Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip were once again forced to flee their homes amid Israeli attacks in a tragic scene that has repeatedly played out since the latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out one year ago.
Israel launched intense airstrikes across northern Gaza on Sunday, just one day before the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israeli towns near Gaza in October 2023. Local residents described the intense airstrikes as the heaviest bombardment since the conflict broke out.
The Gaza Civil Defense said in a statement that dozens of people were killed or wounded and trapped under the rubble of homes hit in the Israeli attacks.
The strikes focused on areas east of Jabalia, Tel al-Zaatar, and near the Indonesia Hospital, according to the Civil Defense, which added that its crews were overwhelmed by the number of homes targeted overnight.
After the Israeli attacks, roads leading to the western and southern regions of Gaza City were congested with displaced Palestinians, who packed whatever they could and drove cars or rode donkey carts, with some on bicycles or even fleeing on foot from their once familiar homes. For many, it was not the first time fleeing from air strikes in the past year alone.
"Following the distribution of leaflets by the Israeli military on Sunday morning, we hurried to flee. This is the third time that our entire family was forced to experience displacement. How much longer will this situation persist? It's a catastrophe. All Gazans are fleeing and enduring this hardship. We walked from Jabalia to here, and we have to keep walking. Our car broke down just as we set off, so we have been pushing it all along the way," said a displaced Gaza resident.
However, some residents chose to remain in Gaza City despite evacuation orders as they believe that there are no safe places in Gaza.
"I will not go to southern Gaza. Even if I die in Gaza City, I will die on my own land. People who have fled there have informed us that they are still suffering freezing temperatures in their tents there and are still being bombarded by airstrikes and artillery shelling," said another displaced Palestinian.
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza from the ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 41,870, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Sunday.
Palestinians displaced again as attacks continue in Northern Gaza
Palestinians displaced again as attacks continue in Northern Gaza
Palestinians displaced again as attacks continue in Northern Gaza
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
