Children in Gaza are bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict with Israel, as thousands have been deprived of classes during schools opening, which would be Monday.
After 11 months of hostilities, more than 600,000 students are being deprived of access to formal education for another year, according to the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA).
UNRWA reports that no official schooling is available in any of its 200 schools, with many serving as shelters for displaced Palestinians.
Instead of going to school, 12-year-old Iyad is selling juice at a street corner in Gaza City to help his family stay afloat amid the ongoing conflict. Iyad and his younger brother have taken to the streets - one selling juice, the other selling candy.
"I should have been in sixth grade, but I can't go to school anymore. We have to go out and sell things. I feel very sad because I miss school life. I have no homework or exams now. Every day, I hope to see my friends, but now I just sell things - selling drinks to help my father support the family. I often see attacks on the streets, and I'm very scared," said Iyad.
Throughout the Gaza Strip, there are countless children like Iyad. Karim is one of them, who was supposed to advance to a higher grade this September, but now spends his days dragging a large ice cooler through the streets, selling water. "Sitting in a classroom with teachers and classmates, learning together - that would be wonderful, much better than selling water. At least in school, we could study, play, and laugh together. We wouldn't be wasting time. We worked hard to get good grades, but since the outbreak of the conflict, we have been forced to sell things. That's the reality," said Karim.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the number of humanitarian missions and movements that Israeli authorities denied access in Gaza nearly doubled in August compared to July, with 105 missions and movements denied last month versus 53 the previous month.
Conflict in Gaza disrupts school year for thousands of children
Conflict in Gaza disrupts school year for thousands of children
Moon-themed lantern shows and a series of traditional performances have been held across China, enlivening the holiday spirit during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival break.
On Mid-Autumn Festival night, moon-gazing is a time-honored and cherished tradition. In Shanghai, it has become popular to gather at lakesides or riversides where the moon's reflection can be seen in the water.
During the festival, the city's Yuyuan Garden created various moon-themed installations, combining them with mythological stories from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. They also featured folk performances, themed lantern displays, and special light shows, offering a unique festive experience.
"I think this is a must-visit spot in Shanghai, especially given how beautiful it is. Plus, it incorporates traditional Chinese culture, which perfectly aligns with the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I really love it - it's all about family and reunion," said a Shanghai local surnamed Zhang.
In Baizhang Town, Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, a unique Fish Lantern Cultural Festival was held at the Shuttle Museum, a museum dedicated to weaving shuttles.
Villagers and tourists paraded along the roads and stream banks, holding exquisite peach blossom fish lanterns. The lanterns, vibrant and lifelike, symbolized the wish for "abundance every year and good fortune."
In Datong Ancient Town, Tongling City, east China's Anhui Province, the nighttime water dragon lantern performance and cultural night market have been bustling with activity during the holiday.
Dragon dancers skillfully waved the dragon lanterns, which spiraled and soared, creating various formations over the water.
The molten iron fireworks show, a folk art performance of throwing molten iron to create a fireworks-like display, was held on the river, creating a rare sight for spectators as countless golden sparks shot into the night sky of the ancient town before falling into the lake.
A drone performance was launched in Jingzhou City, central China's Hubei Province during the Mid-Autumn Festival. A thousand drones formed images of "Goddess of the Moon Chang'e," the "Jade Rabbit," and "Kongming Lanterns," creating poetic scenes together with the Moon afar.
"It's my first time watching a drone show, and I find it truly spectacular," said a tourist named Yu Duoduo.
In Dunhuang City, northwest China's Gansu Province, visitors gathered on the peaks of Mingsha Mountain to admire the stunning reflection of the Moon in the lake.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on September 17 this year.
Lantern shows, traditional performances delight moon-gazers during Mid-Autumn Festival
