The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has reached 54,084, with 123,308 others injured, since the outbreak of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on October 7, 2023, Gaza's health authorities said on Wednesday.
In the past 24 hours, 28 Palestinians were killed and 179 others injured in Israeli attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip, the health authorities said in a press statement.
On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they are continuing their operations across the Gaza Strip, targeting both aboveground and underground military infrastructure, which has resulted in the deaths of several armed militants. The IDF also noted that in the last 48 hours, Israeli airstrikes have hit numerous targets, including militant strongholds, anti-tank missile launchers, and weapon storage facilities.
May 28, 2025 marks the 600th day of the ongoing conflict. On this day, Gaza's media office issued a statement revealing that since October 7, 2023, the death and missing (still buried under rubble) toll has exceeded 63,000, with over 18,000 children and more than 12,400 women among the deceased. The report also highlighted that 1,589 medical personnel, 115 civil defense workers, 220 media professionals, 754 police officers, more than 800 educators, over 13,000 students, and 150 researchers have lost their lives. Among the injured, 17,000 require long-term rehabilitation, and more than 4,700 have been amputated, 18 percent of whom are children. Over the past 600 days, 82 medical centers and hospitals have been destroyed, with 144 ambulances and 54 civil defense vehicles (including rescue and fire trucks) being targeted.
Additionally, the department also reported that about 210,000 housing units in Gaza have been completely destroyed by the Israeli forces, while 113,000 tents have been demolished, leaving around 280,000 Palestinian families homeless. In total, 241 shelters and displacement centers have also been targeted by Israeli airstrikes.
As for infrastructure and public services, 719 water wells have been rendered unusable, and 3,780 kilometers of electricity networks have been destroyed. Furthermore, 149 schools have been completely destroyed, with 369 others suffering damage of varying degrees.
The Gaza Media Office further stated that the conflict has caused direct agricultural losses exceeding 2.2 billion U.S. dollars, with more than 92 percent of agricultural land and 85 percent of greenhouses destroyed. Gaza’s annual vegetable production has plummeted from 405,000 tons to just 49,000 tons, and the fishing industry has been completely devastated.
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 54,084
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
