RAMALLAH, November 16, 2024 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa stated today that the government is making continuous efforts to achieve security, economic, and financial stability in the West Bank while working to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
During his visit to Bethlehem Governorate, Mustafa met with local leaders, institutions, and officials, including Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Abu Alia. The discussions focused on the current political situation, the ongoing genocide in Gaza, its regional and international ramifications, and the government's plans for economic development, institutional reform, and post-war reconstruction.
"The government is working tirelessly to achieve peace and stability despite the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza," said Mustafa. "We are facing significant challenges, particularly due to Israel’s aggression and reoccupation of Gaza, and its attempts to isolate the West Bank from Gaza in an effort to prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state."
The Prime Minister stressed that the Palestinian government, under the guidance of President Mahmoud Abbas, is engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to halt the genocidal Israeli offensive on Gaza. Mustafa also noted that the government is focusing on urgent humanitarian aid, initiating reconstruction efforts, and working to reunite the Palestinian institutions in the West Bank and Gaza after the aggression ends.
"The current phase demands collective responsibility to end the suffering of our people in Gaza, the destruction, and the catastrophic humanitarian situation. National unity and reconciliation are essential. The division must end so we can move forward toward the realization of an independent Palestinian state," added Mustafa.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the West Bank, despite Israeli attempts to escalate the conflict in the region. "We are working hard to ensure security and economic stability here, even as Israel intensifies its campaigns in the northern West Bank, targeting refugee camps, and seeking to dismantle the refugee issue," Mustafa explained.
"The Israeli occupation is also imposing severe financial constraints by withholding tax revenues and imposing checkpoints, which disrupt the movement of citizens."
The Prime Minister concluded by addressing the issue of the withheld Palestinian tax revenues, stating that Israel continues to withhold over 500 million shekels per month from the Palestinian Authority, which amounts to billions of dollars in lost funds. He added that the Palestinian government is working to recover these funds and ensure financial independence for the Palestinian people.
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