Young people in China are expressing appreciation for their moms in new and different ways this Mother's Day, leaning towards a more heartfelt approach.
Annual Mother's Day celebrations in China are marked by young people usually buying flowers and gifts such as cakes to show their appreciation of the everday sacrifices and unwavering support mothers provide.
In Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province, young people are going beyond gifts during this special day. They are also sharing heartfelt messages celebrating the special bond they share with their moms.
"I wish my mom all the best and good health. I bought her a Chinese-style dress, which is very popular nowadays. I think she must look good in it and I want her to try some young people's fashion," said a resident in Chengdu.
"I'm very grateful to my mother who has always been understanding and supportive of my interests, and provided me a good life. I would video call my mother to express my love for her," said a resident.
"My family is in Guangdong. I hope my mother can be healthy and take good care of herself. I will send her a bunch of flowers on Mother's Day," said another resident.
"I am studying abroad now, and I choose to return to China before Mother's Day to celebrate the holiday with her. I'm planning to have a date with my mom, make some memory together. I want to say, Mom, I love you, happy Mother's Day!" said a resident in Chengdu.
Mother's Day fell on May 12 this year.
Young people in China shower moms with love on Mother's Day
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries
