World must act swiftly to break the cycle of violence in Gaza, Green innovation at COP28, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on December 5 top news

WORLD MUST ACT SWIFTLY TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN GAZA: As the conflict in South Gaza intensifies, the United Nations has urgently called for the protection of civilians, denouncing Israel's resumption of military operations that exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. The World Health Organisation has also emphasised the need to safeguard civilians and vital infrastructure, including hospitals. The situation, marked by repeated displacements and strained medical facilities, requires immediate global intervention. The international community must prioritise a ceasefire, address root causes, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Israel, bound by international agreements, is urged to restrain from targeting civilians. The world must act swiftly to break the cycle of violence and protect the vulnerable in South Gaza, whose lives hang in the balance. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

GREEN INNOVATION: In a groundbreaking move toward sustainability, BEEAH, the Middle East's forefront in sustainability, has formed a partnership to develop the world's inaugural commercial-scale water-to-hydrogen plant in Sharjah. The collaboration involves BEEAH, Chinook Hydrogen, a UK innovator in waste-to-fuel technologies, and Air Water Gas Solutions, a US industrial gas company. This initiative, unveiled at COP28, marks a significant stride in “super green hydrogen” production from waste. The partners plan to expand upon the success of a hydrogen-from-waste demonstration plant, converting diverse organic waste into hydrogen. This “carbon-negative” solution not only addresses waste challenges through a large-scale waste-to-hydrogen facility, but also aligns with the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, positioning the nation as a global hydrogen hub. This ambitious venture exemplifies a shift towards sustainable energy solutions and underscores the collaborative efforts needed to hit global net zero objectives. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

TIGER WOODS’ TENACITY ON FULL DISPLAY: Tiger Woods have won many battles in his life, but the tenacity that he has showed in the Hero World Challenge over the last weekend goes on to prove why he was the undisputable champion for years. After suffering a car crash in 2021, the 15-time major winner was not expected to even walk at that time. But after numerous surgeries, the former world No 1 has returned to action, withstanding the gruelling four days of action in Bahamas. He might have finished a distant 18th, but to walk the course and get his game intact for the entire duration is an amazing feat by Woods, which underlines the American’s love for the golf course and the game itself. The 47-year-old golfing great now aims to return to the course more often and has set one event a month as his target. His trials, tribulations and the way he has come out of it puts things in perspective about his fighting qualities and the whole picture of his career. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)