分类： society

A wave of mass civil disobedience has swept through Palestinian communities within Israel, as tens of thousands of citizens initiated a widespread general strike. This unprecedented mobilization represents one of the largest demonstrations in years, driven by mounting fury over escalating violence and organized crime that authorities have allegedly failed to curb.

The movement originated in the northern city of Sakhnin on Tuesday, where municipal leaders, community committees, and parent associations declared an open-ended shutdown. Their collective action protests what they describe as rampant gun violence and official complicity in criminal networks. The protest movement has since gained momentum across numerous Palestinian-majority towns, creating a significant challenge to Israeli law enforcement agencies.

This civil unrest emerges against a backdrop of record-breaking violence within these communities. According to data from the Abraham Initiatives NGO, 2025 has become the deadliest year on record with 252 Palestinian citizens killed in criminal incidents—marking a disturbing increase from the 230 fatalities documented in 2024. The current year has already witnessed at least 19 such deaths.

The High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, an umbrella organization representing the community, issued a powerful statement declaring that ‘organized crime sponsored by the Israeli establishment is not fate. Fear is not an option.’ The committee emphasized their fundamental right to security and normal family life.

Political parties have joined the cause, with the Balad party urging expanded participation and labeling involvement in the movement as ‘a national duty.’ Online footage shows protesters carrying banners demanding an end to violence, organized crime, and police negligence in Palestinian areas.

This current crisis unfolds within a broader context of systemic discrimination. Despite holding Israeli citizenship, Palestinian communities have historically faced discriminatory laws and practices, including military rule from 1948-1966. Descendants of native Palestinians who remained during the 1948 Nakba—when approximately 750,000 were displaced—they constitute about 20% of Israel’s population yet continue to experience institutional inequality.

The situation has reportedly deteriorated since October 2023, with over 30 new laws allegedly deepening what rights groups describe as an apartheid system. A November report from legal center Adalah detailed how these laws target Palestinian political and civil rights, including freedoms of expression, protest, and thought, plus restrictions on citizenship, family life, and equality rights.

Notable legislation includes expanded counterterrorism laws applied predominantly to Palestinian citizens and residents of occupied East Jerusalem, alongside welfare benefits exclusively directed to Jewish Israeli reservists. Adalah contends these measures institutionalize ‘Jewish ethno-national supremacy’ through Israel’s constitutional framework, enabling widespread rights violations against Palestinian detainees and prisoners through repeatedly renewed emergency measures.

A remarkable archaeological artifact from China’s Hebei Province has unexpectedly become an internet sensation, drawing worldwide attention to ancient Chinese technological innovation. The Tripod with Bear-shaped Feet, housed at Hebei Museum in Shijiazhuang, has been affectionately dubbed the ‘ancient pressure cooker’ by fascinated netizens who have discovered its ingenious design principles.

Discovered in 1968 during excavations of a Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) prince’s tomb, this bronze culinary vessel stands merely 18.1 centimeters in height but represents extraordinary engineering sophistication. The tripod features three delightfully crafted squatting bears serving as sturdy feet, while its true innovation lies in the sealing mechanism. The lid incorporates an advanced flip-and-twist locking system with animal-shaped latches that creates an exceptionally tight seal when engaged.

Archaeological experts confirm this sophisticated design enabled the trapping of steam within the vessel, creating higher internal pressure that significantly reduced cooking times—a fundamental principle that modern pressure cookers still utilize today. The precision engineering demonstrates that Han Dynasty craftsmen understood and applied principles of pressure cooking over two millennia before contemporary kitchen technology emerged.

Cultural heritage specialists have celebrated this discovery as evidence of China’s longstanding tradition of technological innovation and sophisticated metalworking capabilities. The artifact’s viral popularity has sparked renewed interest in ancient Chinese technological achievements, with museums worldwide noting increased public engagement with historical collections that demonstrate early scientific principles.

As the UAE experiences its coldest winter evenings with temperatures approaching zero degrees Celsius in high-altitude regions, residents are transforming their weekend routines to capitalize on the unusual weather phenomenon. The National Centre of Meteorology confirms that this cold spell will persist through coming days, characterized by fluctuating winds that intensify the chill particularly after sunset.

Emirati families are migrating from urban centers to rural retreats, with farmhouses in Sweihan and Hatta becoming preferred destinations. Abdulrahman Al Shizawi, who plans to spend nights at his family’s Abu Dhabi farmhouse, describes the conditions as “perfect for outdoor gatherings around fire pits with family—the very weather we anticipate throughout the year.”

The meteorological shift has inspired diverse outdoor activities across demographic groups. While local families favor mountain farm stays, expatriate communities are organizing desert camping expeditions. George Kalathil, an events specialist from Al Quoz, reports that his desert driving group spontaneously arranged an overnight camping trip upon noticing the temperature drop after work hours.

Adventure enthusiasts are particularly benefiting from the conditions. Multimedia professional Tom Reyes notes that the cool, non-humid atmosphere creates ideal hiking and camping conditions near Jabel Yibir, where morning fog blankets the mountain ranges in spectacular fashion. This weather window has generated widespread social media engagement, with residents sharing photographs of temperature readings and winter attire preparations under captions like ‘its time to take out winter jackets’.

The collective adaptation to these conditions demonstrates how climate variations can positively influence social behavior and leisure patterns in the region.

The ancient city of Xi’an has achieved a remarkable urban conservation milestone with the successful completion of its comprehensive moat restoration initiative. The recently concluded Phase II renovation project witnessed the historic rehydration of the railway station section, marking the final piece in reconnecting the entire 14.6-kilometer ancient waterway system.

This engineering triumph represents the first complete restoration of the moat since its initial construction during the late Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). The recently revitalized 859-meter segment now flows seamlessly between two nationally protected cultural heritage sites: the iconic Xi’an City Wall and the historic Daming Palace ruins.

Prior to restoration, this critical section suffered from severe silt accumulation averaging 1.2 meters in depth, with some areas exceeding 1.5 meters of sediment. The degraded condition caused annual flooding during rainy seasons, creating problematic mixtures of stormwater, river overflow, and sewage throughout the channel.

The comprehensive renovation addressed multiple challenges simultaneously—historical preservation, urban infrastructure modernization, and environmental management. By restoring the original hydraulic connectivity, the project has not only revived an important historical landmark but also implemented contemporary water management solutions to prevent future flooding and contamination issues.

This achievement represents a sophisticated blend of archaeological conservation and urban planning, demonstrating how modern cities can successfully integrate historical preservation with functional infrastructure development. The restored moat now stands as both a testament to ancient Chinese engineering and a model for sustainable urban renewal practices.

China has mobilized nine central government departments in a sweeping nationwide initiative to strengthen employment support and increase incomes for vulnerable worker groups during the first quarter of 2026. The coordinated program, operating from January through March, represents a significant governmental effort to address workforce challenges during the winter months.

The multi-ministry collaboration brings together the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, among other key agencies. This interdepartmental approach underscores the comprehensive nature of the employment assistance campaign.

Implementation strategies include organizing targeted job fairs across diverse locations including residential communities, rural areas, industrial zones, supermarkets, and transportation hubs such as railway stations. The program also emphasizes skills development, actively encouraging participants to obtain professional certifications that enhance their employment prospects.

Special attention will be directed toward marginalized groups including people with disabilities, urban workers experiencing economic hardship, and graduates facing employment difficulties. These populations will receive customized assistance based on their specific circumstances and needs.

The initiative builds on recent employment activities across the country, including a major five-province joint employment service event held in Guizhou province on January 16th that attracted numerous job seekers. The program’s implementation will be managed by local authorities who will tailor the employment services to regional needs while maintaining the national framework.

At the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Ayesha Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla offered a rare personal glimpse into the life of her father, Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla, a key architect behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Speaking on January 22, 2026, she revealed how the prominent businessman and former minister served as a trusted diplomatic messenger between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum during the crucial pre-Union period.

Unlike official historical accounts, Ayesha’s narrative focused on the character and values that defined her father both as a nation-builder and family patriarch. Born in Dubai’s historic Shindagha district in 1926, Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla belonged to a generation that laid the foundation for the modern UAE. His passing in 2023 drew formal tributes from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, acknowledging his considerable contributions.

Ayesha described growing up in a household steeped in authenticity, poetry, and historical significance, shaped by family origins in Liwa. As the youngest daughter for 17 years, she developed a particularly strong bond with her father, who became her primary role model. ‘I was raised in the same home he was raised in, by the same values and principles,’ she reflected during the emotional session.

The discussion centered on researcher Muayyad Al-Shaibani’s book ‘A Radiant Biography,’ which documents Al Mulla’s legacy through personal testimonies rather than conventional historical records. Ayesha highlighted her father’s exceptional diplomatic skills, noting that Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan had recently told her, ‘The only person who could calm matters down was your father.’

Beyond his political role, Ayesha remembered her father’s strict integrity and discipline. He prohibited any of his children from working in government until after his retirement, maintaining a clear separation between public service and family interests. Among his most enduring lessons were the importance of accurately conveying messages from leadership without alteration and protecting family reputation above all else. ‘Money comes and goes,’ he taught her, ‘but reputation can never be replaced.’

Ayesha concluded with simple pride: ‘He was a man of the Union, and I am proud to be the daughter of one of the men who helped shape it.’

Shanghai authorities are implementing comprehensive measures to manage an anticipated record-breaking travel period during the upcoming Spring Festival, with projections indicating nearly 49.15 million passenger journeys through China’s financial capital. The extended 40-day travel rush, officially scheduled from February 2 to March 13, is expected to establish new benchmarks in urban transportation management according to the municipal Spring Festival Transport Office.

Transportation analysts predict a 5% overall increase in passenger volume compared to previous year’s figures, with rail travel demonstrating the most substantial growth at 6%. Air travel is forecast to experience a modest 1% increase, while road traffic is projected to decline by approximately 5%, reflecting shifting transportation preferences among travelers.

The departure peak is anticipated around February 14, with an estimated 1.08 million passengers exiting the city as residents embark on homeward journeys, family visits, and vacation travels preceding the Spring Festival commencement on February 17, which heralds the beginning of the Year of the Horse. The return peak, projected for February 23, expects daily arrivals to reach 1.14 million passenger trips, representing an 8% surge over last year’s corresponding period.

Highway traffic is forecast to achieve unprecedented levels, with average daily vehicle trips predicted to increase between 3-6%, reaching between 1.32 and 1.37 million vehicles. This potential record underscores the massive scale of seasonal migration characteristic of China’s most significant annual holiday period, presenting substantial logistical challenges for urban planners and transportation authorities.

The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated a groundbreaking digital platform designed to revolutionize the employment experience for its citizens in the private sector. The ‘Emirati Work Bundle,’ unveiled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on January 22, 2026, represents a significant advancement in the nation’s workforce development strategy.

This comprehensive digital ecosystem provides end-to-end services that commence with registration on the established ‘Nafis’ platform and extend through the entire employment lifecycle, culminating with enrollment in the UAE’s pension and social security frameworks. The initiative forms an integral component of the nation’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, aiming to eliminate administrative obstacles and enhance operational efficiency.

Khalil Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, emphasized the platform’s capacity to streamline procedures and minimize documentation requirements for both Emirati job seekers and private sector employers. The system leverages unprecedented data integration across multiple government entities, including the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA), and several health and digital authorities.

Senior officials from participating institutions have welcomed the initiative. Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, ICP’s acting director general, noted the platform’s potential to deliver exceptional and expedited services. Feras Al Ramahi, GPSSA director general, highlighted how the integration enables real-time tracking of citizen status updates, accelerating digital service delivery. Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund emphasized the critical importance of early and accurate pension registration for strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding citizens’ retirement rights.