In Gaza crisis, safeguarding patient well-being must prevail, Kudos to the Australian fighting spirit, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on November 20 top news

IN GAZA CRISIS, SAFEGUARDING PATIENT WELL-BEING MUST PREVAIL: Reports of tanks advancing towards the Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza following what appears to be air strikes are alarming. This situation puts the lives of patients at risk, including medical teams and wounded individuals. Patient safety is paramount, and it is imperative that health facilities are protected during these turbulent times. The international community must prioritise the safety of medical facilities and personnel to ensure the well-being of those in need. Immediate attention and intervention are crucial to prevent further harm and protect the sanctity of healthcare spaces. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

TRANSFORMING GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS: The UAE's ambitious "Ne’ma Food Loss and Waste Reduction Roadmap," unveiled by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, aims to halve food loss and waste by 2030. This strategic initiative, presented at the National Dialogue on Food Security, aligns with the nation's commitment to address climate change issues, positioning food sustainability at the forefront. As COP28 approaches, the UAE emphasises the key role of transforming global food systems, with a focus on production, consumption, and waste reduction. The roadmap reflects a call to action, inviting nations to endorse the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action. The UAE's dedication to curbing food waste is further evidenced by the Sustainable Catering Strategy and the broader vision for a sustainable, responsible and resilient future. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

Kudos to the Australian fighting spirit: It requires great character and courage to get back to winning after being down. But what the Australians exhibited is something phenomenal. They got back on their feet after two losses at the beginning of the World Cup and started steamrolling one rival after the other with clinical precision to clinch their sixth World Cup title against the odds. That is a testament to their character and self-belief apart from an eye for detail. By winning the toss and electing to field in a final is a great gamble, but they had done their homework right and were confident that they would win with dew coming in to play. The Australian spirit and tenacity was evident and kudos for their stunning feat in front of 130,000 fans rooting for India. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa to kick off in style: While Indians across the globe may still be recovering from their country's loss at the World Cup yesterday, Goa seems to have already moved on as it prepares to welcome stars from around the world for the 54th edition of IFFI. Starting today, this coastal haven will host celebrities such as Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Karan Johar, Pankaj Tripathi, Rani Mukerji, and Vijay Sethupathi. Hundreds of movies from around the globe will be screened during the eight-day festival, emphasising the importance of storytelling through various perspectives and lenses. Gulf News is on the ground to capture every bit of the action, but what these festivals indicate is that the power of cinema is never going to fade anytime soon. Stay tuned for all the action. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)