More than 75,000 people have been displaced in the southwest Gaza Strip just in the past few days, according to a United Nations agency on Sunday.
On Saturday night, the Israeli military issued additional evacuation orders, forcing residents in parts of central Khan Younis City in the southern Gaza Strip to move to designated "humanitarian zones."
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), posted on X that the displaced Palestinians "are going to overcrowded places where shelters are already overflowing with families."
"Unlike in other wars," he wrote, "the people of Gaza are trapped and have nowhere to go."
The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, stated Sunday that it had attacked Israeli soldiers and vehicles with mortars in Khan Younis and bombed the Israeli command center in the northeastern part of the city.
The armed group also released footage showing rockets being used to attack the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon and Israeli military positions in the Gaza Strip.
On Sunday, the Palestine News and Information Agency WAFA reported that the Israeli army carried out air raids on several areas in the enclave, including the Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps in central Gaza, as well as Khan Younis.
The Gaza's government media office said on Sunday that data shows the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip has destroyed over a hundred schools and resulted in the deaths of more than 100 university professors and academics, as well as over 500 primary and secondary school teachers across the besieged enclave.
The Israeli side has not yet responded to the claim.
More than 75,000 people displaced in southwest Gaza in past few days: UN agency
More than 75,000 people displaced in southwest Gaza in past few days: UN agency
More than 75,000 people displaced in southwest Gaza in past few days: UN agency
More than 75,000 people displaced in southwest Gaza in past few days: UN agency
Various activities were held worldwide to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 29 this year.
Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata of Japan, in collaboration with the Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater, delivered a spectacular visual feast for the overseas Chinese and Japanese audiences in Sendai.
The performance, featuring the elements of Dunhuang culture and the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty, attracted about 2,000 spectators. Many Japanese people praised the colorful Chinese culture and expressed their hope to go to China to see with their own eyes and understand Chinese culture and traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival.
"It's the first time I've seen such a performance. It's so gorgeous. I'm really touched. This Spring Festival event is also an opportunity for Japan and China to further develop friendly relations. If there is any chance for a performance like this in the future, I would like to come and watch it. I also really want to travel to China now," said a Japanese audience member.
"Happy to know that cultural heritage like the Spring Festival was included on the Representative List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, I think it's great to be able to celebrate such a festival in Japan. I really hope everyone can take a look and learn about the Spring Festival," said another audience member.
"We want to invite performers from Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater to present Dunhuang-themed music and dance which is full of Silk Road cultural elements. This will allow local people to see the mutual learning between Chinese and Japanese civilizations," said Cui Weilei, Consul-General of China in Niigata.
Budapest's Chinatown was alive with energy on Saturday as the streets were filled with music, dance, and the aroma of traditional Chinese delicacies during a two-day Spring Festival celebration.
The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together numerous visitors and performers to usher in the upcoming Year of the Snake. They enjoyed the magnificent dragon and lion dances, ethnic performances, sugar-figure blowing, calligraphy demonstrations, and the unique experience of wearing traditional attire Hanfu.
"We come here because we have a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and Chinese traditions, and a special interest in Chinese music. I think the most important part of Chinese culture is Chinese food because the best way to bring people from all over the world together is to sit around a table and eat together," said a resident in Budapest.
Colorful celebrations and Spring Festival receptions were also held at many Chinese embassies and consulates around the world.
By showcasing Spring Festival customs and intangible cultural heritage, these events allowed local communities to experience the festive vibes of the Spring Festival up close.
In Dubai, over 1,000 performers and artists from around the world came together to blend traditional Chinese culture with modern art through a rich variety of performances, drawing a large number of audience. The airing of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group also became a highlight of the evening.
A reception was held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.
Around 600 attendees including Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, Ahmed Shaheen, Egyptian assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, representatives of the Egyptian government and people from all walks of life were gathered.
"On the occasion of the coming of the Spring Festival, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to dear Chinese friends," said Shaheen in a speech.
Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide