China holds memorial ceremonies for Nanjing Massacre victims

Commemorative and educational activities were held across China to remember the martyrs, mourn the Nanjing Massacre victims killed during the Japanese aggression in the 1930s-1940s in China, and reflect on history, as this Saturday marks the 12th National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims.

The Nanjing Massacre took place after Japanese forces captured Nanjing, then the Chinese capital, on Dec 13, 1937 and began six weeks of slaughter that claimed the lives of more than 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers.

An educational class was delivered in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, simultaneously in some 100 cities across the nation. Utilizing a format that combines a main classroom with multiple live scenes and a full media broadcast, this open class transcended geographical barriers and achieved nationwide coordination.

"We must always remember this period of history, never forget the national humiliation, and strive for strength," said Peng Liyue, a student from Shiyan Dongfeng International School, central China's Hubei Province.

People from all walks of life gathered at the Memorial Hall of the former site of the New Fourth Army Headquarters for commemorative activities in Nanchang City, east China's Jiangxi Province.

They observed a moment of silence for the victims and revolutionary martyrs and presented wreaths to express their grief.

"As youth in the new era, we should shoulder this responsibility, carry forward the great spirit forged during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, hone our skills, commit to our posts, forge ahead with determination, and make sustained efforts for the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation," said Wan Ying, a community official of Xihu District of Nanchang.

In Zuoquan County of Jinzhong City, north China's Shanxi Province, primary school teachers and students visited the former site of the Matian Eighth Route Army Headquarters to experience the dedication and commitment of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation.

"We always base our education on revolutionary culture, leading students to follow in the footsteps of the martyrs, carry forward the great spirit of war of resistance, cultivate deep patriotism, and ensure the revolutionary heritage is passed down through generations," said Li Jiaxin, a teacher from Matian Primary School.

The Baise detachment of the Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP) Force Guangxi Corps held a series of memorial day activities, including moments of silence and renewing the oath of joining the Communist Party of China (CPC), to guide officers and soldiers in remembering history, never forgetting the national humiliation, boosting morale, and committing to strengthening the military.

"As revolutionary soldiers in the new era, we should remember all the more that sorrowful history, train hard to enhance our capabilities, and transform the remembrance of history into motivation for training and combat preparation," said Fu Chunfeng, a member of Baise detachment.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

China holds memorial ceremonies for Nanjing Massacre victims

At least 14 people were killed in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours as homes collapsed and tents sheltering displaced families were flooded during a powerful winter storm, Gaza's Civil Defense said on Friday.

The fatalities included three children who died from hypothermia, while others were found under the rubble of homes destroyed by heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in Gaza City and northern areas of the enclave, the Civil Defense said.

From Wednesday evening through Friday, the Gaza Strip has been battered by heavy storms and cold weather, leaving the displaced families facing harsh and unsafe conditions. Fragile tents and makeshift shelters, where at least 1.5 million Palestinians are living, offer no real protection from the storms.

Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman of the Palestinian Civil Defense said on Friday that the severe weather has intensified the humanitarian emergency, with the death toll standing at 13 at the time of his statement.

"The weather system affecting Gaza is extremely severe. We are talking about house collapses and the complete destruction of more than a dozen buildings. Dozens of other buildings have partially collapsed, which is why we are reporting 13 victims. More than 90 percent of citizens' tents in Gaza have been completely flooded. In some areas, water levels have risen to more than one meter," he said.

Hiba Al-Yazji, a displaced Palestinian, recalled how a sudden massive influx of water inundated her tent during the night.

"We were flooded. It was like a massive surge of water. I stood in our tent at night with my daughter, and it felt like a pool, with water flowing in from all sides. Since Wednesday, I haven't slept at all, I swear to that. We spread our mattresses out to dry, and now it's going to rain again. Everything in my kitchen has fallen apart," she said.

Other displaced Palestinians have faced similar hardships amid the winds and downpours.

"We have been suffering since the weather system began. I haven't slept for three days. Whenever the rain intensifies, we keep moving inside the shelter. Last night, the plastic roof collapsed on us because of the heavy rain. We spent the night pushing water out, afraid it would flood our tent. My little daughter couldn't sleep at all last night because of the cold," said Dina Khattab.

At least 14 killed as winter storms batter Gaza: civil defense