UNGA resolution demanding end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories sparks mixed reactions

The resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months has sparked mixed reactions among Palestinians as some say that it brings hope to the Gazans who are suffering under the ravages of war while some others remain concerned about whether the resolution will be truly implemented and whether their rights will be genuinely protected.

By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."

Some voiced hope for the resolution to be implemented and to bring an end to the long suffering for the Palestinians.

"We hope the resolution can be implemented, and that this session of the United Nations General Assembly will genuinely enforce outcomes that benefit the Palestinian people, ensuring the realization of the fair rights of our long-suffering people. We have endured too much hardship during this war, which has lasted nearly a year. As oppressed Palestinians, we long for the world to stand with us. However, up to this point, we have not felt any progress that could change the situation. We are experiencing a dire and painful situation that no one in the world has faced since World War II," said a displaced Palestinian named Medhat Helles.

Others remain concern and stay skeptical towards the resolution as they think that Israel would not abide by it and the resolution would not being tangible outcomes for them.

"The United Nations General Assembly has passed hundreds of resolutions, but many have been ignored, left unimplemented, and received no attention. We do not want this to be yet another resolution without any tangible outcome," said a local Gaza resident named Ibrahim Salem.

"What kind of resolution passed by the United Nations can Israel abide by? Israel will not make any commitment, and for the Palestinian people, there will be no solution that truly matches the suffering they have endured," said another Gazan named Kamal Abu Ubadah.

"I believe this resolution will not bring any tangible outcomes for the Palestinian people in Gaza. The expectations of the people in Gaza regarding the resolution hold no real significance, just as it won't end the war, allow them to return home, stop the killing, or halt the bloodshed. None of those is going to happen. Why? Because of the presence of the United States. In the last three instances, the U.S. has used its veto power to diplomatically protect Israel. Its use of the veto has not only been for military reasons but also to block humanitarian ceasefire plans. As long as the United States is involved, the Palestinian people will not gain any benefits," said Sami Abu Salem, a political analyst.

UNGA resolution demanding end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories sparks mixed reactions

UNGA resolution demanding end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories sparks mixed reactions

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