Israeli airstrikes have continued in southern Lebanon, triggering scenes of panic and widespread destruction.
As a result of the strikes, columns of smoke were seen rising into the sky as streets, houses, and vehicles were blanketed in soot. Residents recently recounted moments of terror during the strikes, saying Israeli warnings forced overnight evacuations.
According to local resident Gihane Abbas, they received warnings from the Israeli army ordering them to evacuate while they were sleeping. At that moment, Israeli planes arrived and bombed the houses and the infrastructure, cutting off all supplies and communication routes to the region.
The Israeli air force destroyed the building under the pretext that resistance fighters were inside. In reality, there were only women, young men, and children inside, according to Nour Tafla, another local resident.
Despite the ongoing raids and smoke rising over several neighborhoods, some residents insisted they would not abandon the city, vowing to remain -- and, if necessary, to die -- there with dignity and honor.
Israeli bombardment continues in southern Lebanon Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon, residents recount terror
Israeli bombardment continues in southern Lebanon Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon, residents recount terror
China and Brazil will hold the 2026 Year of Culture to celebrate bilateral cultural exchange and promote the building of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, China's foreign ministry spokesman said on Friday.
In a joint statement released by the diplomatic, cultural, and tourism departments of China and Brazil, the two countries will celebrate the 2026 China-Brazil Year of Culture. Lin Jian, the spokesman, said at a regular press conference that the celebrations aim to strengthen cultural ties and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.
"China and Brazil are a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Celebrating the China-Brazil Cultural Year 2026 is an important common understanding between the two heads of state to deepen the building of China-Brazil community with a shared future, and it is another major cultural and people-to-people exchange program following the successful series of cultural events marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2024. A wide range of activities will be organized by both countries in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, music, and intangible cultural heritage. I'd refer you to the cultural authorities of both sides for more details," he said.
"China is willing to take the Year of Culture as an opportunity to further expand people-to-people exchanges with Brazil, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, and inject new vitality into the China-Brazil community with a shared future," he said.
China, Brazil to hold Year of Culture to build community with shared future: spokesman
