Defiant Palestinians in West Bank commemorate "Nakba" amid intense fighting in Gaza

未分類

Defiant Palestinians in West Bank commemorate "Nakba" amid intense fighting in Gaza

2024-05-16 15:31 Last Updated At：18:27

Palestinian protesters and the Israeli army in the West Bank engaged in a tense stand-off on Wednesday as Palestinians commemorated the 76th Nakba day or the "day of catastrophe" in the mist of the intense fighting in Gaza that has displaced over one and a half million people.

Nakba Day is observed annually on May 15 by Palestinians to remember the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes after the establishment of Israel in 1948.

The anniversary often brings heightened tensions as Palestinians believe that their ancestors were displaced from their homeland. Israel stands on territory given to the Jews by Great Britain in return for their support in World War I. But Palestinians have always claimed the land is historically theirs.

Palestinians live in the West Bank under Israeli military rule and Israel controls the borders and areas in which Palestinians can build homes.

Under Jewish law, commemorating Nakba Day is illegal.

"That's against the Israeli law, but as far as the Palestinian law is concerned and as far as the culture of Palestine, the history of our people, and the pride of every Palestinian is to mark this day. Every Palestinian is doing this in defiance and also challenging the Israeli laws," said Sabri Saidam, deputy Secretary General of the Fatah Central Committee.

Saidam believes the only path towards peace is a two-state solution.

"There is no way on this land but to achieve co-existence. The future is dependent on the fulfillment of U.N. resolutions and on adherence to international law. There's no one party that can throw the other into the sea. There's no one people that can throw the other into the sea. So we will have to invest in trying to convince Israelis at large that their government is not doing them any favor. And those who claim to be the friends of Israel and are supporting the genocide that Israel is committing right now as we speak are not true friends, because your friends would tell you where the right path is. And the only right path is the establishment of a Palestinian state," said Sabri Saidam.

Palestinians say this year's anniversary is more important than ever as they claim a present-day Nakba is taking place in Gaza.

Preparation work for CIIE nears completion: ministry

2024-11-01 03:40 Last Updated At：05:17

Preparations are nearly complete for the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), set for November 5-10 in Shanghai, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference that exhibits from over 2,700 participating companies have entered the exhibition halls, while those from more than 700 companies are still in transit and will arrive by Nov. 2.

To improve the experience for attendees, this year's CIIE has established 172 functional areas in 26 categories and added 1,523 temporary signs throughout the venue. The expo has also streamlined its registration and approval processes with a digital system.

"We are enhancing payment convenience by ensuring adequate small-denomination cash reserves, while expanding bank card transaction acceptance to include both domestic and international cards for the first time. Additionally, the expo will feature a 5,000-square-meter catering zone and offer food delivery services to all booths," said He.

The expo will also share comprehensive travel and service information via its official WeChat account, and upgrades have been made to the event's Hongqiao forum information system and the venue's navigation systems to enhance the attendee experience.

The seventh CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations, and achieved a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders set to attend.

Since its first edition in 2018, the expo has become an important showcase, spotlighting China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening up, and an opportunity for the whole world.