Justice Minister Meets with German Foreign Office Mission (GFFO)

SadaNews - Justice Minister Sharhabil Al-Zaeem met today, Thursday, in his office with a delegation from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), which is visiting Palestine on a reconnaissance mission aimed at assessing stability opportunities in the Gaza Strip, and in the presence of representatives from the United Nations Development Programme.

During the meeting, the political situation and details of the legal system in the Gaza Strip post-war were discussed. The delegation also presented the overall aim of the reconnaissance mission, which is based on UN Security Council Resolution 2803, aimed at evaluating the political, security, and institutional factors affecting the provision of favorable conditions for achieving sustainable peace, recovery, and enhancing good governance.

The minister asserted the government’s readiness, based on the jurisdiction of the State of Palestine over the Gaza Strip, to implement the recovery and reconstruction plan in Gaza and its executive programs across all sectors. There is no alternative to the official Palestinian state institutions in Gaza, and operations in the area cannot occur in isolation from the political and legal trajectory.

He provided a detailed explanation of the current legislation and laws in Gaza, and the importance of working towards the unity of the system and law in the occupied Palestinian territories, from the perspective of enhancing the rule of law.

The delegation was also briefed on the Ministry of Justice's plan as part of the comprehensive government plan to rebuild a justice system based on the rule of law and the protection of rights, following the end of aggression in the southern governorates. This includes priorities related to emergency procedures to protect citizens in the sector, particularly marginalized groups, and enhancing the role of effective community frameworks in conflict resolution and the mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution, especially mediation and arbitration, leading to transitional justice. Additionally, an assessment of technical and logistical needs was discussed. He pointed out that work has begun on implementing the plan through four technical teams, which rely on partnerships between national and international institutions and justice sector institutions and civil society organizations. A draft of emergency laws has been completed as part of emergency procedures to safeguard citizens in the sector and restore security and law.

For their part, the delegation provided an explanation of their methodology in the Palestinian territories during the current reconnaissance mission, which aims to assess stability opportunities in the Gaza Strip. This includes holding meetings with official and community stakeholders, setting priorities, and preparing to apply clear standards related to legitimacy, security, and law.