Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Three Israeli hostages were released on Sunday from Hamas captivity in Gaza as part of the initial list of 33 hostages to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which eventually came into effect between Israel and Hamas on Sunday.
The Israeli military said the Red Cross has told it the three Israeli hostages were transferred into its care and were on their way towards military and security forces in the Gaza Strip.
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were taken to the war-ravaged enclave following Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 where a total of 251 Israelis were kidnapped and about 1,200 people killed. In response, Israel launched a devastating war on the Gaza Strip which has killed about 46,900 Palestinians and injured twice that number.
The Palestinian Commission of Detainees' Affairs, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club and the Prisoners' Media Office on Sunday announced the names of the first 90 detainees to be released in the first phase of the exchange, which includes females and minors.
Hamas said it was waiting for Israel to reveal a list of 90 Palestinians set to be freed from Israeli prisons on Sunday. “The occupation is expected to hand over shortly a list containing the names of 90 prisoners from the categories of women and children who are set to be released on the first day of the ceasefire,” the group said.
During a 42-day first phase of the ceasefire, Palestinian militants are due to free dozens of hostages, starting with the three women. The Israeli military believes another 34 dead captives are still in Gaza.
About 2,000 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons are also set to be released as part of the agreement that came following more than one year of relentless negotiations.
Ahead of their release, the UK said it welcomed the decision to free Ms Damari who is dual British citizen. “The UK government welcomes the reports that British national Emily Damari is on the list of hostages to be released by Hamas today. We stand ready to support her upon her release,” the UK Foreign Office said.
A short-lived truce in November 2023 featured the release of 105 Israeli hostages, including Thai workers, in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
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Abandon
Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Translated by Arunava Sinha
Tilted Axis Press
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
