Israel targeted Houthi-held ports in Yemen in a series of airstrikes on Sunday, including Hodeidah and Ras Issa, leading to civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Yemeni officials confirmed deaths and injuries, with fears that the attacks could further deteriorate the humanitarian situation. In Sana'a, health officials reported that at least four people were killed and approximately 30 others were injured as a consequence of the strikes.
The Israeli attacks impacted civilian facilities in Hodeidah, including a power station, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis in the country.
Local authorities have expressed concerns and called for the protection of civilian sites in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The strike extended to power stations in Al-Hali and Ras Kathib, as well as the Ras Issa port to the north of Hodeidah on the Red Sea coast. The destruction left a deep crater at the bombing site, causing two deaths and many injuries among workers at the power stations.
"Israeli warplanes carried out 17 airstrikes on civilian targets in this province. This is an attempt to dissuade the great Yemeni people from their stance and to break their will, as well as their support for the Palestinian people, the Palestinian resistance, and the Lebanese resistance. We will continue in this position, standing firm and steadfast, and supporting the heroic Palestinian resistance," said Ahmed Al-Bushri, acting governor of Hodeidah.
Less than 24 hours after the Israeli attacks, ship traffic resumed at the port of Hodeidah.
In a press conference held by the Red Sea Ports Corporation on Monday, the Ministry of Transport in the Sana'a government and the local authorities in Hodeidah reassured citizens that shipping had returned to normal.
"After the Israeli re-targeting of the Red Sea Ports Corporation, including Hodeidah Port and Ras Issa Port, as well as targeting the power stations in Hodeidah, we were able, thanks to God and the efforts of the engineers, to absorb the damage as much as possible and resume work. As you can see before you, container ships are operating normally, as are general cargo ships," said Zaid Al-Washli, chairman of the Red Sea Ports Corporation.
Life in Hodeidah City has not been greatly affected despite the Israeli airstrikes on ports. The only exception is a partial power outage in some areas due to the strikes on government power stations.
Israeli Airstrikes on Yemeni ports spark humanitarian concerns
Israeli Airstrikes on Yemeni ports spark humanitarian concerns
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
