The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 35,647, health authorities in the Palestinian enclave said in a press statement on Tuesday.
Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 85 Palestinians and wounded 200 others, bringing the total death toll to 35,647 and injuries to 79,852 since the latest round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out on October 7, 2023.
The health authorities also said that many casualties remain buried under the rubble, making it difficult for medical emergency and civil defense personnel to carry out rescue operations.
The Israeli army said in a statement that drones and fighter aircraft bombed nearly 70 "terrorist targets" in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, including military buildings, weapons depots, warehouses, rocket launchers, surveillance units, and other military infrastructure.
Israeli forces killed a number of militants in the Jabalia area of the northern Gaza Strip, including a "terrorist group" that was shooting at soldiers, read the statement.
It added that Israeli forces were continuing their operations in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, where a drone killed a "terrorist" who was firing mortar shells at Israeli soldiers.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that the Israeli military and Military Intelligence Directorate launched a joint military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin earlier Tuesday.
According to information from Israeli intelligence agencies, Palestinian armed personnel were active in the area. During the operation, the Israeli military engaged in firefights with the Palestinian armed personnel and destroyed a significant amount of infrastructure.
The Palestinian health ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, saying that on that day, the Israeli military killed seven Palestinians and injured 12 others in Jenin and the nearby refugee camp. Two of the injured are in serious condition.
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 35,647: health authorities
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 35,647: health authorities
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 35,647: health authorities
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
