CrossFireArarbia

Glorious Yemen

Heba
August 14, 2026

These tall, fortress-like houses are built primarily of locally quarried stone (often with thick lower walls for strength and defense). They feature rows of small arched or rectangular windows (sometimes with shutters), which provide light, ventilation, and limited views while maintaining privacy and security. The design is practical for the mountainous terrain: Vertical construction saves scarce flat land for agriculture, the height aids defense against raids, and the solid stone helps with temperature regulation in the highland climate.

Culture

Say Cheese!

CrossFireArabia
August 14, 2026

By Ibrahim Isam

I was documenting a children’s film screening in Gaza, trying, as I often do, to steal a moment before a child realizes he/she is being seen. Then, from just behind me, came a shy, almost inaudible voice: “Can you take a picture of us… together?”

I turned and found two little girls watching the shutter of my camera, as if they had discovered something of themselves there before I had.

For a moment, I no longer knew who was photographing whom; I was following them with my eyes, while they were searching for their own presence in mine.

Perhaps, in the end, all we ask of one another is this: I see you. And perhaps that is how we remain.

I took the photograph, and was left with a question: Do we make photographs, or do they find us when we are finally ready to see?

News

Israel Vessels Fire at Three Fishermen in Gaza

marwan
August 14, 2026

Three Palestinian fishermen were injured Friday when Israeli naval vessels opened fire at them while working off the coast of Gaza City, a local union official said. Zakaria Bakr, coordinator of the Fishermen’s Committees Union in Gaza, said in a Facebook post that Israeli naval vessels fired machine guns at a fishing boat, injuring three fishermen. Bakr said the incident came amid continuing attacks against Gaza’s fishermen that endanger their lives and deprive them of their livelihoods. Gaza’s fishermen have faced Israeli restrictions on access to the sea since the start of Israel’s war in October 2023. A UN report on 2 July said the Israeli navy continued to prevent Gaza residents from accessing the sea despite the 10 October 2025 ceasefire. The fishing industry has suffered extensive damage, including to Gaza’s port, boats and equipment according to Anadolu.

Culture