Month: November 2024

On October 14, the International Seminar on “Global Governance and China-Brazil Cooperation” was held in Rio de Janeiro as part of the G20 Think Tank Forum. Over a hundred experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from China and Brazil gathered to discuss topics including “Multilateralism and Global Governance,” “Sustainable Development and Innovation,” and “Future Cooperation between China and Brazil.”

In his opening remarks, Gao Xiang, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. He noted that the partnership has set a new precedent for strategic mutual trust among developing major countries. The collaboration has opened new avenues for the joint development of emerging economies and provided fresh momentum for enhancing global governance. With the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro in November, Gao emphasized that think tanks from both countries will leverage their research strengths to offer valuable insights and promote a focus on developmental cooperation within the G20, contributing to global economic recovery and sustainable development.

Aloizio Mercadante, President of Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development, pointed out the complexities and changes in the current geopolitical landscape, stressing that unilateralism and protectionism pose significant threats to global trade. He asserted that strengthening cooperation among countries in the Global South is more crucial than ever, noting that China’s open and win-win policies contribute positively to global peace and development.

Esther Dweck, Brazil’s Minister of Public Services Management and Innovation, underscored the need for enhanced dialogue between the two nations. She called for collaborative efforts in areas such as new energy development, digital empowerment, and ecological protection to create new spaces for joint development. Dweck expressed Brazil’s willingness to learn from China’s experience in poverty alleviation to better achieve inclusive development.

In conjunction with the seminar, a book exhibition focusing on “Global Governance and China-Brazil Academic Exchanges” was held. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences also donated a collection of books on Chinese philosophy and social sciences to Brazil’s Center for International Relations Studies and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

The event was co-organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Brazil’s Center for International Relations Studies, the G20 Think Tank in Brazil, and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

On October 18, Xinhua News Agency reported that the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council recently issued an opinion on addressing the issue of overdue payments to enterprises. This document outlines a systematic approach to resolving the problem of delayed payments.

The opinion emphasizes the importance of guiding principles based on Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It calls for a comprehensive implementation of the spirit from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party and its subsequent sessions, reinforcing the dual commitment to protect both state-owned and private enterprises. It advocates for governance according to the law, enhanced regulatory oversight, inter-departmental cooperation, and a strong focus on local accountability. Furthermore, it aims to establish a legal framework and refine operational mechanisms to foster a top-notch business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationally accessible, ultimately promoting the healthy development of various enterprises.

The opinion also outlines the need for a well-defined legal and judicial framework for the settlement of overdue payment disputes. It calls for stricter oversight of government investment projects and their funding, including regular checks on fund allocation and tracking payment disbursement. Additionally, it stipulates the need to improve the settlement system for construction payments and enhance oversight of government procurement payments.

Further measures include establishing protocols to prevent large enterprises from delaying payments to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), bolstering law enforcement supervision, and urging state-owned enterprises to standardize their payment management processes. It also proposes improving the complaint management system for overdue payments to SMEs by creating a nationwide platform for recording such defaults and complaints.

The opinion stresses the necessity for robust organizational support and supervision, collaboration among various departments, and in-depth research into the causes of payment delays in key sectors and industries. It encourages a joint effort to tackle the issue of overdue payments while enhancing the mechanisms for punishing dishonesty and strengthening audit supervision.

Finally, it underscores that all regions and departments must recognize the critical importance of resolving overdue payments to protect enterprise rights, stabilize expectations, and bolster business confidence. They are encouraged to align their efforts with local conditions and responsibilities to effectively carry out these initiatives.

According to a recent announcement from the National Bureau of Statistics, the total profits of major industrial enterprises in China during the first three quarters of 2023 amounted to 52,281.6 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 3.5%.

In this period, different ownership structures reported varying profit outcomes. State-controlled enterprises generated a profit of 17,235.9 billion yuan, marking a 6.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, joint-stock companies’ profits totaled 38,872.3 billion yuan, down 4.9%. Foreign and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan-invested firms saw a slight increase, with profits reaching 13,036.4 billion yuan, a rise of 1.5%. Private enterprises reported a profit of 14,227.2 billion yuan, down by 0.6%.

An analysis of specific industries reveals that the mining sector generated a profit of 8,963.8 billion yuan, down 10.7% year-on-year. The manufacturing industry recorded a total profit of 37,325.0 billion yuan, a decline of 3.8%. In contrast, the electricity, heat, gas, and water production and supply sectors reported a profit of 5,992.9 billion yuan, up 12.1%.

Notably, several sectors showed strong profitability. The non-ferrous metal smelting and rolling industry saw a significant profit increase of 52.5%. Other sectors such as electricity and thermal production, textile manufacturing, and computer and electronic equipment manufacturing also reported gains of 13.8%, 11.5%, and 7.1%, respectively. Conversely, the coal mining and washing industry faced a staggering profit drop of 21.9%, and the non-metallic mineral products industry experienced a steep decline of 51.0%.

For the first nine months, the total operating income of major industrial enterprises reached 99.20 trillion yuan, a 2.1% increase year-on-year, while operating costs rose by 2.4%, totaling 84.70 trillion yuan. The profit margin stood at 5.27%, down 0.31 percentage points from the previous year.

As of the end of September, the total assets of these large-scale enterprises amounted to 175.02 trillion yuan, reflecting a 4.7% growth. Liabilities also rose by 4.7% to 101.02 trillion yuan, with total equity at 74.00 trillion yuan, also up by 4.7%. The debt ratio remained stable at 57.7%.

Additionally, accounts receivable reached 25.72 trillion yuan, up 7.6%, while finished goods inventory increased by 4.6% to 6.47 trillion yuan. In terms of financial efficiency, for every 100 yuan of operating income, costs were 85.38 yuan, showing a minor increase from last year. Average receivables collection period extended to 66.3 days, which is up by 3.7 days year-on-year.

Lastly, due to high comparison bases from the previous year, profits in September alone witnessed a significant year-on-year decline of 27.1% for major industrial enterprises.

As firefighters continue their efforts to fully contain the Keller Fire in the Oakland Hills, many residents evacuated from the area have begun returning home. As of the evening of October 19, some evacuees were allowed back, while those near Rifle Lane and Altura Place remain under evacuation orders due to ongoing threats from hot spots nearby.

Fire Chief Damon Covington provided an update to the San Francisco Chronicle on October 19, stating that about 70% of the fire has been contained as of the morning of the 20th. Covington expressed cautious optimism, noting that the fire’s intensity had significantly improved. However, he emphasized the need for firefighters to remain on site to monitor and extinguish any remaining hot spots, and he mentioned plans to remove eucalyptus trees that could pose additional threats to homes.

“We still have a lot of work ahead of us,” Covington said. “We don’t want to assume the fire is out and risk it reigniting.”

The fire began around 1 PM on October 18, fueled by strong winds that carried embers across Interstate 580 and into the Sequoyah Heights community, prompting hundreds to evacuate and leading to temporary road closures. By approximately 4 PM, firefighters managed to halt the blaze from spreading further, but not without damaging two homes and burning up to 13 acres of land. Over 200 firefighters have been actively battling the flames.

Evacuation notices remain in place for parts of the Sequoyah Heights, Caballo Hills, and Ridgemont communities, particularly north of Keller Avenue. While some evacuation orders for surrounding areas have been lifted, Covington remains vigilant, “While we hope everyone can return home, we don’t want to put anyone in jeopardy. Our community is still facing significant risks.”

The fire occurred under conditions of high wildfire danger, including strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Luckily, with the humidity increasing and winds calming down over the weekend, the situation showed signs of improvement. A red flag warning issued for much of the Bay Area and Central Coast expired by 5 PM on Saturday, and the National Weather Service indicated that offshore gusts had decreased below warning levels. However, forecasters predict that dry weather will continue into early next week.

On the morning of October 19, air quality in the area was rated as good, although residents across the hill in Moraga and Orinda reported smelling smoke from the inland winds. Berkeley officials lifted evacuation recommendations for the mountainous region that morning after previously advising residents to leave due to high fire hazards.

The Keller Fire has resonated with memories of the devastating October 1991 Oakland Hills fire, which resulted in 25 fatalities, 150 injuries, and over 3,000 homes destroyed. Covington noted the similarities, with both fires igniting near highways and spreading rapidly into nearby communities due to the abundance of highly flammable eucalyptus trees.

Nevertheless, Covington highlighted the improvements made in fire response since the 1991 incident. Firefighters had already been patrolling the hills before the outbreak, and as the fire escalated, teams from the Bay Area and across California quickly joined local responders.

“We established a strike team across the county to address the fire while it was still in its early stages, before it really started to spread,” Covington stated.

The epicenter of the fire was located approximately two miles north of the Oakland Zoo and southeast of Merritt College, but thankfully, neither location was significantly affected by the blaze.

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, has been operating in the Highlands and Islands for an impressive 60 years. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with CEO Luke Farajallah about the challenges and opportunities the airline currently faces.

Mr. Farajallah expressed concern about the sustainability of one of the key air routes for NHS patients, specifically the flights between Inverness and Stornoway, which have been struggling with low passenger numbers. He emphasized that discussions with the Scottish government are crucial to secure funding for these routes. “We need to ensure that we can continue to provide these essential services,” he stated.

On a more positive note, he mentioned that patients relying on Loganair for access to medical appointments in Scotland’s cities are in a better situation now, thanks to the elimination of certain underperforming routes for enhanced reliability. Additionally, services catering to the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen and Shetland continue to perform well amidst discussions of a potential economic downturn.

Farajallah, who took the helm at Loganair six months ago, highlighted the airline’s commitment to growth and service expansion. Following the acquisitions of routes previously operated by defunct airlines like BMI Regional and FlyBe, Loganair has added new, larger aircraft to its 38-strong fleet. He plans to enhance the fleet incrementally by adding two aircraft each year, with a focus on increasing both routes and flight frequencies.

When asked about potential new routes, he pointed to strong opportunities for expanding services between England’s northeast and southwest, as well as in Wales, particularly in boosting passenger traffic to and from Cardiff.

However, he noted an urgent need for the aviation industry to address its carbon emissions and brace for possible increases in passenger taxes in the upcoming budget. “We need the government to view aviation as a vital driver of economic growth rather than merely a polluter,” he urged, adding, “Airlines are enablers of growth, greatly facilitating the movement of people across the country.”

On a more tactical note, Mr. Farajallah described the rationale behind scaling back on certain routes, such as Glasgow-Southampton and Aberdeen-Teesside, to improve reliability, especially for patients traveling to NHS appointments. Loganair relies on financial support from the Scottish government for some of its island services, having recently celebrated 50 years since taking over the service for Barra and Tiree.

Despite discontinuing the Stornoway-Benbecula service due to low passenger numbers, he stressed the importance of maintaining affordable travel options for island communities. “We must keep subsidized half-price fares for island residents,” he asserted, noting their critical importance for rural populations.

Mr. Farajallah has also observed a steady increase in international passengers arriving in Edinburgh, which positively impacts Loganair’s operations as they connect to other flights across the UK. The discussion concluded with a hopeful outlook for the future of Loganair as they navigate the complexities of the aviation industry.

Since the joint release of the “Action Plan for the High-Quality Development of Computing Power Infrastructure” by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and five other departments on October 21, 2023, China has entered a rapid development phase in its computing power infrastructure. A recent report from the data analysis firm Yuehu Data highlights the swift expansion and significant efficiency improvements in China’s computing power infrastructure, which is increasingly being applied across various sectors, demonstrating its robust economic driving capacity.

In February 2022, China took proactive measures by launching the construction of national computing power hubs in eight regions, including Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Chengdu-Chongqing, and planning ten national data center clusters. This marked the official start of the “East Data West Calculation” project, which promotes comprehensive development across supply chains in IT equipment manufacturing, information communication, foundational software, and green energy, significantly enhancing the nation’s overall computing power level.

The rapid advancement of computing power infrastructure is pivotal in seizing the technological high ground in the era of artificial intelligence. It leverages a multiplier effect on economic development and aids China’s manufacturing sector in achieving leapfrog growth. Moreover, it permeates daily life through diverse application scenarios, stimulating consumer potential and driving high-quality economic development.

For instance, in the new business ecosystem empowered by AI, “AI + e-commerce” has emerged as a fresh highlight in the consumer space. According to Yuehu Data, major e-commerce platforms are now exploring the integration of AI throughout the transaction process, with future prospects of addressing pain points for both merchants and consumers. AI is gradually embedding itself in the entire transaction processes between businesses and consumers, likely opening up new growth avenues amid a backdrop of consumption diversification. Leading domestic e-commerce platforms have introduced innovative applications like digital human live streaming and AI-powered shopping assistants, improving user experience and significantly boosting transaction efficiency, showcasing the tremendous potential of AI technology in the e-commerce sector.

Additionally, AI applications in video production are becoming increasingly widespread, lowering production costs, shortening cycles, and enhancing efficiency. Yuehu Data anticipates a vast potential for AI’s role in production processes, especially in a context where movie production costs remain high. The emergence of a broad ecosystem fueled by lower barriers to video content creation in the short drama era may pave the way for widespread participation in film production as AI-generated video becomes more mature.

In the realm of hardware production, the AI smart hardware market is flourishing. Yuehu Data forecasts a surge in AI smart hardware launches in the summer of 2024, with “AI +” becoming a pivotal marketing point for manufacturers. Traditional devices are receiving “AI +” upgrades, encompassing PCs, smartphones, and educational hardware. Moreover, new AI products such as AI office notebooks and smart glasses are hitting the market. This intelligent hardware boom is in a phase of rapid commercial sales growth, with user penetration rates continually rising, creating new opportunities for market expansion.

Looking ahead, investment in computing power infrastructure is expected to keep expanding, becoming a key driver of economic and social development. Projections suggest that by 2025, the core computing power industry in China could reach a scale of 4.4 trillion yuan, with related industries potentially soaring to 24 trillion yuan. According to calculations from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, every yuan invested in computing power generates an increase of 3 to 4 yuan in GDP, highlighting the crucial role of computing power infrastructure in economic growth.

In conclusion, Yuehu Data believes that the development of computing power infrastructure has become a vital engine for China’s economic advancement, with its multiplier effects gradually becoming evident. As technology continues to evolve and application scenarios expand, computing power infrastructure is set to inject even stronger momentum into the high-quality development of China’s economy and society.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently released a concerning report revealing that over one billion people worldwide are living in severe poverty, with more than half of them being children. Volunteer efforts in New Delhi, India, aimed at providing free meals to hungry children highlight the urgent need for action.

According to a report by AFP, last year marked the highest number of global conflicts since World War II, as illustrated in a study conducted in collaboration with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), which emphasizes that the poverty rate in conflict-affected countries is three times higher than that in non-conflict nations.

The report indicates that approximately 584 million individuals under the age of 18 are experiencing extreme poverty, which accounts for 27.9% of the global child population. In comparison, the poverty rate among adults stands at 13.5%. Furthermore, it reveals that 83.2% of the poorest population resides in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Since 2010, the UNDP and OPHI have been compiling data from 112 countries, encompassing a total population of 6.3 billion people, to publish the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) annually.

This year’s report employs various indicators such as inadequate housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, nutrition, and school enrollment rates to measure poverty levels.

UNDP Chief Statistician Yongchun Zhang stated, “The 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Index paints a sobering picture: 1.1 billion people are facing multidimensional poverty, with 455 million living under the shadow of conflict.” She further noted, “For the impoverished populations in conflict-affected countries, the struggle to meet basic needs is an even tougher and more desperate battle.”

Jingdezhen, China, October 22 (Zhu Ying) – “The song ‘Blue and White Porcelain’ has gained popularity across the strait. When I stepped onto the land that inspired the lyric ‘the sky blue awaits the misty rain,’ it felt as if I could hear echoes of history, with countless craftsmen’s hard work and artistic creations unfolding before my eyes,” remarked Taiwanese youth Yang Qingyi during her visit to Jingdezhen on the 22nd.

On this day, the 2024 Cross-Strait (Jingdezhen) Ceramic Culture Exchange Event and the Cross-Strait Ceramic Artists Exhibition were inaugurated in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi. Ceramics artists from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, along with Taiwanese youths, explored the renowned “thousand-year porcelain capital,” engaged in the exhibition, participated in cultural exchange seminars, and took part in hands-on ceramic experiences.

“A city like Jingdezhen holds half the history of ceramics,” said Yang. Jingdezhen has risen to fame and prosperity through its porcelain, now home to over 300 Taiwanese ceramic artists who have established their careers, aptly termed “Jingdrifters.”

Ceramic artist Zhuo Bocheng, hailing from the Yingge District in New Taipei City—often referred to as “Taiwan’s Jingdezhen”—shared with the reporter that the ceramic cultures of both sides share deep-rooted connections. “Taiwanese ceramic artists build upon traditional Chinese ceramic culture while integrating local characteristics and innovative elements, creating a uniquely charming Taiwanese ceramic style.”

Ahead of the opening ceremony, cross-strait ceramic artists and Taiwanese youths explored cultural sites like the Jingdezhen China Ceramic Museum and the Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Block, delving into the ancient and modern secrets of ceramic culture and reminiscing about the ties that bind both sides.

Taiwanese ceramic artist and youth Yuzu (pseudonym), who has been studying ceramics for nearly two years, expressed her surprise at the number of young people from around the world drawn to Jingdezhen. “How can creativity be transformed into reality? What direction should I take in the future? These are the answers I hope to find on this journey,” she commented.

According to Taiwanese artist Feng Ruilun, this exchange is not only a platform for artistic skill development but also a profound interaction and collision of cultures that share common roots. “Taiwan and the mainland share the same cultural foundation, and our ceramic art too carries the weight of the history and culture from this land,” he noted.

Yang Qingyi concluded that through this event, the collision and fusion of different creative philosophies and techniques would inspire the birth of more ceramic works that embody both contemporary characteristics and artistic value.

On October 22nd, at the “Gexi Lun Dao” Science Forum held in Haidian, Beijing, the 2024 event kicked off with the theme “An Extraordinary Tide.” The forum focused on various groundbreaking fields, including the creation of China’s aerospace miracles, achieving hypersonic flight, revealing new cellular structures, appreciating the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, awakening dormant ancient Buddha statues, pursuing extreme precision in heavy machinery, and rescuing endangered marine creatures. Seven speakers shared their exploration stories and research experiences.

Academician Long Lehao, one of China’s first generation of aerospace engineers and a prominent figure in the field, discussed his journey in China’s rocket development. As the chief designer of the Long March series of rockets and the deputy chief designer of the China’s lunar exploration project, he provided insights into the development stories of the Long March rockets and their future prospects, allowing the audience to appreciate the spirit of Chinese aerospace.

Professor Yu Li from Tsinghua University introduced a new organelle called the “migrasome,” discovered in migrating cells, in his 2014 paper. In his talk, he explained the relationship between migrasomes and diseases, enhancing public awareness of this fascinating cellular structure.

Xiao Zhong, an associate researcher at the Yungang Research Institute, spoke about his work on the restoration of a collapsed stone block from Cave 20 of the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. He shared the process of restoring the towering stone statue that had never been revealed to the public, presenting the grandeur of the Yungang Grottoes.

How can one appreciate the art of calligraphy? Fang Jianxun from Peking University’s Calligraphy Education and Research Center guided the audience through various calligraphic works, enabling them to experience the beauty and charm of different styles.

Precision in heavy machinery is challenging; however, through the friction between metals, hand-crafted precision can achieve micro and even nano-level tolerances, known as the highest degree of accuracy in machining. Ye Hui, a top-level technician from China Aerospace Science and Technology, shared his journey from an inexperienced apprentice to a skilled grinding master over more than 20 years, achieving what is referred to as “aerospace precision.”

The ocean, as the cradle of life on Earth, is facing unprecedented challenges. Ren Hui, a science communicator and founder of the WeChat public account “Wandering Nature,” passionately discussed his efforts in marine conservation, highlighting several endangered marine species and sharing his experiences in protecting these marine animals.

Cui Kai, a researcher from the Institute of Mechanics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spoke about hypersonic flight. He described how hypersonic planes could make the world feel like a global village by reaching any location within hours. However, significant technological breakthroughs are still needed. Cui detailed advancements in aerodynamics for hypersonic aircraft and presented new perspectives on their design, illustrating a promising future for hypersonic travel and the dream of flying higher, faster, and farther.

The “Gexi Lun Dao” forum is co-hosted by the Computer Network Information Center and the Office of Cybersecurity and Informatization at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aiming to explore the development of technology, education, life, and the future under the spirit of “investigating things to know the truth.”

As tensions continue to escalate between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, the situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile. On October 21, thick smoke could be seen rising over the city of Khiam, as reported by Reuters. According to a report from Axios on October 20, which cited two US officials and two Israeli officials, Israel submitted a document to the United States outlining stringent conditions to halt its military operations in Lebanon last week. US envoy Amos Hochstein visited Beirut on October 21 with plans to discuss diplomatic solutions to the conflict and Israel’s demands. However, these conditions conflict with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and US officials believe that Lebanon and the international community are unlikely to agree.

Israeli officials stated that one of the conditions for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, allowing civilian returns to the Israel-Lebanon border area, includes the Israeli military being permitted to conduct “active enforcement actions” to ensure that Hezbollah does not rearm or rebuild military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Another demand is for the Israeli Air Force to have freedom of movement within Lebanese airspace.

This document was sent by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close adviser, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who drafted it following discussions with the Israeli Defense Ministry and military. Dermer sent the document to Hochstein on October 17.

However, these demands contradict UNSC Resolution 1701, which established that after the cessation of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were to enforce the ceasefire. One US official remarked that these Israeli conditions would significantly undermine Lebanese sovereignty, leading Lebanon and the international community to likely reject them.

Israeli officials argue their point hinges on the necessity to strengthen the enforcement of the earlier resolution: “If the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL do more, the Israeli military will have to do less, and vice versa.” Neither the White House nor Israel’s embassy in the US have commented on these developments.

Hochstein is expected to meet with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, among others. Berri stated on October 20 that Hochstein’s trip represents the last chance before the US elections to reach a resolution regarding the conflict in Lebanon, emphasizing a consensus on the existing resolution in Lebanon and rejecting any modifications.

Meanwhile, the conflict intensified again on October 20, as reported by the Lebanese National News Agency that evening. Israeli forces targeted bombings of financial institutions suspected of funding Hezbollah, with 11 bombings occurring in southern Beirut and other strikes focused on the eastern Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon.

These attacks primarily targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan, an institution that the US alleges Hezbollah uses to manage its finances. According to the Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah reportedly buys arms using deposits from this institution.

In addition, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that up to 1,000 women and children are expected to be evacuated from the Gaza Strip to Europe soon, where they will receive emergency medical care, as stated by WHO’s European Regional Office Director, Dr. Hans Kluge, on October 21.

Furthermore, Israeli military operations continue in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, with local residents and healthcare workers reporting that Israeli forces bombed residential buildings and surrounded schools and shelters designated for displaced persons on the same day.