Israel's intensified military operations in the Gaza Strip on Friday killed over 100 people and forced many already displaced residents to flee again amid heavy bombardment.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said late on Friday that they had "launched extensive attacks and mobilized forces to seize strategic areas in the Gaza Strip".
According to the IDF, the intensified assault marked the start of a new operation codenamed "Gideon's Chariots," which aims to expand the scope of fighting and advance key war objectives, including the release of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas.
"IDF troops will continue to operate in order to protect Israeli civilians and achieve the objectives of the war," the military said in a statement.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would enter Gaza "with full force" in the coming days as part of efforts to defeat Hamas.
Health officials in Gaza said at least 109 people were killed and 216 wounded in the northern part of the territory.
"It was a bloody night in the northern Gaza Strip. The occupation bombed several residential homes directly and without prior warning. The attacks left dozens dead. More than 50 bodies were recovered and transferred to Al-Awda and Indonesian hospitals in northern Gaza. Dozens of civilians remain trapped under the rubble of their homes," said Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense.
Salah Al-Najjar, a displaced Palestinian from northern Gaza, recalled the moment the bombardment hit, saying his only hope now is to find a place to stay, even if it means sleeping on the street.
"The shelling was everywhere and in every direction. Our house was bombed and collapsed on us while we were inside. Now we are fleeing toward Gaza City to look for any place where we can set up a tent, even if it's in the street," Al-Najjar said.
"Since the beginning of the war, the bombings last night and today have been the most intense in two years. I was previously displaced to the south, and now I'm heading back to Gaza, only to return south again, as instructed by the Israeli army," said Yousef Al-Masry, another displaced Palestinian from northern Gaza.
The intensification followed Israel's resumption of military operations in Gaza on March 18, after a brief lull in the fighting. Since then, at least 2,985 Palestinians have been killed and 8,173 injured, bringing the total number of deaths since the conflict erupted in October 2023 to 53,119, with 120,214 wounded, according to Gaza's health authorities.
Expanded Israeli operations kill over hundred, displace more Gazans
Expanded Israeli operations kill over hundred, displace more Gazans
Expanded Israeli operations kill over hundred, displace more Gazans
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
