Growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Dubai Fitness Challenge gets underway, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on October 30 top news

GROWING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA: The conflict between Israel and Palestine has reached a critical point in Gaza, where reports of fierce air and artillery strikes accompany Israeli troops advancing with tanks into the enclave, intensifying the international plea for safeguarding civilian lives. With the conflict entering its fourth week, Palestinian civilians face a dire shortage of essential resources like fuel, food, and clean water, compounded by Israeli airstrikes near vital facilities. An emergency UN Security Council meeting, proposed by the UAE, aims to secure a binding resolution urging Israel to accept a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting urgent global concerns for civilian safety in the region and the pressing need for an immediate resolution to prevent further casualties and address the growing humanitarian crisis. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

HUB OF FITNESS, VITALITY: The Dubai Fitness Challenge, now in its 7th edition, stands as a testament to the emirate’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. This annual event has become a beacon of inspiration, encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to embrace a healthier lifestyle. The event offers an array of exciting activities and wellness initiatives, ensuring that there's something for everyone. From yoga on the beach to citywide fun runs, it fosters a sense of community and togetherness. This year's 30-day journey promises to be even more exceptional, motivating participants to break their personal fitness records and incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. As we witness the Dubai Fitness Challenge's ongoing success, we applaud the city for its vision in promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle, ultimately creating a fitter, happier, and more vibrant community. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

EMPLOYEES MUST FOCUS ON ‘HIGHER THAN INFLATION’ GRATUITY: In recent years, global pension funds have faced challenges in delivering returns that outpace surging inflation, notably as inflation reached 20-year highs in many countries. However, the UAE is set to introduce reforms to its end-of-service benefits scheme, providing employees with the opportunity for inflation-beating returns upon retirement or leaving their current employer. This change aims to address the issue of end-of-service benefits not keeping pace with inflation, as the 'real value' after 10-15 years can be significantly reduced, said National Bonds CEO Mohammed Qasim Al Ali. The government's reforms are designed to safeguard the accumulated pension and gratuity; ensuring employees receive benefits ahead of the inflation curve. The full details of these changes will be released soon. Still, in essence, they offer employees more flexibility in managing their contributions to their gratuity payout, making it a voluntary process. Employees will have the choice to determine how much they set aside for their gratuity, with contributions made monthly and still routed through the employer. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter – Business)

TIME FOR ENGLAND TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AGAIN: Defending champions England began the 50-over World Cup as one of the top favourites to win the title in India. However, they have let themselves down and the numerous fans across the world after suffering their fifth loss in six games to be at the bottom of the table. That’s not where they were expected to be at the halfway point in the league. England’s performance is so pathetic that there are even talks about a rift in the team. Whether there is rift or not, there is a huge crack that needs to be plugged in their thought process and approach to the game. The Three Lions had a humbling experience when the World Cup was held in 2011, losing to Ireland. Subsequently, they went to the drawing board to bring a massive turnaround to their thought process. Now history has repeated at the same venue, so one expects the same response from England. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

MATTHEW PERRY'S DEATH STILL HAUNTING FANS: It's been more than 30 hours since the tragic news of Hollywood actor Matthew Perry's sudden death broke, but his army of fans is still struggling to find closure. Thousands are now queuing up outside the building in New York featured in his hit sitcom 'Friends.' Best known for playing the sarcastic-yet-endearing Chandler Bing, Perry's absence continues to echo. While his comic timing was impeccable, his personal life was marred by battles with substance and alcohol addiction for most of his adult life. In his memoir, he chronicled those dark days, claiming he spent over $9 million in an attempt to achieve sobriety. But his loyalists are mourning as if he were one of their own. Perry, through his iconic character of Bing, had become everyone's caustic friend. He's gone too soon, and the sentiment refuses to fade. His death, in an apparent drowning in a hot tub at a home in Los Angeles, seems somehow surreal. Here's hoping his family and his millions of followers find solace in watching reruns of 'Friends' or reliving moments of Bing being a regular guy. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)