Many displaced families in Gaza have found no shelter for them except living within the crumbling walls of partially destroyed and structurally unstable buildings, due to a drastic reduction in the livable area to less than one-fifth of the territory's total space.
One such building in Gaza City was severely damaged following an Israeli airstrike, with its interior in ruins. Yet many Gazans have no choice but to reside inside.
"We were forced to flee to this place, which now houses more than 50 families, all from Jabalia in northern Gaza. The building is indeed severely damaged, but we had no choice but to stay because it's impossible for us to live on the streets due to overcrowding," said a displaced resident named Abu Hossam Reyhan.
Data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) showed that since March 18 of this year, the Israeli military has issued at least 39 so-called evacuation orders to the people of Gaza, forcing them to continuously flee from one location to another.
Moreover, during their fleeing, their living space has been further compressed.
According to a report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 82 percent of Gaza's land has been designated as military zones or areas covered by evacuation orders.
The situation has made it even more difficult for the Gazans to find a shelter.
"We searched everywhere and could only find this place to stay. We know it is dangerous, but we have no other choice. When we arrived, the debris was three meters high, and we spent two days clearing it and making it livable. Although it's risky here, we have nowhere else to go. We lack everything, especially food and drinking water," another displaced Gazan Mohammed Abd Rabbo said.
Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip are continuing, posing a severe threat to the safety of those living in damaged buildings.
"If an explosion occurs nearby, this building might collapse on us," said Samar Abd Rabbo, a displaced person from Jabalia.
Displaced Gazans face harsh living conditions amid ongoing conflict
Displaced Gazans face harsh living conditions amid ongoing conflict
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
