The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday held a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, calling for opening land routes for the aid heading to the Gaza Strip.
Jens Laerke, spokesman of the OCHA, said at the press conference that the office welcomes all aids to the Gaza Strip in any ways, but still believes land routes are the most important.
"Any and all aid into Gaza is welcome by any route. However, getting aid to people in need into and across Gaza cannot and should not depend on a floating dock far from where needs are most acute. Land routes are the most viable, effective and efficient aid delivery method, which is why we need all crossing points to be opened," he said.
Also speaking at the press conference, spokesman of the WHO Tarik Jasarevic said since May 6 when the Israeli army launched a military operation against Rafah, no medical supplies have been allowed to enter the Gaza Strip as the Israeli army has been controlling the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah crossing.
The closure of the Rafah crossing has left humanitarian workers in Gaza a difficult situation, he said, adding that the lack of medical supplies and fuel have been bringing greater risks to the people in Gaza and Gaza's medical system which has already been unsustainable.
UN agencies call for opening land routes for aid to Gaza
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
