US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will 'underscore the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation', said officials. AFP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will 'underscore the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation', said officials. AFP

Blinken heading to Israel to make ceasefire push



Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will depart for Israel on Saturday as part of a continued diplomatic push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.

The visit comes amid fears Iran could at any moment launch a retaliatory strike against Israel following the assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.

“Secretary Blinken will underscore the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation or any other actions that could undermine the ability to finalise an agreement,” the State Department said.

The US, with support from Egypt and Qatar, on Friday presented a ceasefire proposal to Israel and Hamas that the mediating countries say “bridges remaining gaps” between the two sides. However, a Hamas spokesman in Lebanon said the offer “does not look promising”.

Mr Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to meet in person on Monday, an Israeli official told Reuters, adding the Israeli delegation at the Doha ceasefire talks would head back to Israel later on Friday.

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%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EClara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPatrick%20Rogers%2C%20Lee%20McMahon%2C%20Arthur%20Guest%2C%20Ahmed%20Arif%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegalTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%20of%20seed%20financing%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Shorooq%20Partners%2C%20Techstars%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20OTF%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Knuru%20Capital%2C%20Plug%20and%20Play%20and%20The%20LegalTech%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Trying but failing to reduce phone use multiple times.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

Experiencing physical problems such as eye strain, neck pain, or thumb and wrist pain.

Encountering friction with family and friends over the amount of time spent on the screen

What are the guidelines?
  • Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
  • Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
  • Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
  • Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
  • Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
     
    Source: American Paediatric Association
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French Touch

Carla Bruni

(Verve)

Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
Updated: August 16, 2024, 5:50 PM