Israel steps up operation in Syrian territory after fall of Assad regime

Israel is ramping up its operations beyond its border with Syria as the Arab republic's future hangs in the balance following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.

For more than a week now Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been operating in Syrian territory despite international condemnation. Israeli vehicles drove into Syria with no one there to stop them.

Further inside, in the area known as the buffer zone, IDF armored vehicles were seen at a distance, despite calls by the UN secretary general for an urgent de-escalation and an immediate Israeli withdrawal.

Israeli security scholars have defended the military presence as an attempt to prevent terrorism amid turmoil.

"Even until 2018, we could see the Syrian army right at the border at the outposts. Right now there is no one there, not even the rebels. The Israeli army is there actually to make sure it's a no man's land and there are no terrorists on the border," said Boaz Shapira, a researcher at the Alma Research and Education Center.

The future of Syria may be uncertain, but what is certain is that tourism is back. Now that the Assad regime is gone, thousands of tourists are back at the Golan Heights.

A natural hot spring, located just a mile away from the Syrian border and not far from the Lebanon border, received legions of tourists. Not long ago, hundreds of rockets were fired at this place and hostile forces were stationed just minutes away. Now, that violence all seems forgotten.

"Now that the war is close to its end, I think people come back to this beautiful place. It doesn't seem like much, but as you can see, people go to dip in the hot water," said Aviv Barak, a tourist at the Golan Heights.

The Israeli government approved a plan on Sunday to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory currently occupied by Israel, according to a statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

According to the statement, the plan aims to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights. It includes establishing a student village, a development program to integrate new residents, and initiatives to strengthen the education system and renewable energy infrastructure.

It is a controversial move as the international community, apart from the United States, considers it to be the Syrian territory.

Israel steps up operation in Syrian territory after fall of Assad regime

Baoshan, a city in southwest China's Yunnan Province, has implemented a raft of measures to ensure that disadvantaged children receive the care and support they need.

Home to about 41,900 vulnerable children, the city has recently inaugurated Baoshan Hanying Runze School, a model institution designed specifically for students facing difficult circumstances.

Founded in September, the school currently serves around 180 students from grades one to nine, most of whom come from underprivileged families.

"Most of our children lack parental care and family supervision. Here, our teachers are not only educators but also act as parents to the children. Each teacher looks after four to five students. During special holidays, we invite them to our homes," said Zhou Jie, the school's principal.

This unique brand of care permeates every corner of the school, where warmth and compassion define the environment.

"At this school, there's a warmth that feels like home - something I never experienced in my previous schools. The teachers are incredibly supportive, helping us in every aspect of our learning and daily lives," said Chen Zilin, a student.

The city's officials have also rolled out targeted assistance for impoverished families, ensuring their children's safety while offering essential livelihood support.

"Every three months, we visit the children to understand their needs, identify any challenges they face, and determine what kind of assistance is required," said Zhao Yankai, a staff member with the Jinji Township Government, under the jurisdiction of Baoshan City.

In addition, Baoshan has partnered with China Mobile, a major telecom provider, to create a special platform that enables young students at the school to video chat with their families while they board.

Baoshan launches initiatives to support underprivileged children