Rallies held in Europe ahead of one-year anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict

Rallies have been held in Germany's capital Berlin on Sunday ahead of the one-year anniversary of Israel-Gaza conflict as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations and memorial events are taking place across Europe.

Many protesters are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza after almost a year of conflict between Hamas and Israel. In Berlin's Neukoelln district, hundreds are gathering in support of Palestine and against what they are calling a genocide in Gaza.

"We demand an immediate stop of all arms and weapons being delivered to Israel and the continuous impunity Israel receives from Germany and other nations in this world," said Salah Said, a Palestinian German in the rally.

"We do not allow them to deny the rights of Palestinians to stand on the streets and express their rage against this injustice," said Mary Gillian, a Berlin resident.

Security officials in several countries are at a higher stage of alert over possible terror attacks or violent protests. Following the events in Israel on October 7 of last year, a near total ban was placed on pro-Palestinian rallies in Germany. The Neukoelln one has been allowed to go ahead with substantial police presence, but its location has been limited.

Meanwhile at Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate, hundreds are gathering in support of Israel. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to take part in vigils against anti-Semitism at the Jewish cultural center on Monday evening.

Protests are also taking place across Europe. In the Spanish capitol Madrid, hundreds have staged a flash mob in a call to end military operations in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In Paris, French Jews have gathered to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel. The United Kingdom also held memorial events for all the lives lost during the conflict escalations across the Middle East.

Rallies held in Europe ahead of one-year anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict

Rallies held in Europe ahead of one-year anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict

Rallies held in Europe ahead of one-year anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict

Rallies held in Europe ahead of one-year anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict

Rallies held in Europe ahead of one-year anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict

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