Eight nations condemn Israel's West Bank land move

Eight countries have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel's recent approval of new land registration procedures in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move undermines peace efforts and violates international law.

The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye on Tuesday. It denounces Israel's decision to initiate new land registration procedures in the West Bank.

The statement said that this "illegal measure" is intended to accelerate illegal settlement activities, confiscate land, and consolidate Israel's control. Israel's actions undermine the two-state solution, openly violate international law and international humanitarian law, and risk causing a serious escalation of the situation. In the statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries called on the international community to take action to stop Israel's illegal activities.

Meanwhile, reading out a statement on behalf of over 80 United Nations member states and international organizations at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said, "We strongly condemn unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel's unlawful presence in the West Bank. Such decisions are contrary to Israel 's obligations under international law and must be immediately reversed. We underline in this regard our strong opposition to any form of annexation."

"We reiterate our rejection of all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. Such measures violate international law, undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region, run counter to the Comprehensive Plan, and jeopardize the prospect of reaching a peace agreement ending the conflict," he said.

"Ending the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and implementing the two-State solution, where two democratic States, an independent and sovereign Palestine and Israel, live side by side in peace and security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, remains the only path to ensure security and stability in the region," he concluded.

Eight nations condemn Israel's West Bank land move

Eight nations condemn Israel's West Bank land move

The unique experience of watching the China Media Group (CMG) 2026 Spring Festival Gala on planes has turned air travel into a festive gathering, offering passengers "flying festivities".

Onboard flight MU5125 from Shanghai to Beijing, the festive atmosphere was palpable. Decorated with spring couplets and Chinese character "Fu", which means good fortune, the cabin was filled with joy as many passengers used their phones and tablets to stream the gala live, thanks to the free high-speed in-flight WiFi service.

"I really didn't expect watching the Spring Festival Gala on the plane to be so smooth. Once we reached cruising altitude, we connected to the WiFi right away. This experience is truly wonderful," said a passenger surnamed Cao.

Passengers aboard Sichuan Airlines flight 3U6879 also watched the Gala.

The Gala this year features four sub-venues in addition to the main stage in Beijing. Taking the grand show to new locations each year has become a new tradition, shining a spotlight on more of China's varied landscapes and cultural traditions.

A passenger from the sub-venue of Yibin expressed his pride.

"I'm from Yibin, and I was thrilled and amazed to see our city's sub-venue on board," said a passenger named Zhang Bo.

"On the eve of the Chinese New Year, we've created themed flights across all internet-enabled routes so passengers can enjoy the Spring Festival Gala at high altitude, allowing them to feel the festive atmosphere even during their air travels," said Wu Dan, manager of the Cabin Service Department of Sichuan Airlines.

This initiative was launched by CMG in collaboration with several airlines. Around 300 flights from China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines participated, reaching nearly 70,000 travelers.

"To ensure passengers can watch the Spring Festival Gala live at around 10,000 meters high in the sky and celebrate New Year's Eve with friends and family on the ground, we conducted multiple rounds of comprehensive pressure testing and system optimizations (in advance) to guarantee stable and smooth high-speed WiFi on board," said Chen Mengying, a member from China Satellite Communications Co., Ltd.

CMG's Spring Festival gala takes to skies on flight to offer passengers "flying festivities"