Palestinians mourn over the body of a child killed in Israeli overnight airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip, at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia on March 20, 2025.  Israel bombarded Gaza and pressed its ground operations on March 20, after issuing what it called a "last warning" for Palestinians to return hostages and remove Hamas from power.  (Photo by BASHAR TALEB  /  AFP)
Palestinians mourn over the body of a child killed in Israeli overnight airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip, at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia on March 20, 2025. Israel bombarded Gaza and prShow more


Is there no end to the Israel Gaza war?



March 21, 2025

In reference to the report Fears of return to war in Gaza as hundreds killed in Israeli strikes (March 18): It is tragic that fighting has restarted in the Gaza strip and over 400 people have been killed. I thought that with the ceasefire in place, at least one conflict in the world was coming to an end. Unfortunately not, and that I find very sad indeed. Ordinary people will be sacrificed again, to the vanity of some leaders.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Lammy singing a different tune

In regard to Damien McElroy's report Lammy backtracks on claim Israel broke international law in Gaza (March 19): We need more people in positions of power and authority to stand up to their values. And not abandon international human rights laws. Sadly some people just cave.

Wendy Watson, Abu Dhabi

Vape alarms in schools a great idea, mostly

About Tom Evans and Nick Webster's report UAE schools look to crack down on smokers with vape alarms (March 19): This is much needed. Even girls' schools needs this, along with 24/7 cleaning staff in the washroom area, to keep an eye.

Riyam Shaikha, Dubai

I would love for the gyms to implement this as I have seen people vaping in gyms while other people are trying to exercise in a vape-free environment.

Adriana Alfaro, Abu Dhabi

The idea is good. I'm wary though that kids will just figure out some way to damage or block the detector.

M Jennings, Dubai

Brilliant idea. Although, they may not do it in school for fear of being caught, they might still vape outside.

Saifullah Azeem, Sydney, Australia

ChatGPT vs Sadhguru: a download contest

With regard to Ramola Talwar Badam's article Indian yogi Sadhguru’s free meditation app beats ChatGPT for first million downloads (March 15): Interesting. Something to bear in mind, however, is that one million represents only about 0.07 per cent of the total Indian population.

Yasser Bin Mohmad, Sharjah

Human achievement in space

With regard to Nivriti Butalia's piece They’re back on Earth, but what Nasa astronauts went through still leaves me star-struck (March 19): People around the world were eagerly awaiting their return, and while books, podcasts, and videos capturing their journey are important, the real significance lies in the remarkable tasks and experiences the astronauts underwent. Their contributions to space exploration should be celebrated. They should be honoured for their incredible adventure and for pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Updated: March 21, 2025, 3:00 AM