Mustafa Calls on the European Union for More Political and Financial Support to Strengthen the Resilience of the Palestinian People

SadaNews - Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa met today, Wednesday, in his office in Ramallah, with the European Union's special envoy for the Middle East peace process, Christophe Biegon, in the presence of the EU representative in Palestine, Alexander Stutzmann.

The Prime Minister briefed the special envoy on the latest political developments, particularly the escalation of occupation assaults and actions in the West Bank, the systematic terrorism of settlers, the expansion of settlements, in addition to the difficult humanitarian situation experienced by our people in the Gaza Strip, due to the ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement in the sector and the restrictions on the entry of relief shipments, which have exacerbated the suffering of the citizens.

Mustafa reviewed the difficult economic and financial situation due to the policies of the occupation, which has been withholding Palestinian tax revenues for nearly a year, aimed at undermining the work of Palestinian national institutions, calling in this context for more political and financial support from the European Union to enhance our people's steadfastness, and to halt all Israeli measures, including the release of withheld Palestinian funds.

Both sides discussed the results and significance of the donors' meetings and the international coalition to implement the two-state solution, which were held last week in Brussels, as well as the ongoing preparations for the upcoming donor group meeting for Palestine scheduled to be held within the next two months. They also addressed ways to accelerate international efforts to implement Security Council Resolution No. (2803) and related international resolutions, and to double the relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts for the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and expedite arrangements for the implementation of the transitional phase leading to the unification of the two parts of the homeland under the jurisdiction of the State of Palestine, according to a single legal system and authority.

Mustafa updated the European envoy on the government's ongoing efforts in implementing its comprehensive reform plan, of which more than 70% has been accomplished, especially in the areas of governance, strengthening the rule of law, transparency, and improving the quality of services provided to citizens. He also briefed him on the successful conduct of local elections, appreciating the continuous support provided by the European Union to Palestine in all fields.

For his part, the European Union's special envoy confirmed his rejection of Israeli measures and the assaults of settlers in the West Bank, supporting all efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East towards implementing the two-state solution. He also reiterated ongoing support for Palestine, especially in the relief and development sectors, and the commitment to solidifying the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, welcoming the success of the democratic process in Palestine through the conduct of local elections.