With reference to Salam Al Amir's report Palestinian student dedicates Arab Reading Challenge win to ‘children of Gaza’ (23 October): The teenager Salsabil Sawalha from Hebron who won spoke of a very sad reality. She talked of it being “heartbreaking not to know when death will come for you, to turn you from a person full of dreams and ambitions into just another number added to the death toll”. Her words depict the extent of the tragedy in Gaza. Children should not have to think of these things and should be allowed carefree, happy days.
It is regrettable that a ceasefire has still not been reached and the next generation has to bear such trauma.
The remarkable initiative "Arab Reading Challenge" is working to uplift gifted children by teaching them a range of skills and abilities that will help increase their general knowledge and help them navigate a difficult world.
Ramachandran Nair, Kerala, India
The UAE's floating hospital in Egypt
In reference to The National's report UAE's floating hospital opens physiotherapy department to treat wounded Gazans (October 20): This is a great initiative and it's a relief to hear about the 2,400 Gazans who have been treated in the first five months of operation. Very sincere work by the UAE. The Palestinians will be forever grateful to the UAE.
Roger Sutton, Sydney, Australia
Ireland's stand against illegal settlements
With regard to Sunniva Rose's piece Ireland set to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements (October 22): I am just so proud to be Irish.
Tara Sillery, Dubai
Irish people suffered for centuries from British colonialism. They know how other people in the world would eel under the occupation of Israel.
Mohammed AlMuhairi, Abu Dhabi
Keir Starmer needs to take similar action in the UK. Israel's settlements on the West Bank are illegal and it's a shame that not more countries have implemented this.
Rachel Greenhalgh, Cambridge, UK
This step should be customary across Europe. Well done to Ireland to become the first EU nation to ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements.
Wally Rashid, Abu Dhabi
Macron's display of leadership
With regard to The National's social media post on Israel taking legal action against French President over military trade show ban (October 21): It takes strength and courage for a leader to stand up for what is right and a true leader must do it. Macron has acted like one.
Lili Berry, Sharjah
Good for Macron. It's time all the European leaders, UK leaders and the US stop providing arms to Israel and put an end to the senseless killings.
Susan B, Abu Dhabi
