The Dome of the Rock (R) and the Al Aqsa Mosque (L) at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. Ahmad Gharabli / AFP
The Dome of the Rock (R) and the Al Aqsa Mosque (L) at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. Ahmad Gharabli / AFP

Jerusalem is still occupied



Israel’s control over Jerusalem is one of the most contentious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since its takeover of east Jerusalem in 1967, the Israeli government has invested incredible sums of money and resources into entrenching their control over the area. It has created new Israeli neighbourhoods around the basin of the old city in an effort to cut Jerusalem off from the West Bank. At the centre of this takeover is Al Aqsa compound.

Last week Unesco, the United Nations cultural organisation, waded deep into the politics of Jerusalem. The world body adopted two resolutions put forward by Arab countries including Egypt, Lebanon and Algeria that refer to “Occupied Jerusalem” and lay out the need to “safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of east Jerusalem’s Old City”. The resolutions specifically note that the status quo on Al Aqsa Mosque – the third holiest site in Islam – must be preserved as a place of Muslim worship.

Israel slammed the decision and boycotted Unesco by suspending all cooperation with it. Recently, Unesco has taken an increasingly progressive position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After Mahmoud Abbas forced a vote on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, Unesco was one of the first UN bodies to recognise Palestine and open offices in Ramallah.

Now Unesco has drawn attention to Israel’s continued entrenchment of control in Jerusalem. While Israel might be upset, Unesco’s new resolutions are in line with internationally recognised peace agreements that see Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.

At a time when international boycotts against Israel for its occupation of Palestinian land are gaining steam, Tel Aviv’s decision to boycott Unesco sets a precedent. Israel is demonstrating that boycotts have a use as a tool of non-violent reaction, something that should encourage BDS supporters. Angry rhetoric about Israel’s deepening occupation appears to be transforming into action.

The Specs:

The Specs:

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 444bhp

Torque: 600Nm

Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT

On sale: now.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor

Power: 843hp at N/A rpm

Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km

On sale: October to December

Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)

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While you're here
Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

While you're here

Michael Young: Where is Lebanon headed?

Kareem Shaheen: I owe everything to Beirut

Raghida Dergham: We have to bounce back

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

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Transmission: Single-speed automatic

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Friday's schedule in Madrid

Men's quarter-finals

Novak Djokivic (1) v Marin Cilic (9) from 2pm UAE time

Roger Federer (4) v Dominic Thiem (5) from 7pm

Stefanos Tsitsipas (8) v Alexander Zverev (3) from 9.30pm

Stan Wawrinka v Rafael Nadal (2) from 11.30pm

Women's semi-finals

Belinda Bencic v Simona Halep (3) from 4.30pm

Sloane Stephens (8) v Kiki Bertens (7) from 10pm

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5