Global focus on a lasting solution in Gaza, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on December 8 top news

GLOBAL FOCUS ON A LASTING SOLUTION IN GAZA: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urgently called on Israel to prioritise the protection of civilians in the conflict with Hamas in south Gaza, highlighting a stark contrast between stated intentions and the rising casualties. In a press conference after discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Blinken emphasised the critical need for immediate action and appealed for a reevaluation of strategies to ensure the safety of innocent lives caught in the crossfire. The plea underscores the pressing global concern for civilian well-being and calls for diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting solution that prioritises peace in the midst of the escalating crisis. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

COLLECTIVE ACTION: The annual beach clean-up campaign in Sharjah, led by the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) under the "Because We Care" initiative, has once again demonstrated the power of collective action in environmental conservation. In its 13th consecutive year, volunteers gathered at Al Mamzar port and successfully removed 540 kilograms of marine waste. This collaborative effort, supported by entities such as Beeah Group, Sharjah Municipality, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, goes beyond a mere clean-up operation. It serves as an educational initiative, highlighting the critical importance of preserving our marine environment. With past successes, including the removal of 580kg from Al Majaz Waterfront in 2022, this campaign stands as a testament to the community's commitment to sustainable practices and raising awareness about the detrimental effects of marine pollution. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

INDIAN DESIGNERS AND BOLLYWOOD STARS SHANTANU & NIKHIL ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABILITY AT COP28: Indian designers and Bollywood stars Shantanu & Nikhil advocate for sustainability at COP28: It's heartening to see prominent Indian designers throw their weight behind sustainable fashion. The sibling designer duo, Shantanu & Nikhil, participated in the United Nations' annual COP summit earlier this week in Dubai, working to reduce the impact of fashion on the environment. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. In an interview with Gulf News, they discussed how they've reduced reliance on fast fashion and encouraged consumers to contribute by repeating their wardrobes. Their commitment to sustainable fashion sends a powerful message about the need for change within the industry. By actively addressing environmental concerns and promoting conscious consumer choices, the designer duo are style warriors aiming for a more eco-friendly future in the world of fashion. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)