Israeli troops killed at least 12 people and wounded others in shootings near two aid distribution points in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, which are run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group, Palestinian health officials and witnesses said Sunday.
A statement issued by the Gaza's health authorities on Sunday also reported that at least 41 Palestinians had been killed in the Israeli military operations since early morning of that day.
Munir Al-Bursh, director general of the health authorities in Gaza, said on Sunday that the health-care system there is on the brink of collapse, overwhelmed by Israel's continued military strikes and blockade.
He noted that the remaining functioning hospitals in the Gaza Strip will completely cease operations within two days if they do not receive their designated fuel.
Munir Al-Bursh has announced a state of emergency in hospitals in Gaza due to this dire situation.
Also on Sunday, the Israeli military said that it had recovered the body of Mohammed Sinwar, head of Hamas' military wing, from a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip, and had taken it to Israel.
In a statement, the Israeli military said that following an identification process, it had confirmed that "the body of Mohammed Sinwar was located in the underground tunnel route beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis."
Sinwar and Muhammad Shabaneh, commander of Hamas' Rafah Brigade, were killed in the tunnel on May 13 by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence agency, the statement said.
The bodies were found during a raid in the area that began on Wednesday under heavy airstrikes, and the raid was still ongoing, the Israeli military added.
Sinwar, 49, was described by the Israeli military as one of Hamas' most senior and long-serving commanders, playing a central role in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
He was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader in Gaza, who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024.
At least 12 killed by Israeli fire near aid distribution centers in Gaza
At least 12 killed by Israeli fire near aid distribution centers in Gaza
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
