Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
US president-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy on Tuesday appeared to say a deal between Israel and Hamas over hostages held in Gaza was imminent, after reporting “a lot of progress” in negotiations.
Billionaire Steve Witkoff, who was named as Mr Trump's Middle East envoy in November, told reporters he was “really hopeful” that he and his team would “have some good things to announce” by Mr Trump's January 20 inauguration in Washington.
Israel and Hamas have been in talks in recent days over a possible hostage-detainee exchange amid continuing international deliberations to bring an end to the Gaza war.
About 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage during a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's military believes 100 are still being held in Gaza. American citizens are among the hostages. About 45,000 people have died in Israel's onslaught against Gaza - the vast majority of them civilians.
“I think we're making a lot of progress, and I don't want to say too much, because I think they're doing a really good job back in Doha,” Mr Witkoff said about his recent talks in the region.
He said he will be travelling back to Doha within the next day. He has been to the region several times since he was appointed.
“We'll save some lives … I believe we've been on the verge of it,” Mr Witkoff said. “I think it's the president, his stature, what he said he expects, the red lines he's put out there that's driving this negotiation.”
Almost 45,900 people in Gaza have been killed amid Israeli military operations and a worsening humanitarian crisis that has pushed parts of the enclave to the brink of famine, local health authorities say.
Mr Trump told reporters that if the hostages were not released in the next two weeks before he enters the White House, “all hell will break out in the Middle East”.
“It will not be good for Hamas, and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone.”
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
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Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Favourite things
Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery
Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount
University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China
Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai
Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China
Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs
In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
SECRET%20INVASION
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich 1
Kimmich (27')
Real Madrid 2
Marcelo (43'), Asensio (56')
