Israel is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, described as a “mental health tsunami” by Yedioth Ahronoth. Since the events of 7 October 2023, the nation has witnessed a sharp increase in mental health issues, with two million people requiring support. A coalition of eight major mental health organizations has issued an urgent warning to the government, labeling the situation as an “outbreak of mental illness unprecedented in its depth and scope.” The crisis has been exacerbated by a severe shortage of therapists and support services, leading to widespread psychological distress across Israeli society. The prolonged conflict and trauma have left many struggling with depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and exhaustion. Families and communities are being severely affected, with experts warning that the crisis has not yet peaked. Data from Yedioth Ahronoth reveals alarming statistics: diagnoses of depression and anxiety in 2024 doubled compared to 2013, while PTSD diagnoses rose by 70 percent monthly from October 2023 to the end of 2024. Nearly half of Israelis report symptoms of persistent grief, and calls to mental health helplines have increased sixfold. A study by Clalit Health Services and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute found that 50 percent of those affected by the 7 October attacks are still struggling, with one in five people in the general population suffering severe functional impairment due to mental health issues. The Israeli Ministry of Health has announced a national rescue plan, estimated to cost 1.7 billion shekels ($517 million), which includes doubling the number of psychologists, improving salaries, upgrading psychiatric wards, and expanding home-based and community services. However, senior clinicians stress that extensive reforms are needed to address the crisis effectively.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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UAE’s NCM records 5.0-magnitude earthquake in Iraq
A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Iraq on Saturday, November 22, 2025, as reported by the National Seismic Network of the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The seismic event occurred at 8:29 PM UAE time, with its epicenter located at a depth of 30 kilometers. Iraq, particularly its border regions with Iran, is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to its geographical position near the convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological setting makes the area a hotspot for seismic activity, often resulting in tremors of varying intensities. The NCM’s timely reporting underscores the importance of monitoring and preparedness in earthquake-prone zones. While no immediate reports of damage or casualties have been released, the incident serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Authorities continue to urge residents to stay informed and follow safety protocols during such events.
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Saudi bus crash: Funeral prayers of Indian pilgrims held in Madinah
In a solemn ceremony held on November 22, 2025, funeral prayers were conducted in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for the victims of a devastating bus accident that occurred earlier in the week. The tragic incident, which took place on Monday, claimed the lives of 45 out of 46 Indian pilgrims traveling for Umrah. The bus collided with a diesel tanker, resulting in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years. The funeral prayers were led by Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, at the Prophet’s Mosque, followed by the burial at Jannat ul Baqi, a revered cemetery in Madinah. Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan and Consul General Fahad Suri were also present, offering their condolences and support to the grieving families. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia reiterated its deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures for pilgrims. This tragedy has not only left a profound impact on the families of the victims but has also highlighted the risks faced by international travelers in the region.
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Dubai Airshow crash: IAF pilot’s mortal remains repatriated to India
The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically lost his life during the Dubai Airshow crash, was honored by the Emirati Defence Forces with a ceremonial guard of honour. His mortal remains were repatriated to India on November 22, 2025, aboard a special IAF aircraft. The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed the solemn event, with Ambassador Deepak Mittal and Consulate General Satish Sivan paying their respects to the late officer. The incident occurred on Friday when the Tejas fighter jet, piloted by Syal, crashed during the airshow. The UAE’s gesture of respect highlights the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The Indian Embassy shared the news on social media platform X, accompanied by a poignant image of the ceremony.
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How UAE residents avail half price on flights, hotels with this date-shift hack
UAE residents are discovering a clever way to slash their travel expenses by simply adjusting their holiday dates. Shekhar Kumar, an Indian expat and digital marketer, initially planned a trip during the UAE National Day break but was deterred by the steep costs. After consulting three travel agents, he found that booking packages independently would still cost him between Dh2,700 and Dh3,000. However, by shifting his trip by just six days, he managed to secure flights and hotels at nearly half the price. This strategy is not unique to Shekhar; two of his colleagues have also joined him on this cost-effective journey. According to Khaleej Times’ analysis, airfare and hotel rates can drop by up to 100% when traveling immediately after the National Day holiday. For instance, round-trip airfare to Caucasus destinations during the holiday window ranged between Dh2,700 and Dh3,000, but dropped to Dh1,300 to Dh1,500 for departures a week later. Similarly, mid-range hotel stays that cost Dh480 to Dh800 per night during the holiday period fell to Dh230 to Dh380 post-holiday. This trend is consistent across major online travel platforms like Skyscanner, Cleartrip, and Wego. Residents with flexible work arrangements are increasingly adopting this ‘post-holiday’ travel strategy to maximize savings. Rashed Mohammed, another Dubai resident, saved over half the cost of his Baku trip by moving his travel dates from November 29 to December 7. This approach has become a routine for many, offering the same destination and experience at a fraction of the cost.
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Joy turns to shock at Dubai Airshow as crowds witness fatal Tejas jet crash
What began as a day of exhilaration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, November 21, 2025, swiftly turned into a scene of tragedy when an Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a performance, leaving spectators in disbelief. The incident, which occurred during a high-energy display, marked a grim first for many longtime attendees of the event. Crowds, initially cheering and recording the jets’ breathtaking stunts, were left stunned as the Tejas jet lost altitude, erupted into flames, and crashed with a deafening explosion. Security personnel acted swiftly, cordoning off the area and ensuring the crowd remained calm. Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, rushed to the scene. Witnesses described the moment as surreal, with many initially mistaking the crash for part of the routine. ‘We were just praying for the pilot to be safe,’ said Ashiq K, a seasoned airshow enthusiast. Unfortunately, officials later confirmed the pilot’s death, casting a pall over the event. Despite the tragedy, the airshow resumed, though the atmosphere was markedly subdued. Attendees expressed their grief and admiration for the pilot, who had been ‘doing his job… entertaining all of us.’ The incident has left a lasting impact on the aviation community and spectators alike, serving as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in such displays.
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‘Where is our gratuity?’: UAE Petrofac staff say unpaid dues could exceed Dh27 million
Nearly 200 employees of Petrofac in the UAE are facing uncertainty and financial distress as the company has failed to provide clarity on their end-of-service benefits following a sudden wave of layoffs. The employees, many of whom have served the company for over a decade, estimate that the total unpaid gratuity could exceed Dh27 million. The layoffs were announced during a town hall meeting on November 18, where workers were informed their positions were no longer needed and were asked to leave immediately without serving their notice period. This abrupt decision has left employees feeling abandoned, especially as many are burdened with significant financial responsibilities such as loans, EMIs, and medical costs. A senior manager, who has been with the company for 13 years, revealed that Petrofac had been showing signs of financial strain for months, with some employees resigning in anticipation of the layoffs. However, the lack of communication and transparency regarding gratuity payments has exacerbated the situation. Employees have repeatedly sought clarity from management, but the only response they receive is that the company is ‘looking into it.’ While Petrofac has extended employee visas for an additional two months to allow them to search for new jobs, this gesture does little to alleviate their concerns about unpaid dues. The company’s financial troubles worsened after Dutch grid operator TenneT canceled a major offshore wind contract in the Netherlands, which was central to Petrofac’s debt-restructuring plan. In a statement, Petrofac assured that its UAE operations are continuing as normal, but employees remain skeptical about receiving their rightful benefits.
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China opens draft regulations on data protection to public consultation
In a significant move to bolster personal information security, Chinese authorities have unveiled draft regulations targeting large online platforms. Released jointly by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security, the proposal seeks public feedback until December 22, 2025. The draft emphasizes the domestic storage of personal data collected within China, with stringent requirements for any cross-border data transfers. Platforms must adhere to national security standards and implement robust technical and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized data exports. Additionally, the regulations mandate that online service providers offer users accessible methods to manage their personal information, including options to access, correct, supplement, delete, or transfer their data. In cases of severe data breaches or repeated violations, platforms may face compliance audits and risk assessments conducted by third-party experts. The draft also promotes the use of advanced technologies such as national network identity authentication and data labeling to enhance data protection. Public consultation is actively encouraged, with authorities committed to responding to complaints within 15 working days. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to safeguarding individual privacy while fostering the sustainable growth of the platform economy.
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UAE President welcomes Finnish counterpart in Abu Dhabi; joint statement issued
In a landmark meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties established in February 2025, underscored a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and space exploration. Both leaders emphasized the importance of sustainable development and the green transition, highlighting Finland’s expertise in microsatellites and the UAE’s growing capabilities in space technology. They also discussed expanding trade and investment flows, with a focus on clean energy, sustainable finance, and the circular economy. The meeting also addressed global challenges, including climate action, women’s rights, and international peace. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing extremism, promoting tolerance, and supporting peace initiatives in regions such as Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. The visit concluded with a joint statement outlining a forward-looking agenda for the UAE-Finland partnership, aimed at fostering peace, stability, and sustainable prosperity.
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RTA announces extended metro timings for Dubai Run on November 23
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled extended Metro timings and road closures to accommodate the upcoming Dubai Run 2025, the city’s largest annual fitness event. The Metro will operate from 3am to midnight on November 23, ensuring seamless transportation for participants. Additionally, key roads will be closed between 3am and 10am on the same day, with the RTA urging residents to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes. Earlier, Salik, Dubai’s toll gate system, announced revised toll rates for the event day. Participants are advised to ensure their nol Cards have a minimum credit of Dh15 for Silver Class or Dh30 for Gold Class for round trips. The event, now in its seventh edition, will transform Sheikh Zayed Road into a vibrant hub for fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The RTA also recommended that runners head to the World Trade Centre Metro Station for easy access to the starting point. Dubai Run continues to solidify its reputation as one of the city’s most anticipated and inclusive sporting events.