Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 41,020: health authorities

The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,020, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Tuesday.

During the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 32 Palestinians and wounded 100 others, bringing the death toll to 41,020 and the number of injured to 94,925 since the outbreak of the latest round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict last October, the health authorities said.

On Tuesday, Israel launched airstrike on a tent camp for displaced people in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This location had previously been designated by Israeli authorities as a "humanitarian safety zone."

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that the attack targeted senior Hamas leaders operating from a hidden command center in a humanitarian area of Khan Younis. Military sources said that three Hamas military commanders were killed.

In response, Hamas condemned the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s claims as "blatant lies," accusing Israel of attempting to justify its "ugly crimes." Following the latest escalation in hostilities, Hamas has repeatedly denied using civilian infrastructure for military purposes, insisting that its fighters do not operate from civilian areas.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned Israeli air strikes in an Israeli-designated zone for displaced persons in Khan Younis, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing.

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland on Tuesday also condemned the Israeli airstrike. Wennesland emphasized the necessity of adhering to international humanitarian law, urged all parties to agree on the release of hostages and a ceasefire, and called for an end to the killing of civilians and the cessation of hostilities.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that Israel is nearing the completion of its military objectives in the Gaza Strip. He indicated that the focus of Israeli operations is shifting to the northern front near the Lebanese border, with preparations underway for this transition.

In media interviews on Monday, Gallant suggested that Israel should consider a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, allowing six weeks to facilitate the return of hostages. He believes such a ceasefire could provide Israel with a "strategic opportunity" to adjust its operations across various fronts.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Monday. He described the Gaza crisis as a "human-made crisis" that necessitates a "political solution." Borrell characterized the situation in Gaza as a "massive violation of human rights," noting that only a limited number of trucks carrying humanitarian aid are permitted to enter daily. He stressed that reopening the border crossing is an urgent priority.

Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 41,020: health authorities

China Media Group's (CMG's) Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, which is set to air on Tuesday night to celebrate the moon-themed traditional festival, will stage a warm scene of family reunion and artistic interpretation of major events of the year from the perspective of ordinary people.

The annual gala, also known as "Qiuwan" in Chinese, will spotlight key topics of interest for audiences at home and abroad, including the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China, and significant milestones such as the Chang'e-6 space missions and the Paris Olympics.

The gala was recorded in Shenyang City of northeast China's Liaoning Province, a 2,300-year-old city boasting three world cultural heritage sites and over 1,500 historical and cultural sites. The city is also one of the most well-known industrial cities in China.

Many performances of the gala will incorporate local elements such as Shenyang Guan's Shadow Puppetry, Errenzhuan (a blend of storytelling, singing and dancing between two performers) and 13 landmarks including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the Liaoning Provincial Museum, the China Industrial Museum, and the Old North Market, to present the audience Shenyang's history and cultural charm, according to Yang Qifang, general planner of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.

"Many performances are on very serious topics, such as the return of People's Volunteer Army veterans and the rejuvenation of the old heavy industrial base. We will present them in a very tender way," Yang said, referring to return of remains of Chinese soldiers who fell in action in the 1950-1953 Korean War.

French pianist Richard Clayderman, Hungarian pianist Balazs Havasi and Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen will also join the grand event to share the warm and romantic moments with global audience.

In addition, full moon pictures collected through global social media will also be displayed at the gala, allowing the audience to appreciate the beauty of the moonlight from all over the world.

"The Chinese people have a deep devotion to circle. When the moon becomes a full circle, families reunite, symbolizing a perfect conclusion after a year of anticipation and waiting," Yang said.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on Tuesday this year.

CMG's 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala to highlight family reunion, major events