Hamas launches biggest attack on Israel in years


  • English
  • Arabic

Hamas has launched the biggest attack on Israel in years in a surprise assault that involved gunmen crossing the border from Gaza with a heavy barrage of rockets from the Palestinian enclave.

Militants in Gaza launched dozens of rockets towards Israel early on Saturday, as air raid sirens sounded across the country.

Warnings of incoming rockets were heard for several minutes in southern areas surrounding Gaza and in the greater Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas.

Israel's ambulance service said at least 40 Israelis were killed and hundreds wounded in the Hamas attack but the total appeared likely to rise, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.

The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed at least 198 were killed so far while 1,610 were wounded by Saturday afternoon in Gaza following Israeli retaliation on the Palestinian territory.

Following the rocket attacks, Israel declared a state of alert for war and sent aircraft to strike back.

Explosions could also be heard in cities around Tel Aviv and outside Jerusalem.

The rocket fire was launched from several locations in Gaza starting at 6.30am, AFP reported.

The Israeli army urged the public to stay close to bomb shelters.

Israeli soldiers 'captured'

Unverified videos circulating on social media from Gaza showed militants dragging the bodies of several Israeli soldiers into the streets in celebration.

  • Palestinians transport a captured Israeli civilian from Kibbutz Kfar Azza into the Gaza Strip. AP
    Palestinians transport a captured Israeli civilian from Kibbutz Kfar Azza into the Gaza Strip. AP
  • Palestinians celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip border fence, east of Khan Younis. AP
    Palestinians celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip border fence, east of Khan Younis. AP
  • Smoke rises from an area near a power plant outside Ashkelon, Israel. AP
    Smoke rises from an area near a power plant outside Ashkelon, Israel. AP
  • Palestinians walk away from the Kfar Azza area of Israel, near the border fence with the Gaza strip. AP
    Palestinians walk away from the Kfar Azza area of Israel, near the border fence with the Gaza strip. AP
  • A rocket is launched from Gaza towards Israel by militants of Ezzedine Al Qassam, the military wing of Hamas. PA
    A rocket is launched from Gaza towards Israel by militants of Ezzedine Al Qassam, the military wing of Hamas. PA
  • Israeli rescuers tend to an elderly man at the entrance of a building in Ashkelon struck by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. AFP
    Israeli rescuers tend to an elderly man at the entrance of a building in Ashkelon struck by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. AFP
  • Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza. Reuters
    Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza. Reuters
  • Palestinians return to Gaza City driving an Israeli Humvee that was seized after militants entered Israel. AFP
    Palestinians return to Gaza City driving an Israeli Humvee that was seized after militants entered Israel. AFP
  • A rocket is launched from the Gaza strip towards Israel by Ezzedine Al Qassam militants. EPA
    A rocket is launched from the Gaza strip towards Israel by Ezzedine Al Qassam militants. EPA
  • Israelis queue to donate blood at a hospital in Tel Aviv, to help people wounded in the Palestinian attacks. AFP
    Israelis queue to donate blood at a hospital in Tel Aviv, to help people wounded in the Palestinian attacks. AFP
  • An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel. Reuters
    An aerial view shows vehicles on fire as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel. Reuters
  • Palestinian militants move towards the border fence with Israel from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP
    Palestinian militants move towards the border fence with Israel from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. AFP
  • Smoke billows from residential buildings following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City. AFP
    Smoke billows from residential buildings following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City. AFP
  • A man runs past cars damaged during a rocket attack in Ashkelon, Israel. Bloomberg
    A man runs past cars damaged during a rocket attack in Ashkelon, Israel. Bloomberg
  • Palestinians surround an Israeli military vehicle hit by Palestinian gunmen who infiltrated areas of southern Israel, on the Israeli side of Israel-Gaza border. Reuters
    Palestinians surround an Israeli military vehicle hit by Palestinian gunmen who infiltrated areas of southern Israel, on the Israeli side of Israel-Gaza border. Reuters
  • Israeli police evacuate a family from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. AP
    Israeli police evacuate a family from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. AP
  • A rocket is launched from the Gaza strip towards Israel by militants of the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. EPA
    A rocket is launched from the Gaza strip towards Israel by militants of the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. EPA
  • Israeli police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. AP
    Israeli police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip. AP
  • Ezzedine Al Qassam fighters move towards the Erez crossing between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
    Ezzedine Al Qassam fighters move towards the Erez crossing between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
  • A member of Israeli security forces tries to extinguish fire on cars following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel. AFP
    A member of Israeli security forces tries to extinguish fire on cars following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, southern Israel. AFP
  • Palestinian militants of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades move towards the Erez crossing between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
    Palestinian militants of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades move towards the Erez crossing between Israel and the northern Gaza Strip. AFP
  • Israeli military drive on a road in southern Israel, as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, outside Sderot. Reuters
    Israeli military drive on a road in southern Israel, as rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip, outside Sderot. Reuters
  • Smoke billows from a residential building following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. AFP
    Smoke billows from a residential building following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. AFP
  • The Rehovot area south of Tel Aviv after rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip. Reuters
    The Rehovot area south of Tel Aviv after rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip. Reuters
  • Palestinians celebrate as an Israeli tank burns after it was hit by Palestinian gunmen in southern Israel. Reuters
    Palestinians celebrate as an Israeli tank burns after it was hit by Palestinian gunmen in southern Israel. Reuters
  • A building in Tel Aviv ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters
    A building in Tel Aviv ablaze following rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters
  • Israeli soldiers mobilise on a road in central Israel. AP Photo
    Israeli soldiers mobilise on a road in central Israel. AP Photo
  • Residents gather outside a damaged building in Tel Aviv following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into Israel. AFP
    Residents gather outside a damaged building in Tel Aviv following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip into Israel. AFP
  • A rocket is launched by the Ezz Al Din Al Qassam militia from the coastal Gaza strip towards Israel. EPA
    A rocket is launched by the Ezz Al Din Al Qassam militia from the coastal Gaza strip towards Israel. EPA
  • A building in the Israeli city of Gedera burns after a direct hit by rockets launched from Gaza. EPA
    A building in the Israeli city of Gedera burns after a direct hit by rockets launched from Gaza. EPA
  • Smoke rises after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon, southern Israel. AP Photo
    Smoke rises after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon, southern Israel. AP Photo
  • Smoke rising from the direction of the Israeli cities of Ashdod and Gedera following rocket launches from Gaza on Saturday. EPA
    Smoke rising from the direction of the Israeli cities of Ashdod and Gedera following rocket launches from Gaza on Saturday. EPA
  • Rockets fired from Gaza on Saturday morning head towards Israel. AP Photo
    Rockets fired from Gaza on Saturday morning head towards Israel. AP Photo
  • The rocket barrages from Gaza hit the coastal city of Ashkelon in southern Israel. Reuters
    The rocket barrages from Gaza hit the coastal city of Ashkelon in southern Israel. Reuters
  • Rocket contrails in the air over Gaza as Palestinian missiles are sent into Israel. Reuters
    Rocket contrails in the air over Gaza as Palestinian missiles are sent into Israel. Reuters
  • The aftermath of rocket barrages in Ashkelon, southern Israel. Reuters
    The aftermath of rocket barrages in Ashkelon, southern Israel. Reuters
  • Rockets are fired toward Israel from Gaza. AP Photo
    Rockets are fired toward Israel from Gaza. AP Photo
  • Israeli emergency personnel sit under a tree in Ashkelon after rockets were launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Reuters
    Israeli emergency personnel sit under a tree in Ashkelon after rockets were launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Reuters
  • Dozens of rockets were fired from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel. AFP
    Dozens of rockets were fired from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel. AFP
  • Residents in Ashkelon look to the skies after rockets launched from the Gaza Strip shake their neighbourhood. Reuters
    Residents in Ashkelon look to the skies after rockets launched from the Gaza Strip shake their neighbourhood. Reuters
  • Rockets are fired from Gaza City as Israel's Iron Dome air defence system attempts to intercept them. AFP
    Rockets are fired from Gaza City as Israel's Iron Dome air defence system attempts to intercept them. AFP
  • Security tape is rolled out in the streets after rockets launched from the Gaza Strip hit Israel. Reuters
    Security tape is rolled out in the streets after rockets launched from the Gaza Strip hit Israel. Reuters
  • A man watches as rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel. AFP
    A man watches as rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel. AFP
  • Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel. AFP
    Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel. AFP
  • A resident surveys the damage after rockets from the Gaza Strip hit Ashkelon in Israel. Reuters
    A resident surveys the damage after rockets from the Gaza Strip hit Ashkelon in Israel. Reuters
  • Residents follow the sound of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip as they hit Ashkelon in Israel. Reuters
    Residents follow the sound of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip as they hit Ashkelon in Israel. Reuters
  • Israeli firefighters extinguish fire after a rocket attack on Ashkelon. AP Photo
    Israeli firefighters extinguish fire after a rocket attack on Ashkelon. AP Photo
  • A man flees rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, Reuters
    A man flees rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, Reuters
  • Rockets fired from Gaza City towards Israel rise into the early morning sky. AFP
    Rockets fired from Gaza City towards Israel rise into the early morning sky. AFP
  • An emergency worker fights fire after rockets launched from the Gaza Strip hit Israel. Reuters
    An emergency worker fights fire after rockets launched from the Gaza Strip hit Israel. Reuters
  • Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel. AFP
    Rockets are fired from Gaza City towards Israel. AFP
  • A barrage of rockets from Gaza City are filmed as they make their way towards Israel. AFP
    A barrage of rockets from Gaza City are filmed as they make their way towards Israel. AFP

The former head of Israel’s National Security Council, Maj Gen Giora Eiland, told The National that Israeli forces are likely to hold off on taking extraordinary measures to conduct a rescue mission to retrieve captured soldiers taken into Gaza.

“I don’t think that we will try to do something specifically today in regards to these people. I think this will happen in the second phase once we push back the Hamas fighters to Gaza.

“But one of the main goals will be to bring them back, hopefully alive. I don’t think we’ll stop the operation until we have them,” he said.

The Israeli military said it was hitting the Gaza Strip after Hamas, the militant group that controls of the enclave, announced another operation against Israel.

At least three explosions could be heard as Israel's anti-rocket defences went into operation.

Following a security cabinet meeting at the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Hamas “made a grave mistake” in launching barrages of rockets into southern and central Israel in its surprise morning attack.

In one of the most serious escalations in years between Israel and the militant group that rules Gaza, Hamas gunmen crossed the border fence at several places and infiltrated Israeli communities.

“The state of Israel will win this war,” Mr Gallant said.

The attack in Jerusalem is considered a major escalation by Israel.

More than 5,000 rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, Hamas's armed wing said. It announced it had started “Operation Al Aqsa Flood”.

A map shows the sites of Hamas rocket attacks against Israel. The National
A map shows the sites of Hamas rocket attacks against Israel. The National

“We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel), their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over,” the group said.

“We announce Operation Al Aqsa Flood and we fired, in the first strike of 20 minutes, more than 5,000 rockets.”

A senior Hamas official told The National that the operation on Saturday was a response “to the crimes of the occupation”.

“Our fighters today are carrying out a massive operation in our defence of our Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel,” he said.

Ari, 29, told The National from Tel Aviv that residents of the city were awakened early on Saturday by the sirens and immediately sought shelter.

“Behind my building on the main road, people were running into the bomb shelter. I was the last one in. There were kids streaming in and I was throwing them down. Just before I got down, we heard a massive boom. I looked behind and there was smoke billowing out,” he said.

Speaking to The National from Gaza, Abdullah Hammoudeh, 31, said residents have begun taking shelter in anticipation of continued aerial bombardment from Israel.

“Things have been moving very, very fast for us this morning. We've started taking extra precautions right now by stocking up on food and our emergency necessities in case this escalates to the levels of the 2008 war and 2014. There's a lot of tension among us and we're afraid of the days to come,” he said.

Vehicles burn in Ashkelon after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza. Reuters
Vehicles burn in Ashkelon after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza. Reuters

Rising casualties

The Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom reported at least 16 casualties, including a woman in her 60s who was killed when a rocket fired from Gaza made a direct hit. Two others were in serious condition.

There were reports of many more casualties on both sides, but authorities did not immediately release details. Israeli media reported that dozens of people were hospitalised in southern Israel. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported injuries among “many citizens” without giving numbers and loudspeakers on mosques broadcast prayers of mourning for killed militants.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convene a meeting with security chiefs.

Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza since 2007 after Hamas took power.

The latest escalation in violence comes after more than a week of tensions in Israel after soldiers shot and killed two Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Thursday.

Abdul Rahman Atta, 23, and Huthaifa Faris, 27, were near killed near the village of Shufa.

An increase in Jewish worshippers entering Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem over the holiday of Sukkot this past week has also contributed to a rise in tensions.

The mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, is the most sensitive site in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The mosque fell under Jordanian authority after Israel was created in 1948. Israel captured the site in East Jerusalem in the 1967 war but allowed it to remain under Jordanian administration.

Chris Doyle, director of the Centre for Arab British Understanding, said the “long-term failure” on Gaza is likely to prolong the conflict.

“There is a long-term failure on Gaza and on the issue of Palestine: the assumption that you can leave that small strip of land to fester and it can stay contained. It won’t,” he told The National.

“The international community as a whole has to take stock of this. We have a long-term situation in Gaza which is completely unsustainable, two million under blockade with no horizon,” he said.

KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%205%2C%201994%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jeff%20Bezos%20founds%20Cadabra%20Inc%2C%20which%20would%20later%20be%20renamed%20to%20Amazon.com%2C%20because%20his%20lawyer%20misheard%20the%20name%20as%20'cadaver'.%20In%20its%20earliest%20days%2C%20the%20bookstore%20operated%20out%20of%20a%20rented%20garage%20in%20Bellevue%2C%20Washington%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJuly%2016%2C%201995%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20formally%20opens%20as%20an%20online%20bookseller.%20%3Cem%3EFluid%20Concepts%20and%20Creative%20Analogies%3A%20Computer%20Models%20of%20the%20Fundamental%20Mechanisms%20of%20Thought%3C%2Fem%3E%20becomes%20the%20first%20item%20sold%20on%20Amazon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1997%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20goes%20public%20at%20%2418%20a%20share%2C%20which%20has%20grown%20about%201%2C000%20per%20cent%20at%20present.%20Its%20highest%20closing%20price%20was%20%24197.85%20on%20June%2027%2C%202024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E1998%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20IMDb%2C%20its%20first%20major%20acquisition.%20It%20also%20starts%20selling%20CDs%20and%20DVDs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2000%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Marketplace%20opens%2C%20allowing%20people%20to%20sell%20items%20on%20the%20website%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2002%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20forms%20what%20would%20become%20Amazon%20Web%20Services%2C%20opening%20the%20Amazon.com%20platform%20to%20all%20developers.%20The%20cloud%20unit%20would%20follow%20in%202006%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2003%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20turns%20in%20an%20annual%20profit%20of%20%2475%20million%2C%20the%20first%20time%20it%20ended%20a%20year%20in%20the%20black%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2005%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Prime%20is%20introduced%2C%20its%20first-ever%20subscription%20service%20that%20offered%20US%20customers%20free%20two-day%20shipping%20for%20%2479%20a%20year%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2006%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20Unbox%20is%20unveiled%2C%20the%20company's%20video%20service%20that%20would%20later%20morph%20into%20Amazon%20Instant%20Video%20and%2C%20ultimately%2C%20Amazon%20Video%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2007%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20first%20hardware%20product%2C%20the%20Kindle%20e-reader%2C%20is%20introduced%3B%20the%20Fire%20TV%20and%20Fire%20Phone%20would%20come%20in%202014.%20Grocery%20service%20Amazon%20Fresh%20is%20also%20started%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2009%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20introduces%20Amazon%20Basics%2C%20its%20in-house%20label%20for%20a%20variety%20of%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2010%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20foundations%20for%20Amazon%20Studios%20were%20laid.%20Its%20first%20original%20streaming%20content%20debuted%20in%202013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2011%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Appstore%20for%20Google's%20Android%20is%20launched.%20It%20is%20still%20unavailable%20on%20Apple's%20iOS%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2014%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20The%20Amazon%20Echo%20is%20launched%2C%20a%20speaker%20that%20acts%20as%20a%20personal%20digital%20assistant%20powered%20by%20Alexa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2017%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon%20acquires%20Whole%20Foods%20for%20%2413.7%20billion%2C%20its%20biggest%20acquisition%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E2018%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amazon's%20market%20cap%20briefly%20crosses%20the%20%241%20trillion%20mark%2C%20making%20it%2C%20at%20the%20time%2C%20only%20the%20third%20company%20to%20achieve%20that%20milestone%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Results

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m

Pakistanis%20at%20the%20ILT20%20
%3Cp%3EThe%20new%20UAE%20league%20has%20been%20boosted%20this%20season%20by%20the%20arrival%20of%20five%20Pakistanis%2C%20who%20were%20not%20released%20to%20play%20last%20year.%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%0D%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EShaheen%20Afridi%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ESet%20for%20at%20least%20four%20matches%2C%20having%20arrived%20from%20New%20Zealand%20where%20he%20captained%20Pakistan%20in%20a%20series%20loss.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EShadab%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%0DThe%20leg-spin%20bowling%20allrounder%20missed%20the%20tour%20of%20New%20Zealand%20after%20injuring%20an%20ankle%20when%20stepping%20on%20a%20ball.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAzam%20Khan%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EPowerhouse%20wicketkeeper%20played%20three%20games%20for%20Pakistan%20on%20tour%20in%20New%20Zealand.%20He%20was%20the%20first%20Pakistani%20recruited%20to%20the%20ILT20.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMohammed%20Amir%20(Desert%20Vipers)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EHas%20made%20himself%20unavailable%20for%20national%20duty%2C%20meaning%20he%20will%20be%20available%20for%20the%20entire%20ILT20%20campaign.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EImad%20Wasim%20(Abu%20Dhabi%20Knight%20Riders)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20left-handed%20allrounder%2C%2035%2C%20retired%20from%20international%20cricket%20in%20November%20and%20was%20subsequently%20recruited%20by%20the%20Knight%20Riders.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

if you go

The flights 

Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning. 

The trains

Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.

The hotels

Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.

The biog

Fatima Al Darmaki is an Emirati widow with three children

She has received 46 certificates of appreciation and excellence throughout her career

She won the 'ideal mother' category at the Minister of Interior Awards for Excellence

Her favourite food is Harees, a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled wheat berries mixed with chicken

FORSPOKEN
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Luminous%20Productions%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Square%20Enix%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20PS5%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20January%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20of%20Heroes%203
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Relic%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20SEGA%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20PS5%2C%20XSX%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20February%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Star%20Wars%20Jedi%3A%20Survivor
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Respawn%20Entertainment%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Electronic%20Arts%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20PS5%2C%20XSX%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20March%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Suicide%20Squad%3A%20Kill%20the%20Justice%20League
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Rocksteady%20Studios%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Warner%20Bros%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20PS5%2C%20XSX%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20May%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Final%20Fantasy%20XVI
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Square%20Enix%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Square%20Enix%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PS5%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20June%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Street%20Fighter%206
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Capcom%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Capcom%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PS5%2C%20XSX%2C%20PC%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20June%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Diablo%20IV
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Blizzard%20Entertainment%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Blizzard%20Entertainment%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20PS5%2C%20XSX%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20June%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Baldur's%20Gate%203
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Larian%20Studios%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Larian%20Studios%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20August%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20Legend%20of%20Zelda%3A%20Tears%20of%20The%20Kingdom
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Nintendo%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Nintendo%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20Nintendo%20Switch%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20September%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Marvel's%20Spider-Man%202
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Insomniac%20Games%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20PlayStation%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PS5%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%20Fall%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Assassin's%20Creed%20Mirage
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20PS5%2C%20XSX%2C%20Amazon%20Luna%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Starfield
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Bethesda%20Game%20Studios%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Bethesda%20Softworks%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PC%2C%20Xbox%0D%3Cbr%3ERelease%20date%3A%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Opening Rugby Championship fixtures: Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

THE%20SWIMMERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESally%20El-Hosaini%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENathalie%20Issa%2C%20Manal%20Issa%2C%20Ahmed%20Malek%20and%20Ali%20Suliman%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Match info

Newcastle United 1
Joselu (11')

Tottenham Hotspur 2
Vertonghen (8'), Alli (18')

Updated: October 07, 2023, 1:40 PM