As theWest Asia approaches the New Year, the Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza looms large across the region.
Christian communities in the Palestinian territories, southern Lebanon, and Syria marked a subdued Christmas, setting a somber tone for the upcoming festivities, including the New Year 2024.
*Sharjah says it will not celebrate New Year in solidarity with Gaza*
trending now
-
)
US: Indian-origin couple, teen daughter found dead inside $4 million mansion
-
)
Top 10 world news: Modi in Ayodhya ahead of temple consecration, Russia shaken by Belogrod strike, and more
-
)
PM Modi Ayodhya visit LIVE: Temple city decked up, security tightened, preparations in full swing
-
)
Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga replace Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka’s ODI & T20I skipper
-
)
Morning news brief: South Africa files genocide case against Israel, Argentina ditches BRICS, & more
-
)
Exclusive: EAM Jaishankar to represent India at Uganda NAM Summit in January 2024
-
)
Argentina’s new far-right president ditches BRICS to ‘support US and Israel’
-
)
Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia
-
)
Israel-Hamas war LIVE | South Africa files genocide case against Israel at Int’l court
-
)
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe plans to ‘touch the Sun’ in 2024
-
)
India: Software firm’s ‘humiliated’ employees honeytrap former boss, circulate nudes
-
)
In New Year greetings to Prez Murmu, PM Modi, Putin lauds India’s G20, SCO presidency
-
)
UAE President Nahyan, Mozambique President Nyusi to visit India for Vibrant Gujarat summit
-
)
India all-rounder Shardul Thakur injures shoulder during net session
In a poignant gesture of solidarity with Gaza, Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, has decided to cancel its customary New Year’s Eve celebrations, including firework displays.
Sharjah Police have warned of legal measures against those participating in unauthorized festivities, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
But this stance is not echoed uniformly across West Asia.
New Year celebrations to continue despite elsewhere in West Asia
Other emirates, known for their extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations, have not announced similar bans.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is gearing up for the Sheikh Zayed Festival, featuring a record-breaking hour-long firework display. In Dubai, various major displays, including at the iconic Burj Khalifa, are on the agenda, with Global Village confirming no fewer than seven fireworks shows.
Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, plans customary street parties and live concerts, while Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is scheduled for multiple firework displays. Lusail City in Qatar is set to host laser shows and fireworks, having previously scaled down National Day celebrations in solidarity with Gaza.
Outside the West Asia, Pakistan has imposed a “strict ban” on any New Year events. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar has called on the nation to stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza & Israel fail to light up for New Year amid fresh skirmishes
Fighting raged Saturday across Gaza, where displaced Palestinians said they were “exhausted” with no end in sight to the war between the besieged territory’s Hamas rulers and Israel, now in its 13th week.
The retaliatory state of war which began with Hamas’s bloody October 7 attacks on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead, has so far claimed the lives of 21,672 people, mostly women and children.
(With inputs from agencies)
