Bombing on hospitals in Gaza must stop, How Emiratisation targets are being met, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on November 14 top news

BOMBING ON HOSPITALS IN GAZA MUST STOP: In recent days, there has been a heightened call for Israel to exercise restraint in Gaza, with both US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak advocating for increased protections for Palestinian hospitals and civilians. President Biden emphasised the imperative to safeguard Al-Shifa, Gaza City's largest hospital, hoping for less intrusive actions around it. Prime Minister Sunak, highlighting the "terrible suffering" of Palestinians, called for pauses in the conflict and drew attention to the alarming toll on civilian lives. The indiscriminate bombing of hospitals in Gaza, a clear violation of international humanitarian principles, exacerbates the dire situation for Palestinians. As global citizens, we must insist on a firm commitment to cease such attacks, urging leaders to actively work towards a comprehensive ceasefire that prioritises human lives. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

MEETING EMIRATISATION TARGETS: More than 18,000 establishments that achieved their Emiratisation targets recently earned commendation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It highlights a historic increase in citizens joining the private sector, and ensuring stability in these positions. While MoHRE marked this milestone, it also urged private sector entities with 50 or more employees to accelerate efforts to meet Emiratisation targets for 2023. The call aims at achieving a 2% annual growth rate in the Emiratisation of skilled jobs by December 31, as outlined in a pertinent Cabinet Resolution. Non-compliance could result in financial contributions. The Nafis platform is recommended for businesses still working toward their requirements to connect with Emirati jobseekers. With 84,000 Emiratis presently in the private sector, the ministry's inspection teams are vigilant against non-compliance. This reaffirms its commitment to bolstering the private sector's role in advancing the Emiratisation drive and fostering public-private partnerships for sustained economic development. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

NETHERLANDS WILL GET THE SELF-BELIEF FROM THIS WORLD CUP: Although the Netherlands finished at the bottom of the World Cup Cricket table, their performance in India exceeded expectations. As an Associate Nation, they secured victories against South Africa and Test-playing Bangladesh, proving their readiness for the big league. With their second consecutive appearance in World Cups, the Dutch cricket team is poised for future success. The experience gained and the twin victories instill confidence, positioning them to approach any match with the belief that they can triumph over any opponent. This marks just the beginning of a promising future for Dutch cricket. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

WHEN FANDOM BECOMES FRENZIED AND UNREASONABLE: Idolising and deifying actors and pop idols is a given in this current entertainment landscape, but the frenzied fans of Salman Khan took it to dangerous levels earlier this week. In a bid to show their unending adoration to their ‘bhai’, as Salman Khan is fondly called, his devotees decided to burst firecrackers inside the cinema halls in which his Diwali release ‘Tiger 3’ was being screened. Now it doesn’t take much brains to realise that they just endangered hundreds of lives by taking fandom to sinister levels. The tragic 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy where hundreds were killed while watching the Bollywood hit Border after fire broke out is still fresh in our minds. While the star of ‘Tiger 3’ has urged his fans not to burst crackers indoors, this episode inviting a disaster underlines how fans often confused stupidity for displaying affection. It’s also a stark reminder that recklessness in the name of fandom is never a great idea. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)