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.

Men's football draw

Group A: UAE, Spain, South Africa, Jamaica

Group B: Bangladesh, Serbia, Korea

Group C: Bharat, Denmark, Kenya, USA

Group D: Oman, Austria, Rwanda

The%20Color%20Purple
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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.”

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

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Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs

Engine: 5-litre V8

Gearbox: eight-speed automatic

Power: 420hp

Torque: 505Nm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km

Price: Dh260,500

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Globalization and its Discontents Revisited
Joseph E. Stiglitz
W. W. Norton & Company

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Defending champions

World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack