Iran backs ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon, warns of stronger retaliation against Israel: FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said in Damascus on Saturday that Iran supports a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and warned Israel that it would respond proportionately to any attacks, and if necessary, with greater force.

At a press conference wrapping up his one-day visit to Syria, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's commitment to standing by the "resistance" against Israel, noting that the country will continue its aid and coordination with Syria to support displaced Lebanese refugees.

"There are two main urgent issues on our agenda, firstly the conditions of the Lebanese refugees both in Lebanon and Syria and secondly the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Regarding the ceasefire efforts, we have had good discussions, there are currently initiatives by regional countries and some countries from outside the region. We are seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon," said Araghchi.

He added that Iran has already sent humanitarian aid to Syria to help the Lebanese refugees in Syria, with more expected to arrive soon.

On the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, Araghchi warned, "Our response to any strike by the Israeli entity is very clear and for every action there will be a response from Iran in a similar, consistent manner and even stronger manner. This is what we have proven in the past and they can test our will again."

Araghchi mentioned that regional and international initiatives for a ceasefire are currently under discussion, but he refrained from providing specific details. He stressed that any ceasefire conditions must be acceptable to both Palestinians and Lebanese.

When asked about Iran's relationship with Syria, Araghchi highlighted the deep-rooted strategic partnership between the two nations, and emphasized that Iran's support for Syria will continue under all circumstances.

During the visit, the Iranian foreign minister also held meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, during which they discussed cooperation to secure humanitarian assistance to Lebanese families fleeing the Israeli military assault in Lebanon.

Iran backs ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon, warns of stronger retaliation against Israel: FM

Iran backs ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon, warns of stronger retaliation against Israel: FM

People across China have been enjoying various intriguing cultural performances and exciting recreational activities during the week-long National Day holiday that started on Oct.1.

Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, opened an archaeological site of the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC-1046 BC) to the public during the holiday. The event offers the distribution of the Shang Dynasty relics and architectures, and relics display area, restoration demonstration area, touch area for visitors.

Meanwhile, flocks of extreme sports enthusiasts were deeply attracted by different high-altitude events, such as bungee jumping, via ferrata, and zip lining at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon scenic area in Zhangjiajie City of central China's Hunan Province.

In Pingshan County of southwest China's Sichuan Province, the local government used an ancient town as a stage for live cultural performances, and visitors can also enjoy the ethnic Yi dance in the area.

Sheyang County of east China's Jiangsu Province set up a 100-meter-long scroll, which attracted many parents and children to paint and express their love and blessings to the motherland, and arranged cultural performance such as face-changing performance of Sichuan Opera, lion dancing, Huai Opera and acrobatic shows.

Linfen City of north China's Shanxi Province also actively promoted the low-altitude economy by opening five helicopter bases that provide aerial tours of major scenic spots such as Guangsheng Temple in Hongtong County, Yunqiu Mountain in Xiangning County, and Hukou Waterfall in Jixian County.

"It's my first time to take this helicopter. It means that now ordinary people can also take short trips in the sky. It's nice and shocking to see the whole landscape from a high place," said tourist Zhao Ke.

"Such way of traveling let me have a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Hongtong County and our natural scenery," said tourist Liu Hangrui.

People across China enjoy intriguing cultural, recreational activities during National Day holiday