The construction of an extended section of a China-funded highway in Palestine started on Sunday, with an inauguration ceremony held in Ramallah, a city in the West Bank.
The ceremony was attended by the head of the Office of China to Palestine Zeng Jixin, the representative of Palestine's prime minister, and other officials.
The current conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has lasted for a year, has reduced the Palestinian people into heavy sufferings, said Zeng.
China has provided batches of cash and emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza, and will continue providing assistance within its capacity to support Palestinian economic development and improve its people's livelihood, Zeng said.
The Palestinian side expressed their heartfelt gratitude to China for its timely assistance and expressed their willingness to work with China to ensure the swift completion of the project for the benefit of local residents.
"We are grateful to the Chinese government for their support. This project is the first road extension project to connect the ring road in Ramallah. We are delighted and thankful for the support from the Chinese government and people, both in spirit and in material aid," said Issa Kassis, Mayor of Ramallah.
Ramallah is considered the political and economic hub for the Palestinian Authority and developing economy.
China starts extension of aid-funded road in Palestine
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
