Israeli troops on the ground in southern Lebanon. AFP
Israeli troops on the ground in southern Lebanon. AFP

Outrage in Lebanon at international outlets embedding with Israeli army



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A recent series of embeds granted to international outlets with the Israeli army during its ground invasion of southern Lebanon, which began earlier this month, has sparked outrage among Lebanese officials.

Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makari, sent a letter on Tuesday to several international outlets expressing “the grave concern” of the Lebanese government about the presence of journalists during Israel's recent incursions into Lebanon, condemning a violation of international and domestic laws as well as the charter of ethical practices in journalism.

“While we respect and uphold the essential principles of press freedom, it is vital to emphasise that press freedom must operate within the bounds of the law and respect for territorial integrity. The practice of embedding journalists with foreign military forces during incursions into another nation’s territory raises serious legal concerns,” the letter stressed.

According to the NNA, the letter was sent to The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Telegraph, The New York Times, the Associated Press, Fox News, Reuters and the BBC. Mr Makari denied any “attempt to curb press freedom” while stressing that the Lebanese government “retains the right to take all necessary legal actions to prevent any recurrence of such actions”.

Lebanon's Hezbollah, which Israel has vowed to “degrade” during its violent offensive in Lebanon, also issued two statements on Monday condemning the embed and all outlets which took part. The group described it as a “propaganda tour” which is “violating Lebanese land, sovereignty and the applicable Lebanese laws”.

“We reiterate our condemnation of this dangerous behaviour and unacceptable step, and we reiterate our demand that the competent authorities take the necessary legal and political measures,” one of the statements said.

The Israeli army says its ground invasion, which it claims is "limited" and is backed by Washington, is aimed at pushing Hezbollah north of the Litani River, about 30km from the Lebanon-Israel border.

Since the conflict started last October, more than 2,300 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, at least half of them in the past month, since Israel started an all-out war. The fighting has also displaced an estimated 1.2 million people.

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Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

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Transmission: 6-speed automatic

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THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

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Coffee: black death or elixir of life?

It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?

Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.

The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.

Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. 

The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.

But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.

Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.

It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.

So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.

Rory Reynolds

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
The specs
 
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Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Updated: October 15, 2024, 6:45 PM