Situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, Rising school enrolments in Dubai, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on October 24 top news

SITUATION IN GAZA CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE: On the 18th day of the Israel-Gaza war, Hamas released two more hostages on humanitarian and poor health grounds, further highlighting the ongoing crisis. Displacement has surged in Gaza, with approximately 1.4 million out of its 2.3 million population now displaced, causing concerns about clean drinking water shortages and overcrowding. Tragically, the conflict has claimed the lives of an additional six UN staff members, totaling 35 casualties since October 7, and damaging 40 UNRWA installations due to Israeli airstrikes. The urgent need for a ceasefire remains crucial as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, affecting the lives of countless innocent civilians. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

RISING SCHOOL ENROLMENTS REFLECT RISE IN RELOCATIONS TO DUBAI: Dubai’s private schools recording the highest-ever increase in enrolment growth since 2007 is a telling commentary on the emirate’s booming economy. The total number of students attending Dubai’s 220 private schools today stands at 365,000. While that is no mean figure, what makes it more significant is that the students belong to 180 different nationalities. The continuous influx of families relocating to the city from different parts of the world demonstrates that Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s best cities to live and work in. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

NEW IPO SIGNALS REVIVAL IN PUBLIC OFFERINGS: The upcoming IPO from Investcorp Capital, on the ADX, signifies a revival in public offerings within the UAE. Operating under the umbrella of Bahrain's Investcorp, this IPO will introduce 643 million shares, each priced at $0.5 (or Dh1.84), representing an approximate 29.34 per cent of post-IPO share capital. The initial offering window spans from November 2 to 8, followed by a second phase from November 2 to 9. The final share price will be set after an extensive bookbuilding process. Investcorp Capital boasts an extensive investment canvas encompassing worldwide real estate, credit markets, and strategic capital, reinforced by four decades of proficiency and a global reach, ensuring distinct investment avenues and compelling risk-mitigated returns. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

AFGHANISTAN IS NO LONGER A PUSHOVER IN CRICKET: The Afghanistan cricket team has become the true sensation of this 50-over World Cup. The underdogs made waves when they defeated the defending champions, England, in a recent game. If anyone believed it was just a one-time event, they dispelled those doubts by securing their first victory over Pakistan. This win, in Chennai on Monday, announced to the world that Afghanistan has matured and grown into a team that belongs among the elite. Afghanistan has always possessed formidable bowling strength, with several players participating in various franchise leagues worldwide. However, it's their batting that has truly come of age, and the openers, in particular, have served as the backbone of their batting prowess. The rest of the batters have ridden the momentum created by the openers in both of their remarkable victories. As they say, the rest is history. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

VIJAY’S 'LEO' SHATTERS UAE BOX OFFICE: We may want to believe that star power has taken a backseat, and realistic content now rules in the realm of Indian entertainment. However, the stupendous box office performance of Vijay’s new release, 'Leo: Bloody Sweet,' serves as a timely reminder that star power, when coupled with an engaging story, can hit it out of the proverbial park. According to local distributors, this film has garnered more than 300,000 admissions since its release five days ago, a statistic that far surpasses the box office earnings of Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese’s 'Killers Of The Flower Moon,' which was released in UAE cinemas during the same week. Both films are high on crime and action, but it is an Indian potboiler that's generating all the buzz. While we may claim that thrilling content without any big stars is a significant draw now, Leo’s success also serves as a sobering reminder that big stars earn the big bucks. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)