Humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is imperative, What's trending at COP28, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on December 7 top news

HUMANITARIAN CEASEFIRE IN GAZA IS IMPERATIVE: UAE has urgently called on the United Nations Security Council to adopt a draft resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, responding to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99 due to the rapidly deteriorating situation. The proposed resolution, supported by Arab countries, is set for a vote on Friday and emphasises the critical need for an immediate ceasefire. Guterres warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, urging the Security Council to avert such a crisis. The resolution signals a crucial international effort to address the escalating crisis in Gaza and prioritise the safety of the affected population. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

PEDESTRIANISATION GAINS GROUND: Integrating walking and cycling into national public transport policies has been highlighted at COP28 UAE. A notable study by the George Washington University revealed that moderate walks, when made part of daily routines, come with long-term health benefits. Currently, 8 out of 197 UNFCCC member-nations include walking and cycling in their nationally-determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The pedestrianisation of roads, or converting certain areas into car-free zones for the exclusive use of pedestrians, offers numerous benefits. Fully integrating walking and cycling in national policy frameworks offers numerous upsides. As transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas generation, embracing walking and cycling as last-mile solutions is imperative to steer the world toward a healthier, more eco-conscious era, thereby contributing to the well-being of communities and the urban environment. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

LIONEL MESSI KEEPS INCREASING THE FOOTBALL FANBASE: Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has been adding one accolade after the other this year, despite moving out of Europe to play football for Inter Miami. The 36-year-old, who won his maiden World Cup trophy in Qatar 2022, has been voted as the Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year 2023. Messi, who also won his eighth Baloon d’Or this year, has made an instant impact for Inter Miami and on the landscape of America’s football. Messi’s arrival at the Major League Soccer has driven a surge in attendances, ticket prices, merchandise sales and viewership. The subscriptions to watch the action jumped by 110,000, a 1,700 per cent in a day. A massive increase. Messi’s presence certainly help the growth of the beautiful game across the world. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

A NEW STAR IS BORN IN BOLLYWOOD? Today Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan made her acting debut in a benign yet middling musical 'The Archies,' directed by Zoya Akhtar. A refreshing break from the hyper-toxicity of films like 'Animal,' this adaptation of the beloved Archie comics unfolds in a colorful Indian setting. The film introduces a female friendship code, featuring star kids like Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor, injecting a welcome change. While director Zoya Akhtar successfully transplants the Riverdale gang to the sepia-toned Anglo-Indian community in Ooty, some performances fall short. Suhana Khan and Vedang Raina steal the show with their charismatic portrayals of Veronica Lodge and Reggie. However, the pivotal roles of Archie and Betty, played by Agastya Nanda and Khushi Kapoor, lack the depth needed for a cohesive story. But there’s no denying that Bollywood is seeing some fresh blood being injected into an industry filled with much-revered ageing superstars. Here’s hoping Suhana Khan shines as bright as her iconic father. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)