Post-war reconstruction, governance of Gaza must be led by Palestinians: official

The post-war reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip must be led by the Palestinians, Palestinian officials and experts stressed on Tuesday, calling on the international community to take punitive measures against Israel.

Five more European countries formally announced their recognition of the Palestinian statehood on Monday at the high-level session of the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

So far, of the 193 United Nations member states, as many as 157 have recognized the Palestinian statehood.

In an interview with the China Central Television (CCTV) on Tuesday, Wasel Abu Yusuf, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s executive committee, hailed the widespread recognition of the State of Palestine from the international community and stressed that the future of the Gaza Strip should be led by the Palestinians.

"This (the recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries) has further elevated the significance of the Palestinian cause, and strengthened the international standing of the occupied State of Palestine. It will help consolidate the efforts to, first and foremost, halt the genocide and hunger war in Gaza, which is supported by the United States and waged by Israel. As for the postwar reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip, it must be led by the Palestinians," he said.

Some Palestinian experts said that the recognitions, though belated, are necessary and must be translated into concrete actions to end the long-term Israeli occupation and achieve peace.

"We must not allow this achievement to remain merely at the level of recognition. Israel may perceive these recognitions as mere rhetorical gestures, lacking substantive action. Therefore, the international community must take sustained and robust measures, including sanctions against Israel, to compel its compliance with international law," said Palestinian political analyst Nihad abu Ghosh.

"These recognitions further validate the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause, expose the brutal nature of Israel's occupation, and demonstrate the widespread support from the international community. With the time passing by, the momentum of the international public opinion may propel more countries to adopt substantive measures and sanctions against Israel," said Imad Abu Awad, another Palestinian political analyst.

Post-war reconstruction, governance of Gaza must be led by Palestinians: official

Post-war reconstruction, governance of Gaza must be led by Palestinians: official

Post-war reconstruction, governance of Gaza must be led by Palestinians: official

Post-war reconstruction, governance of Gaza must be led by Palestinians: official

Post-war reconstruction, governance of Gaza must be led by Palestinians: official

More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.

Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.

Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.

It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."

The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.

Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.

The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday