Urgent need for sustained aid to Gaza, UAE-India sector airfares on the rise, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on October 23 top news

URGENT NEED FOR SUSTAINED AID TO GAZA: In the face of immense challenges in Gaza, the commitment to a "continued flow" of aid from the White House is important. Currently, the volume of aid entering Gaza is only 4% of the daily average before recent hostilities, creating a dire humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. The recent aid delivery, while a welcome relief, falls far short of the pressing requirements. Despite ongoing aid efforts, Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza, emphasising the need to lift restrictions on fuel imports to alleviate the suffering of the local population. Sustained aid, therefore, underscores the imperative of humanitarian considerations transcending political differences in these trying times. Gaza stands at a precipice, and the continuous flow of aid serves as a beacon of hope in these challenging times. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

HEARTENING EFFORT BY UAE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP GAZA VICTIMS: The overwhelming response to the ‘Tarahum for Gaza’ campaign across the emirates to raise funds and relief supplies for Palestinians affected by the war says a lot about the people of the UAE. What was heartening was the willingness and spontaneity with which volunteers came forward to pitch in for the campaign over two weeks. Among them were many elderly people, very young children and people of determination, all of whom pulled together, putting in their time and services over two weekends for a noble cause. It is to the credit of the country’s leaders who have time and again shown the way with their humanitarian gestures and have created an environment that facilitates such efforts. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

RISING AIRFARES ON UAE-INDIA SECTOR: UAE-based Indian expatriates planning to celebrate Diwali in India this year should book their flight tickets soon. Airfares to most Indian cities have already increased by 15-20 per cent compared to October rates. And as Diwali approaches (November 12), airfares are expected to further rise, especially in the first week of November. Layover flights through Indian airports can offer cost savings, depending on the duration of the layover. Major transit hubs like Bengaluru, Chennai, and airports with limited direct flight options have seen significant fare increases. Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism reports a substantial increase in travelers from India to Dubai. With upcoming events, high airfares are expected to persist from the second week of November to early January 2024, ranging from Dh1,800 to Dh2,800. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE? Popular Bollywood singer Arijit Singh recently found himself at the center of a concerning trend that seems to be on the rise - fans crossing the line and infringing on the private lives of celebrities. In a video that has now gained traction, Singh was spotted driving through his hometown when an overzealous fan, keen to snap a selfie, went to extremes to grab his attention. The fan relentlessly honked his horn and a visibly-irate Arijit Singh finally pulled over and confronted the fan. The singer then schooled him about being a responsible adult and on such invasive behaviour. The fan was 23-years-old and not some overenthusiastic teen. Singh relented for a selfie, out of sheer frustration. This episode exposes the uncomfortable reality of celebrities' lives when their admirers overstep boundaries to appease their fan moments. While a public figure like an actor realises that their life is always on display, overstepping and making them uncomfortable shouldn’t be encouraged. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)