At least 56 Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip were killed on Tuesday by gunfire from Israeli forces, as reported by the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the violence faced by Palestinians at these aid sites.
"We trusted the occupation soldiers after they told us to take the package. I walked past the tank and picked up the package, and suddenly they started shooting directly at us. The young men were ambushed and fell to the ground. Some were shot in the head, some in the feet," said Muhammad Abu Nada, a Palestinian.
"I went there because they said there was flour. If I knew it was only medicine, I wouldn't have gone. I didn't go as far as the others; I stayed back. Still, the sniper opened fire on me, he marked me by my hair, I think. Didn't know what to do. Finally, some people came to help me. Five of those who helped me were killed," said Muhammad Al-Rantisi, another Palestinian.
Dr. Ashraf Al-Bayya, an orthopedic surgeon, recounted the devastating nature of the injuries, stressing their severity and widespread impact.
"The injuries varied, some to the head, chest and upper body, but most were to the abdomen and chest. Many of these injuries of the upper body resulted in compound fractures and bone fragmentation, which led to numerous amputations," said the surgeon.
At least 410 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while trying to fetch from controversial new aid hubs in Gaza, a likely war crime, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.
The alert comes nearly a month since the Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) started operating on 27 May in select hubs, bypassing the UN and other established NGOs.
At least 56 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire near Gaza aid sites: local media
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
