Over 170 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Tuesday issued a joint statement, calling for immediate actions to end the deadly Israeli-U.S. militarized distribution scheme known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The statement said that the GHF, under the guise of providing aid, is causing chaos and violence, resulting in the deaths of over 500 innocent Palestinians in less than four weeks.
The NGOs signed the statement asking for the Israeli-approved plan to revert to the existing UN-led coordination mechanism and lift Israeli government's blockade on aid and commercial supplies.
They said that 400 UN-led aid distribution points operating during the temporary ceasefire across Gaza were replaced by just four military-controlled U.S.-operated distribution sites, forcing two million people into overcrowded, militarized zones where they face daily gunfire and mass casualties while trying to access food and are denied other life-saving supplies.
The United Nations and other international organizations have refused to cooperate with the GHF, believing that it serves Israeli military objectives and contradicts humanitarian principles.
Israeli soldiers recently revealed to the media that Israeli forces stationed in Gaza deliberately opened fire on Palestinian civilians gathered at aid distribution sites, resulting in casualties.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday admitted that Palestinian civilians were harmed at GHF distribution sites, alleging that the military has learned its lesson from it.
Data released by Gaza-based health authorities showed that since the operation of the GHF, more than 500 Gazans have lost their lives near aid distribution sites, with thousands more injured.
Over 170 NGOs call for end to US, Israel-backed aid group 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
