Gaza war must not escalate, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on Jan 4 top news

GAZA WAR MUST NOT ESCALATE FURTHER: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has taken a devastating toll, with more than 22,000 casualties reported in Gaza since October 7. Recent events have intensified concerns, notably the assassination of a senior Hamas official in Beirut and the killing of an Iranian military official, further fueling the flames of an already volatile situation. The bombing in Kerman, claiming the lives of over 100 people, adds another layer of complexity to the escalating tensions in the region. The international community is now grappling with the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Heightened tensions demand a careful and strategic approach to prevent further violence and loss of life. In the face of this escalating crisis, the international community must unite in its commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the protection of civilian lives in Gaza. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

1% MONTHLY PLANS ARE SHOWING UP EVERYWHERE IN DUBAI’S PROPERTY MARKET: In Dubai's evolving property market in 2024, a notable trend is the widespread adoption of the 1 per cent monthly payment plan, even extending to villa projects. This approach aims to attract end-user buyers by offering a more manageable alternative to the traditional lump-sum payments every few months. While significant developers like Emaar, Nakheel, Meraas, and Aldar can maintain traditional patterns, others are embracing the 1 per cent monthly plan to stand out. Danube was the pioneer in introducing this strategy and remains committed to it. This strategy is crucial in the following market phase, as the previously booming demand is expected to stabilize. Moreover, handover timelines are also becoming crucial for sales success in 2024, and developers with a history of on-time completions are expected to excel. Additionally, there is a recent trend of project announcements with affordable starting prices, such as Samana's Al Barari project with prices under Dh1 million and the 1 per cent payment plan. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

SAFER WINTER: Venturing outdoors during the winter season for family activities requires a heightened focus on safety. The Child Safety Department (CSD) in Sharjah is championing this cause through its impactful “Their Safety First” campaign. This initiative aims to educate over 2,000 children and 500 parents on winter safety, emphasizing the CSD's commitment to fostering a culture of safety within families and the community. Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of CSD, emphasises the challenges and risks associated with outdoor activities during winter. The campaign includes workshops and courses for parents, covering first aid, emergency response, and essential skills to handle situations involving children. With a focus on awareness, education, and community engagement, the drive is a commendable effort as it strives to create a safe environment for children to explore the outdoors and build lasting memories without risks. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

SUBLIME EXHIBITION OF FAST BOWLING IN SECOND TEST: When it comes to pace bowling, the last thing one could think about is from an Indian bowler. Nothing to undermine Indian bowlers’ skills, but historically it has been the Australians, West Indians, Englishmen and the South Africans who have dominated the world cricket, barring an odd pacer here and there. But Indian pacers, led by Mohammed Siraj, showcased sublime skills to pay the South Africans by their own coin. When the hosts prepared the pitch that aided the pacers, the least the South African batters would have expected is to be delivered a knockout punch by venomous spells from Indian pacers, contrary to what had happened in the first Test. Still, the Proteas struck back to cap a day when the fans were treated to high-class pace bowling. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)