On December 31, 2023, revelers around the globe counted down together before midnight, with fireworks and holiday lights giving some people a hopeful start to 2024, while in other parts of the world, ongoing conflict has prevented celebrations and raised safety concerns, the Associated Press said on December 31, 2023.
Some 90,000 police and security personnel are deployed throughout France. On both sides of the Champs-Élysées, a large crowd of people watched the multi-dimensional light show reflected on the Arc de Triomphe. The light show showcases the history of Paris and the sports that will be held at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
In New York, USA, people queued up early in Times Square for the New Year's Eve ceremony where the crystal ball landed. Local and party organizers say they are prepared to keep tens of thousands of revelers safe in central Manhattan as Israel's fighting with Hamas sparks events in the city almost daily.
Stunning fireworks burst into the sky above iconic attractions such as the Acropolis of Greece.
Colourful light and shadow illuminate the graceful glass façade of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In Nairobi, Kenya, the celebratory crowd erupted in bursts of collective cheers.
In India, thousands of revelers in Mumbai, the financial center of Mumbai, took a sunset over the Arabian Sea. And in New Delhi, fireworks have raised fears that the Indian capital, already notorious for its poor air quality, will be shrouded in smog on the first morning of the new year.
People from all over Japan gather at temples around the country, and visitors can get free hot milk and corn soup while queuing to ring the bell.
The world's population now exceeds 8 billion, and on December 31, 2023, crowds of New Year's Eve celebrators around the world began to bid farewell to a turbulent 2023, AFP said on December 31**.
Fireworks were set off in Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila.
During the traditional year-end celebrations in Thessaloniki, Greece, people eat kebabs and dance in the streets.
According to the report, nearly two years after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite new Russian attacks, resistance and hope still dominate.
With air raid sirens echoing in Kyiv, 42-year-old Tetyana Chostka said: "Victory!."We are looking forward to it, and we are confident that Ukraine will win. If Ukraine is free, we will get everything we want. ”
In Russia, some are already tired of this conflict. Zoya Karpova, a 55-year-old theatrical set designer and Moscow resident, said: "In the new year, I want the war to end and life to return to normal. ”
Those in the midst of another conflict also hope that in the new year the conflict will end. Reuters said on December 31, 2023 that after 12 weeks of devastating Israeli attacks, people in the Gaza Strip have lost hope that 2024 will bring much relief.
In Rafah, where Gaza borders Egypt, more and more Palestinians have fled from all over the country. On December 31, 2023, people are more focused on finding shelter, food, and water than welcoming the New Year.
Our homes have been destroyed since October last year and we have been struggling in tents on the streets. Susan Kadir cried and said she hoped the conflict would end in the new year.
Sawaf, a 12-year-old from Gaza City playing with a kitten in the rubble, said: "I hope that life will return to normal, get dressed again, live again, and our home can be rebuilt." (Compiled by Hu Wei, Zhao Kexin).