TEL AVIV // Israel said yesterday that it is "determined" to prevent a planned protest flotilla from challenging its siege of the Gaza Strip, as the convoy's organisers claimed the country was pressuring European allies to halt the ships' departures.
The Israeli security cabinet convened yesterday for a second straight day to debate how to approach the flotilla amid concern that Israel could face a torrent of international condemnation should the protesters' mission result in a violent clash with the Israeli navy.
A statement from the office of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the cabinet had instructed the foreign ministry to step up its diplomatic bid to halt the ships from sailing. At the same time, it also ordered its navy to aim for "minimal friction" with the passengers. The ministers also decided in the closed-door meeting that while the vessels would not be allowed to reach Gaza's shores, they would be permitted to transfer their aid cargo to the enclave after checks in Israel's Ashdod port or Egypt's El Arish port.
The Israeli preparations come more than a year after a similar Gaza-bound, six-boat mission ended with the killing of nine Turkish activists by Israeli naval commandos who boarded their ship. Israel has mounted a diplomatic offensive to convince allies such as Greece to stop the vessels from sailing from their ports and its military has carried out drills simulating a the takeover of boats.
Activists insisted yesterday they would go ahead with their demonstration and that as many as a dozen ships could depart from European ports in the coming days.
Some 350 activists from countries including the US, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Greece are set to participate in the so-called "Freedom Flotilla II". Media reports have said about seven of the ships are already docked in Greece and will be joined by several others in the coming days.
Ann Wright, an American activist, told reporters in Athens yesterday that Israel was mounting a "tremendous diplomatic offensive" to stop the flotilla, including pressuring Greece to forbid the ships from leaving, the Associated Press reported. Organisers urged the Greek government not to "become complicit in Israel's illegal actions by succumbing to this pressure."
The protest mission is facing legal hurdles, too.
Organisers of the so-called US Boat to Gaza, also known as The Audacity of Hope - named after the title of a book written by Barack Obama before he became the US president - said Greek authorities have detained their boat after an Israeli group filed a complaint against it.
The boat's leaders said yesterday that they had raised US$400,000 (Dh147,000) from individuals in the US to fund the costs of the Delaware-registered vessel's repairs, fuel and crew.
But it remains unclear whether the ship will sail. The Israel Legal Centre, a non-governmental organisation based in the central Israeli city of Ramat Gan, said yesterday that it had contacted Greece to demand that The Audacity of Hope and other boats be detained.
"We explained that these boats are violating international law as well as Greek law, which does not allow any hostile actions against states friendly to Greece," said Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the group's director, in an interview.
She added that Greek authorities are so far preventing The Audacity of Hope from sailing after finding licensing problems and determining that the boat's engine was not powerful enough to carry the number of passengers slated to board the vessel, which media reports have said would number about 35.
Leslie Cagan, the New York-based coordinator of The Audacity of Hope, yesterday called those claims "frivolous" and added that the boat's capabilities had been "signed off" by an independent surveyor as well as tested at sea.
The Israel Legal Centre has also tackled other venues in a bid to hinder the protest.
According to Ms Leitner, her group warned maritime insurers against insuring the boats because such an act may "be liable to aiding and abetting a terror organisation." She referred to Hamas, the Islamic organisation that rules Gaza and which is viewed by Israel as a terrorist group.
She added that legal action was also being taken against the London-based Inmarsat, one of the biggest providers of satellite services to the maritime industry, after the company rejected its demand to halt the supply of communication equipment to the boats.
Such diplomatic and legal efforts are being compounded by attempts by some Israeli officials to limit media coverage of the protest.
On Sunday, the Israeli government press office threatened that foreign journalists who board the Gaza-bound ships may be banned for up to 10 years from entering the country.
Amid condemnation at home and abroad, Mr Netanyahu's office yesterday backtracked from the threat.
Nevertheless, reporters such as Joseph Dana, an American-Israeli journalist who is in Greece to board one of the boats to write about the protest for the US-based The Nation magazine, appeared intent on continuing their coverage.
Mr Dana, asked in a telephone interview of Israel's possible military actions to stop the flotilla, said that he was "quite fearful of the Israeli reaction."
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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)
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
Racecard
6.35pm: The Madjani Stakes – Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.10pm: Evidenza – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,200m
7.45pm: The Longines Conquest – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 2,000m
8.20: The Longines Elegant – Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (D)
8.35pm: The Dubai Creek Mile – Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.30pm: Mirdif Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,400m
10.05pm: The Longines Record – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,900m
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Premier League results
Saturday
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Arsenal 1
Bournemouth 0 Manchester City 1
Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Huddersfield Town 0
Burnley 1 Crystal Palace 3
Manchester United 3 Southampton 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Cardiff City 0
West Ham United 2 Newcastle United 0
Sunday
Watford 2 Leicester City 1
Fulham 1 Chelsea 2
Everton 0 Liverpool 0
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Scoreline
Chelsea 1
Azpilicueta (36')
West Ham United 1
Hernandez (73')
The%20Kitchen
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EDaniel%20Kaluuya%2C%20Kibwe%20Tavares%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EKane%20Robinson%2C%20Jedaiah%20Bannerman%2C%20Hope%20Ikpoku%20Jnr%2C%20Fiona%20Marr%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Stage results
1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4:39:05
2. Michael Matthews (AUS) Team BikeExchange 0:00:08
3. Primoz Roglic (SLV) Jumbo-Visma same time
4. Jack Haig (AUS) Bahrain Victorious s.t
5. Wilco Kelderman (NED) Bora-Hansgrohe s.t
6. Tadej Pogacar (SLV) UAE Team Emirates s.t
7. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ s.t
8. Sergio Higuita Garcia (COL) EF Education-Nippo s.t
9. Bauke Mollema (NED) Trek-Segafredo s.t
10. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers s.t
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Specs%3A%202024%20McLaren%20Artura%20Spider
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20and%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20700hp%20at%207%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20720Nm%20at%202%2C250rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E330kph%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1.14%20million%20(%24311%2C000)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
