Mustafa Receives a Study on Judicial Independence and Efficiency and Affirms Government Support to Strengthen the Justice System

SadaNews - Prime Minister Dr. Mohammed Mustafa received today, Wednesday, in his office in Ramallah, a study entitled "Judicial Independence and Efficiency in Palestine 2026" from the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Mohammed Abdul Ghani Al-Awaiwi, in the presence of Minister of Justice Sharhabil Al-Zaeem, Minister of Transportation and Communications Mohammed Al-Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Mohammed Iyad Al-Ajluni, the Chief Advisor to the Council, Judge Raed Asaf, and Director of the Planning Unit in the Council, Judge Hala Mansour.

The Prime Minister reviewed the results of the first phase of the evaluative study on the reality of the Palestinian judiciary, which was prepared by international expert Monica Risbo, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP/Suweisi 3), in cooperation with the European Union mission to support the Palestinian police and the rule of law (EUPOL COPPS). The study addressed several key axes, including the legal framework and judicial independence, case management and reducing judicial backlog, digital transformation, institutional governance, human capital and training, infrastructure, in addition to the level of public trust in the justice system.

During the meeting, the President of the Supreme Judicial Council presented the most important indicators and evaluations that the study concluded regarding the reality of the Palestinian judiciary, and the efforts being made by the Council to enhance the efficiency of judicial work, improve institutional performance, and address existing challenges to contribute to the development of the justice sector. He also reviewed the key achievements the Council has made in the past period, and the needs and priorities required to continue enhancing judicial performance and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.

The Prime Minister confirmed the government's full support for the efforts of the Supreme Judicial Council and its commitment to enhancing its capacity to perform its duties and complete the development of the justice sector, emphasizing that judicial independence and efficiency are a fundamental pillar for reinforcing the rule of law, protecting rights and freedoms, and enhancing citizens' trust in public institutions, which positively reflects on the environment of justice, stability, and the rule of law.

Mustafa stressed the importance of building on the results of the study and its recommendations, and transforming them into action programs and development plans that contribute to updating the judicial system, improving the quality of judicial services, expediting litigation processes, and enhancing institutional performance efficiency, through cooperation and integration between various relevant entities.

The Prime Minister praised the efforts made by the Supreme Judicial Council, judges, and the staff of the judiciary in fulfilling their national and professional mission, despite the challenges and exceptional circumstances, appreciating their role in protecting justice, safeguarding rights and freedoms, establishing the rule of law, and enhancing citizens' trust in the judiciary system.