Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The US on Wednesday called on Israel to take immediate action to open more crossings into northern Gaza and co-operate fully with UN efforts to enable delivery of humanitarian aid.
“As Gaza faces imminent famine, lives hang in the balance and every day matters,” US deputy ambassador Robert Wood told a UN Security Council session on the Middle East.
“Israel has taken some positive steps. But not nearly enough and not quickly enough.
"Distribution at scale is critical as aid access is only as impactful as its system of delivery.”
Mr Wood said Washington is working with UN partners to open a maritime corridor.
“Part of that corridor entails the establishment of a temporary pier in Gaza, from which humanitarian assistance will be offloaded,” he said.
UN senior co-ordinator for Gaza aid Sigrid Kaag said preparations for building the floating port and pier are advancing, with the involvement of the US, UN agencies and other member states.
Mr Wood repeated his call for Israel to produce a credible and realistic plan to protect the civilian population in Rafah and address the humanitarian needs of those who have sought refuge in the south.
“We are deeply concerned by the massive internal displacement within Gaza, and the risk of forcible displacement from Gaza," he said.
"Israel must act in compliance with its obligations under international law. Full stop.”
UAE ship carrying Gaza aid arrives in Egypt's Al Arish Port – video
Algeria's UN ambassador Amar Bendjama said it was absurd that after 200 days of unrelenting violence, the council is still talking about meeting “basic needs” of those affected by Gaza conflict.
Those with influence on the “occupying power” should assist Ms Kaag, Mr Bendjama said.
Israel's deputy ambassador to the UN, Noa Furman, said that while the council expects Israel to increase efforts and do its share with regard to humanitarian aid to Gaza, it “must step up its own efforts and demand that this horror, which has lasted more than six months, finally ends”.
“It is regrettable that this council cannot bring refuge to these hostages and their families." Ms Furman said.
"We're here to remind all that these hostages have not been allowed any basic humanitarian assistance by the monstrous terrorist kidnappers at all.
“Israel will do whatever it takes to bring them home. This council must step up to that task, too.”
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Opening weekend Premier League fixtures
Weekend of August 10-13
Arsenal v Manchester City
Bournemouth v Cardiff City
Fulham v Crystal Palace
Huddersfield Town v Chelsea
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Burnley
Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton
What is an ETF?
An exchange traded fund is a type of investment fund that can be traded quickly and easily, just like stocks and shares. They come with no upfront costs aside from your brokerage's dealing charges and annual fees, which are far lower than on traditional mutual investment funds. Charges are as low as 0.03 per cent on one of the very cheapest (and most popular), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, with the maximum around 0.75 per cent.
There is no fund manager deciding which stocks and other assets to invest in, instead they passively track their chosen index, country, region or commodity, regardless of whether it goes up or down.
The first ETF was launched as recently as 1993, but the sector boasted $5.78 billion in assets under management at the end of September as inflows hit record highs, according to the latest figures from ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five largest providers BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisers, Deutsche Bank X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
While the best-known track major indices such as MSCI World, the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, you can also invest in specific countries or regions, large, medium or small companies, government bonds, gold, crude oil, cocoa, water, carbon, cattle, corn futures, currency shifts or even a stock market crash.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
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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.
