The United Nations (UN) has declined to participate in aid activities of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, stating it already has a proven plan ready to implement, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General on Thursday.
"What we believe is that there is no need to reinvent the wheel on this. We ourselves as the UN have a plan, an excellent plan that is ready to be implemented as soon as we are allowed to do our work. We have trucks ready to go, we have more than 171,000 metric tons of food on top of other lifesaving supplies, and they're ready to go the minute that Israel opens the gates. With this alone, we can feed everyone in the Strip for months, probably for at least four months with just what we have right now. And we can do that immediately and we can do it efficiently. And we have shown that we can do that because we did it during the ceasefire. Time is of essence; children are going hungry by the day and what we want is for the plan that we have been pushing to be adopted," said Haq.
U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is scheduled to begin distributing humanitarian supplies in Gaza later this month.
The organization's upcoming aid distribution plan has drawn widespread criticism, as it involves delivering aid to a limited number of so-called "secure distribution points" via private companies rather than through the United Nations or established humanitarian organizations.
The UN has repeatedly expressed concerns about the operation of this mechanism.
UN declines role in U.S.-backed Gaza aid plan
UN declines role in U.S.-backed Gaza aid plan
UN declines role in U.S.-backed Gaza aid plan
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
