The Palestinian death toll in Israeli attacks has risen to 33,175, the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Sunday.
During the past 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 38 Palestinians and wounded 71 others, bringing the total death toll to 33,175 and injuries to 75,886 since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct 7, 2023, the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel Sunday quoted an Israeli government official as saying that Israel will send a delegation to Cairo, Egypt, for negotiations on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, and Ronen Bar, director of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, reportedly left for Cairo on Sunday afternoon for the talks.
Hamas announced in a statement on Saturday that a delegation of its leaders would travel to Cairo on Sunday for the talks.
The Palestinian militant group stressed that the release of Israeli hostages is conditional on a full ceasefire in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the return of Palestinians to the northern Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel is ready to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, but it will not give in to the "extreme" demands of the group. He stressed that Israel will completely eliminate Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu reiterated that there would be no ceasefire in Gaza without the release of Israeli hostages.
Palestine's Al-Quds Newspaper reported on Sunday that Israel launched a drone attack on the al-Nasr region in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, with the number of casualties not immediately clear. Israel hasn't responded to the report yet.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that Israeli troops had withdrawn from the Khan Younis area in the southern Gaza Strip in preparation for the upcoming offensive in Rafah.
Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), issued a statement on Sunday saying that despite the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the war against Hamas continues and is far from over.
He said that the Israeli military has made significant progress in its military operations in Gaza, but it hasn't fully achieved its goal yet.
Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza rises to 33,175: ministry
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
