Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza truce amidst tensions, Al Ain Book Festival wins hearts, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on November 22 top news

ISRAEL AND HAMAS AGREE TO HOSTAGE RELEASE FOR PEACE: Israel and Hamas have closed in on a deal for the release of 50 women and children hostages in Gaza, reciprocated by the release of 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails during a four-day ceasefire. The ceasefire, aimed at promoting peace, includes provisions for extending the truce for an additional day with every 10 hostages released. The start time is pending announcement, with assurances from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the initial hostage release will occur within 48 hours. A ceasefire and hostage release emphasises the ongoing commitment by global community to secure peace and deliver essential aid to besieged Gaza. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

IRREPLACEABLE COMPANION: In our fast-paced world, where immediacy often eclipses depth, the unhurried journey through the pages of a book stands as a precious luxury. In the digital age, the enduring power of a physical book remains an irreplaceable companion on the path of self-discovery and intellectual growth. As screens flicker with fleeting distractions, the Al Ain Book Festival emerges as a beacon of intellectual refuge. With 60,000 titles, it transcends the promotion of reading, becoming a catalyst for familial bonds through a tapestry of events. The festival celebrates the tactile pleasure of turning pages, offering an escape into worlds crafted by the written word. In a society dominated by algorithms, it invites readers into the intimate dance between imagination and prose, ensuring that the enduring allure of physical books continues to shape our intellectual landscape. The well-worn bookshelf is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a testament to a life enriched by the wisdom, stories, and diverse perspectives found within those bound volumes. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

A WELCOME MOVE TO SPEED UP WHITEBALL CRICKET: Time is an essential component in cricket, especially in the shorter formats. However, former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews learnt it the hard way when he was timed out, to become the first player in the history of the game to be dismissed in such a fashion. However, now teams are going to race against time after the International Cricket Council announced on Tuesday that it will trial stop clocks between overs in men’s One-day and T20 internationals in a bid to speed up the game. It is a welcome move considering the fact that the Twenty20 format is now going to be part of the LA Olympics, where every minute is important. By reducing the duration of the matches, or sticking to the time limit, the game could also bring in more new players and new audiences. However, with the game becoming really tough on the players, it will have an impact especially on pacers, who will have to run to the boundary or to their position after completing an over. They have been adapting to changes so far, and I am sure they will adapt to these changes too. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

FILM FESTIVALS, A BREEDING GROUND FOR DRAMA? What's it about film festivals around the globe that makes an actor come undone? Take the example of the on-going International Film Festival Of India (IFFI) in Goa. We saw seasoned actor, Sunny Deol, break down in tears during a masterclass and actor Vijay Sethupathi tell off a cinephile for asking him to utter one of his famous lines from a movie, calling it disrespectful toward his art. But such unscripted moments are what make a film festival come alive. The reactions aren't politically correct nor are they diplomatic, here's hoping the actors stay true to themselves even after the film festival concludes. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)