标签： Asia

A stark socioeconomic divide is widening within Israel, with Palestinian citizens experiencing the most severe impacts of escalating poverty rates, according to a recent governmental assessment. The National Insurance Institute’s annual evaluation, released Thursday, reveals that approximately two million individuals—including 880,000 children representing over one-quarter of Israel’s youth—currently subsist below the poverty threshold in 2024.

This comprehensive analysis positions Israel with the second-highest child poverty rate among OECD member nations, surpassed only by Costa Rica, with 28% of Israeli children classified as impoverished. The report further documents intensifying social inequality, indicating that 65.1% of impoverished individuals originate from marginalized communities, predominantly the Palestinian demographic.

Statistical findings demonstrate that 37.6% of Palestinian households fell beneath the minimum income requirement in 2024, followed by Haredi Jewish families at 32.8%. Institutional experts identified Israel’s military operations in Gaza alongside the nation’s escalating cost of living as primary catalysts exacerbating poverty among families, children, and elderly populations.

Zvika Cohen, Deputy Director General of the Institute, emphasized that these factors have ‘amplified pre-existing structural issues rather than creating new ones.’ Cohen warned that ‘without targeted investment in children, young families, and social services, intergenerational poverty transmission will persist unabated.’

Nitza Kassir, Deputy Director of Research and Planning, advocated for enhanced social safety nets to address declining income levels, particularly following recent conflicts. Kassir highlighted the unequal economic burden, noting that financial pressures are ‘more profound and severe within populations already experiencing economic hardship,’ stressing the necessity of workforce integration and equitable wage distribution.

The annual assessment indicates 27.8% of Israeli households struggle to meet basic financial obligations, with Palestinian communities consistently ranking as most disadvantaged—approximately half cannot cover monthly expenses including medical treatments, prescription medications, and nutritional requirements.

Historical context reveals that Palestinian citizens of Israel descend from native populations displaced during Israel’s establishment in 1948. Currently numbering over two million people (21% of Israel’s 9.8 million population), this community has endured decades of discriminatory legislation and institutional practices, reporting persistent challenges in accessing housing and public services.

A November report by legal center Adalah documented that Israel enacted over 30 laws between October 2023 and July 2025 that reinforce systems of apartheid and repression against Palestinians. These legislative measures target fundamental rights including freedom of expression, protest rights, citizenship provisions, family unification, and detainee protections.

Tailoring establishments across the United Arab Emirates are displaying ‘No More Orders’ signs unusually early this season, indicating an unprecedented surge in demand for custom Eid Al Fitr garments. With approximately 50 days remaining until the holiday, many shops have already closed their order books due to overwhelming demand for intricate women’s festive wear.

The early closure phenomenon stems from the complex nature of traditional Eid dresses, which require extensive craftsmanship including detailed embroidery, fabric manipulation, and multi-layer construction. Naseem Ahmed, proprietor of Al Musabba Fine Tailoring in Sharjah’s Rolla district, explains that sophisticated designs can consume three or more full days of skilled labor, with hand embroidery alone requiring over five days per garment.

In Dubai’s Naif area, Diplomacy Tailors representative Nawaz Khan emphasizes that pattern creation, cutting, fitting, and finishing processes cannot be rushed without compromising quality. Many tailoring businesses have implemented proactive strategies, including contacting regular clients weeks in advance to secure orders before January 15th.

The demand surge has extended to abaya retailers as well. Syed Ali, master cutter at Mirdif’s Abaya Mall, reports that designed Eid abayas with special embellishments now require ordering well before Ramadan. Some establishments have even initiated home visitation services for valued customers to accommodate their busy schedules.

Multiple factors contribute to the early order closures: limited availability of skilled artisans, reduced working hours during Ramadan, and exceptionally high seasonal demand. Tailors unanimously agree that early order termination ensures quality preservation and prevents customer disappointment, as the intricate craftsmanship involved cannot be accelerated without compromising the final product’s excellence.

A captivating video series showcasing the diverse allure of China’s Hebei province has been officially launched, offering a visually stunning exploration of the region’s natural and cultural treasures. Titled “Beautiful Hebei,” this ambitious multimedia project represents a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Hebei Photographers Association, which meticulously curated 198 exceptional photographs from extensive archives, specialized submissions, and targeted collections from prominent photographic institutions and artists.

The comprehensive series is structured into eleven distinct episodes, each thoughtfully designed to highlight a different dimension of Hebei’s character. The collection opens with three installments dedicated to “Natural Beauty,” presenting the province’s dramatic topography through sweeping mountain ranges, pristine waterways, and lush forest ecosystems. This is followed by another thematic trilogy focusing on “Ecological Beauty,” documenting Hebei’s significant environmental initiatives and the successful integration of sustainable development within natural habitats.

The final five episodes delve into “Humanistic Beauty,” offering a cultural odyssey through Hebei’s rich historical legacy. These segments explore iconic landmarks including the ancient Great Wall structures, the historic Grand Canal waterways, and traditional ceremonial practices that have been preserved through generations. The fourth installment, specifically highlighting ecological achievements, debuted concurrently with the announcement of the series’ launch.

This visual journey aims to position Hebei as a destination of remarkable diversity, enhancing appreciation for a province that neighbors two of China’s major metropolitan areas while maintaining its distinct ecological and cultural identity. The project represents both an artistic achievement and a strategic promotion of regional tourism and cultural preservation.