Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to 35,562

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Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to 35,562

2024-05-21 09:43 Last Updated At：16:07

The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 35,562, health authorities in the Palestinian enclave said in a press statement on Monday.

Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 106 Palestinians and wounded 176 others, bringing the total death toll to 35,562 and injuries to more than 79,000 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out last October, said the statement.

The health authorities emphasized that the medical emergency and civil defense workers are facing challenges in carrying out rescue operation as a large number of casualties are buried under the rubbles and ruins.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday said in a statement that the Israeli army continued to carry out military operations in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah and Jabalia in the northern Gaza.

Over the past day, Israeli airstrikes targeted about 80 targets in Gaza, including armed personnel, weapon storage facilities, rocket launch systems, and other infrastructures, said the statement.

In addition, Israeli forces claimed that, in collaboration with the Israeli intelligence department, they have killed two senior members of Hamas. However, Hamas has not made any response to it.

On Monday, Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, and the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, the Al-Quds Brigades, launched sustained attacks against the Israeli military.

In Jabalia, the Palestinian armed personnel used mortar shells to attack the Israeli military vehicles assembled to the east of Jabalia, and engaged in intense clashes with the Israeli soldiers.

In the eastern part of Rafah, Palestinian armed personnel said they launched successive attacks on the gathering sites of Israeli troops and vehicles. They also ambushed a group of Israeli soldiers, resulting in multiple casualties among the Israeli soldiers.

Israeli military sources said on Monday that about 950,000 Palestinians have been evacuated from Rafah as a result of the ongoing military operations in the area.

Currently, there are still an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 civilians remaining in Rafah, with the majority concentrated in the city center and the coastal area to the west of Rafah, as stated by the sources.

The Times of Israel reported on Monday, citing an Israeli official, that Israel is considering sending a delegation to participate in the upcoming prisoner exchange and ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, which will take place in the Qatari capital of Doha next week.

However, Israeli authorities have not yet confirmed this information.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth

2024-07-27 02:52 Last Updated At：05:17

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.