Interior Minister Chairs Economic Security Team Meeting to Continue Efforts to Protect Public Funds and Enhance Law Enforcement

SadaNews: Interior Minister Ziad Hab al-Raih chaired today the Economic Security Team meeting, attended by Water Authority Chief Dr. Ziad al-Maimi and Head of the Customs Enforcement Department Major General Iyad Barakat, to discuss enhancing integration among partner entities in protecting public funds. This includes further efforts to halt violations of water lines and ensure their delivery to citizens, alongside monitoring initiatives aimed at stopping encroachments on public and government lands and combating economic crimes.

The Minister emphasized that protecting public funds and enforcing the law is a government priority, stressing that there should be no leniency towards any violations of public property, particularly water sources, main transmission lines, and distribution networks, due to their vital significance directly impacting citizens' lives. He insisted on the necessity of taking legal action against violators according to the law. Furthermore, he affirmed that protecting the water sector requires cooperation among relevant authorities, maintaining infrastructure, and preventing any practices that affect the fairness of water distribution and the sustainability of services. He also highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to combat tax and customs evasion, and strengthening integration among security agencies and relevant institutions to contribute to protecting the national economy and preserving public revenues.

For his part, the Head of the Water Authority, Dr. Ziad al-Maimi, asserted that protecting water sources and water infrastructure is an essential part of protecting public funds, noting that the Water Authority continues to implement programs for developing and rehabilitating water networks and main transmission lines, addressing violations and thefts targeting them, and reducing water loss to preserve water resources, enhance service efficiency, and ensure equitable and sustainable access to water for citizens.

Major General Iyad Barakat reviewed the key efforts exerted by the Customs Enforcement Department and the Economic Security Team in various governorates, as well as the ongoing procedures to protect public funds and support efforts to stop encroachments on public facilities, alongside enhancing field supervision, combating smuggling, tax and customs evasion. He confirmed the team's readiness to provide support and assistance and to improve coordination and responsiveness with various partners, which enhances the rule of law and preserves the national resources of the Palestinian people.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants stressed the importance of continuing integrative work among various official institutions, intensifying efforts to protect public funds, enhancing the rule of law, and safeguarding the resources of the Palestinian people.