The first aid deliveries to Gaza since the collapse of a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas have been received by the Palestinian Red Crescent inside the enclave, the organisation said.
The shipment comprised 50 lorries carrying relief supplies and two carrying fuel, an Egyptian Red Crescent officer at the Rafah border crossing told The National.
"The Palestine Red Crescent teams received 50 aid trucks through the Rafah crossing today. The trucks contain food, water, relief assistance, medical supplies and medicines," the Red Crescent Said.
No aid deliveries were allowed into the enclave on Friday, causing the Red Crescent and the UN refugee agency UNRWA to express concerns that essential aid would be withheld from the enclave’s battered populace.
"We are beyond 'concerned' that NO humanitarian aid has been allowed into Gaza today including fuel," UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported on Friday night that the Israeli military had given instructions to humanitarian organisations operating at the Egypt-Gaza border to halt all aid deliveries until further notice.
They were also instructed to hastily empty all aid lorries that hadn’t been unloaded and send them back across the border, the Red Crescent said.
The Rafah crossing also remained open for foreign nationals’ evacuations, the government media office in Gaza said earlier on Saturday.
“The Rafah crossing is working normally on Saturday,” it said.
The Gaza border authority, which has been publishing daily lists of foreign nationals approved to leave the enclave, published a new list of evacuees on Friday night, confirming that the Rafah border crossing would be open.
Israel resumed its strikes on Gaza on Friday morning, causing at least 190 new civilian deaths and about 589 injuries, according to the enclave’s health ministry.
A humanitarian pause began in Gaza on November 24 as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US.
The two sides agreed to temporarily halt fighting to allow a hostage swap and increased aid deliveries.
More than 15,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed in Israeli attacks since October 7 following a cross-border attack by Hamas.
About 1,200 Israelis were also killed during Hamas’ surprise attack into Israeli territories on October 7, according to official estimates.
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
