Middle East leaders slam US ambassador's remarks on Israel's right to entire region

The Iranian, Iraqi and Palestinian Foreign Ministries condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Israel has the right to claim control over the entire Middle East.

In a contentious interview with podcaster Tucker Carlson posted on Friday, Huckabee said Israel has a "biblical right" to claim control over the entire Middle East, or at least most of the region. "It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said.

On Sunday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei posted on social media platform X that Huckabee's words constitute "a bold testament to America's active complicity in the Israeli regime's expansionist wars of aggression, as well as its colonial genocide of Palestinians."

He added that "such extremist ideological rhetoric" would only further embolden Israel to continue its "atrocity, crimes and illegal measures" against Palestinians as well as its "constant aggression" against regional nations.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday evening, condemning the remarks made by Huckabee, stating that they were provocative and unacceptable.

Iraq's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned Huckabee's claims in a statement on Saturday evening. Such remarks are "inconsistent with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations," representing "an infringement upon the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, in addition to carrying negative implications for the security and stability of the region," it said.

Middle East leaders slam US ambassador's remarks on Israel's right to entire region

A grand dragon and lion dance parade and fireworks shows were staged on Saturday in the Chinatown of The Hague, Netherlands, with nearly 10,000 locals celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments of gongs and drums, dragon and lion dance troupes in colorful costumes weaved through the bustling streets, attracting countless eyes, along with fireworks lit to add more luster to the most important Chinese festival.

Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen extended his best wishes for the Chinese New Year at the event, saying that the Chinese community in the city has built a bridge of understanding between the two peoples.

On Sunday, a cultural fair was also held in Suva, the capital of Fiji, to celebrate the Spring Festival. The event, themed "Happy Chinese New Year, Embracing the Chinese New Year," brought together thousands of Fijian Chinese, local residents, and international tourists to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse.

The event not only featured multiple cultural performances, but also included booths showcasing traditional handicrafts and folk cultures from both countries.

Interactive activities such as Chinese calligraphy workshops, paper-cutting lessons, and displays of Hanfu costumes -- a style of Han Chinese clothing worn more than 2,000 years ago, allowed the public to experience the charm of traditional Chinese art up close amid a strong festive atmosphere.

Netherlands, Fiji hold cultural events to celebrate Spring Festival