Ongoing search operations uncover more Palestinian bodies in Gaza mass graves

Ongoing search operations have uncovered more bodies of Palestinians allegedly buried by the Israeli army in mass graves around a hospital in southern Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Civil Defense, more than 390 bodies have been exhumed from three mass graves discovered at the Nasser Medical Complex, some of which were children and others handcuffed, suggesting some of the victims were buried alive in mass graves.

Civil defense officials in Gaza said on Thursday that mass graves discovered in the vicinity of the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis showed evidence of crimes against humanity.

Israel has denied accusations that it was responsible and has said that the grave in question was dug by Gazans months ago.

"During the previous five days, approximately 305 martyrs were recovered from the first grave. Now we have moved to search in a new grave. About 20 bodies have been recovered from it so far. The search operation is still underway. As you can see, there are a number of martyrs. Some of them have been identified, while others remain unidentified due to severe decomposition of bodies," said Mahmoud Masoud, a member of the Palestinian Civil Defense.

Health authorities in the Gaza Strip confirmed that other victims had previously been found in a mass grave in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City after the withdrawal of the Israeli army.

Many of the exhumed bodies exhibited signs of torture, said the authorities, adding that the destruction of medical laboratories and the lack of health personnel prevented further investigations of the corpses.

"This situation is very difficult for us, as the medical staff have been working for a long period without rest and returning to their homes. The other thing is that our hospital has encountered some energy-related issues. The hospital relies on electric generators, but we do not have fuel and are also unable to coordinate the delivery of fuel to the medical complex," said Atef Al-Hout, medical director at the Nasser Medical Complex.

The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the discovery of the mass graves of Palestinians at both medical facilities.

Ongoing search operations uncover more Palestinian bodies in Gaza mass graves

China's remarkable economic development has not only transformed the country itself but also profoundly impacted the global economy, opening vast potential for investment cooperation between China and France, as well as between China and the European Union, according to Pascal Lamy, former director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Over 80 percent of French respondents to a new poll believe China is a great and influential country, and 70.3 percent regard China as a successful country, according to a survey of 1,513 French respondents conducted by China Media Group, China Global Television Network (CGTN) and Renmin University of China ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to France.

The French respondents to the survey praised the achievements of China's high-quality economic development and high-level opening up.

Speaking during an interview with CGTN on Monday, Lamy expressed his admiration for China's economic success.

"We French believe that China is a big success. This is what the numbers say, looking at what happened, overall, 50 or 60 years. I'm not surprised if the French believe that China is a very influential country, believing otherwise would be blind to the reality. China is one of the major economic powers in the world of today; and whether the Chinese economy is doing well or less well, matters a lot for the rest of the world. It was not the case 60 years ago. It is the case now, given how important China has become," said Lamy.

Lamy then noted the potential for further collaboration, highlighting the opportunities for French and European investments in China and vice versa.

"Now, we believe, there is room for China opening up more. There is more room for French and European investments in China. And there is more room for Chinese investments in France and in Europe. No doubt about that, especially in areas where Europe has a competitive edge in China, and where China has a competitive edge in Europe and in France, and notably in the area of green tech," he said.

Former WTO chief praises China's transformative economic impact on global development