Israel carried out air strikes on several sites in central Syria on Sunday night, the most violent aerial attacks on Syria this year, killing at least 18 people and injuring 37, as well as igniting wildfires and causing significant damage to infrastructure.
Following the attack, rescue workers and paramedics from different Syrian provinces were mobilized to the targeted region in the central Syrian province of Hama.
"This aggression came in waves; it was a brutal and savage aggression. Till now we have 18 killed and 37 injured. The injuries vary from critical to light. The health sector in Hama is doing its best by providing necessary aid to the injured," said Hasam Ghabbash, Syria's minister of health.
Local residents described the attacks as the longest air assault they had ever heard. According to eyewitnesses, communication lines, water pipes, and the electricity grid were damaged in the strikes that lasted for two hours.
"Yesterday we were at home and my children were sleeping. We heard the massive explosions that caused the buildings to tremble. The children woke up and they were in a panic. We looked out of the windows and saw the fires blazing in the forests next to us," said Bashar a local citizen.
"What happened yesterday is a first in terms of impact, sound and shock. At around 23:30 we heard a massive explosion. My child screamed fearing that we are about to die. I tried to calm her down, telling her that it would pass. My wife took the kids and hid in a place fearing that the explosions might reach us," said Muhammad Zeinati, another local resident.
Some people involved in rescue operations said they were targeted as they tried to help others.
"We were trying to help health care workers by evacuating the injured and the dead from the mountains. It was impossible to take the road because whatever went up there was targeted. While we were discussing other routes, suddenly a missile fell in front of us out of nowhere, everyone lay down on the ground and I was badly injured," said Muhammad Eisa, a firefighter who got injured while trying to extinguish the fire and help people.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, calling them a continuation of Israeli "aggression" aimed at escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli airstrikes in Syria cause death, injury
Israeli airstrikes in Syria cause death, injury
Israeli airstrikes in Syria cause death, injury
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
