The Palestinian death toll in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip has risen to 55,362, with 128,741 others injured, since the conflict between Hamas and Israel began on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's health authorities on Sunday.
Over the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks have claimed 65 Palestinian lives and injured 315 others, according to the report.
Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, a total of 5,071 Palestinians have been killed and 16,700 others injured, according to the health authorities.
Data shows that at various humanitarian aid distribution centers in the Gaza Strip, the death toll due to shootings and other incidents has reached 300, with more than 2,649 people injured.
Early on Sunday local time, a shooting incident occurred again at a humanitarian relief distribution center in the southern Gaza Strip. Data show that the attack has killed at least two people and injured more than 50 others. The Israeli side has not responded yet.
Previously, sources from Gaza's health authorities showed that on Saturday morning local time, civilians near a humanitarian aid distribution center in the southern area of the Gaza Strip were shot, resulting in 27 deaths. Among them, 11 people were killed when they were queuing at the distribution center to receive supplies.
Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 55,362
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
