The first batch of China's fresh emergency humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which includes about 12,000 food parcels, departed from Jordan on Tuesday.
The humanitarian assistance provided by China will be transported via land borders. The emergency aid, consisting of 60,000 food parcels, will be delivered in six shipments by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization. The initial shipment of 12,000 food parcels will be handed over to the World Food Program, the Palestine Red Crescent, and other relevant organizations once the shipments reach Gaza.
At the scene, Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Chen Chuandong said that China will continue to provide further assistance to the Palestinian people.
"As a good friend of the Palestinian people and a responsible major country, China has provided multiple batches of assistance to the people of Gaza. We will continue to advocate for a political solution to the Palestinian issue so as to bring peace and security to the region," he said.
Hashemite Charity Organization's Secretary-General Hussein Shibli expressed his deep gratitude to China for its support for Gaza residents, expressing his hope for further cooperation with China in the coming days to help those in need in the enclave.
"We hope that today's cooperation with China will mark the beginning of further joint efforts to help people in need in Gaza, support them, alleviate their current difficulties in life, and address the severe shortage of food, shelter and medical supplies. I hope this cooperation can be sustained between Jordan and China," he said.
China sends humanitarian aid to Gaza through Jordan
China sends humanitarian aid to Gaza through Jordan
China sends humanitarian aid to Gaza through Jordan
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
