping to reach wealthy Gulf nations in pursuit of a better future. More than 60,000 migrants arrived in Yemen last year alone, according to IOM figures, despite the devastating conflict that has ravaged the country since 2014. Migrants mostly hail from Ethiopia, which faces high levels of poverty and also grapples with conflict. The IOM says the route between the Horn of Africa and Yemen is "one of the world's busiest and most perilous mixed migration routes". The Horn of Africa is made up of Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea and the breakaway region of Somaliland. Drought, climate change and food insecurity are other factors that have pushed migrants to leave. The IOM has recorded more than 350 deaths and disappearances this year among migrants travelling along the Eastern Route – between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, 'although the actual figure is likely to be significantly higher', the UN migration agency said. Over the past decade, IOM's Missing Migrants Project has recorded over 3,400 deaths and disappearances along the Eastern Route, including more than 580 women and 100 children. It said 1,400 of these deaths were caused by drowning. 'This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need to address the dangers of irregular migration along the Eastern Route,' the agency said. 'Immediate lifesaving assistance and protection for vulnerable migrants must be prioritised, alongside targeted efforts to tackle the root causes of irregular migration,' it added.
