Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to 45,658

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,658, with 108,583 others injured, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Friday.

In the past 24 hours alone, at least 77 people were killed and 145 others were injured in Gaza, according to the statement.

Israeli airstrikes targeted Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip on Friday, killing seven people, including four children. Several others were injured, some of whom are in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has threatened medical teams, patients, and staff at Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, warning that the facility will be bombed unless they evacuate immediately.

The Hamas-run media office reported on Friday that the Israel Defense Forces continue to destroy hospitals in northern Gaza, leaving approximately 40,000 Palestinians without access to medical services.

On the same day, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened due to freezing winter temperatures and recent rainfall. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid entering the region remains severely limited, leaving residents in urgent need of shelters and other essential supplies.

According to a UN report released in mid-December last year, at least 945,000 Gazans are in urgent need of winter items such as warm clothing, blankets, and tarpaulins.

The IOM has reiterated its call for all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease fire, release detainees, protect Gaza's civilians, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.

Hamas confirmed on Friday that indirect negotiations with Israel have resumed in Doha, Qatar, with the goal of achieving a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Hamas said that the latest round of talks is expected to focus on achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and facilitating the safe and prompt return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to 45,658

Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to 45,658

China Post on Sunday issued a set of two special stamps to celebrate the upcoming Chinese zodiac Year of the Snake.

This set of stamps, drawing inspiration from murals in the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, and traditional folk customs, combines the image of snake with auspicious meanings. It not only embodies the unique charm of zodiac culture, but also demonstrates people's wisdom.

"The most critical challenge is how to highlight the key elements while avoiding the more intimidating aspects. It's a very difficult task. Our goal is to create a comprehensive design that integrates Chinese characters, the Chinese zodiac, and Dunhuang murals," said Pan Hu, one of the designers who is now a doctoral candidate at the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University.

"The snake is adorned with images of auspicious clouds and Ruyi, symbolizing endless good fortune and best wishes. Additionally, its gold and red colors represent the joy of our Spring Festival celebrations," said Zhang Wang, one of the designers and director of the Department of Oriental Art of Nankai University, specializing in traditional Chinese painting.

Also on Sunday, China Post, Hong Kong Post and Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau jointly issued the "Year of the Snake" souvenir sheet.

Since 1980, China has issued four rounds of zodiac stamps including those for the Year of the Snake in 1989, 2001 and 2013.

The Chinese Zodiac is represented by 12 animals to record the years and reflect people's attributes, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

China issues special stamps marking Year of the Snake