As the year 2025 approaches, Maram Al-Zaanin, an English teacher from the war-torn Gaza Strip, expressed her hope that the ongoing latest round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict ends soon, allowing Palestinians to live in peace and children to return to school.
The teacher, witnessing the devastation caused by Israeli bombardments, which left people without food, water, and education, sadly noted the severe disruption to schooling.
"For me, as a teacher of English, I hope for my God to end this war, because all people have been living an awful life. They lost a lot of people, and a lot of things they loved. They have no food, no water, no school as usual. Every year we go to school with our children and teach the children from all our country. But now they aren't going to school because of the war," Al-Zaanin said.
As 2025 nears, she expressed her deep hope for peace, so people can have access to healthy food, clean water, and live in good health.
"I hope for my God to end this war in order for people to have all their duties and their rights to education, of healthy food and fresh water, and to stop spreading disease. By 2025, all people not only me, all the people hope to live peacefully, without war, without attacking, without bombing," she continued.
The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,317, with 107,713 others injured, according to Gaza-based health authorities in a statement on Monday.
Gaza teacher hopes for peace, end to war
Ice and snow sports enthusiasts and tourists alike are reveling in numerous winter fun activities launched to boost tourism in southwest China's Sichuan Province and central China's Hubei Province.
In Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, a local ski resort opened to the public on Monday, featuring ski shows. Performers in various ski costumes demonstrated impressive skiing skills, drawing cheers from the audience. Both professional skiers and beginners were able to enjoy the thrill of skiing in winter here.
"It's my first time to try skiing. It's exciting and fun. I can see the Minya Konka peak, which is stunning," said Chen Keyi, a tourist.
"There are many winter tourism activities, and the temperature is perfect. We feel comfortable and cozy," said Qu Feng, another tourist.
In addition to performances, local authorities have used the area's natural resources, combining winter tourism with hot springs and local cuisine.
In Huanggang City, Hubei Province, skiers from nearby areas flock to the Taohuachong Ski Resort to experience the speed and excitement of winter sports. At an altitude of 1,088 meters, surrounded by pines and cedars, this ski resort stands out for its breathtaking views of rime. To enhance the tourist experience, Taohuachong has added three new ski runs.
"This ski resort is huge. We feel relaxed," said Li Mei, a tourist.
Local authorities have also integrated various resources, including ice and snow, hot springs, cuisine, and cultural products, to create a range of one-stop winter tourism experiences. With favorable winter tourism policies, these offerings are drawing more visitors.
"We headed for the hot spring right after skiing. It's been a wonderful and cozy experience," said Xia Ling, a tourist.
Winter fun activities draw tourists to Sichuan, Hubei
Winter fun activities draw tourists to Sichuan, Hubei
