BRUSSELS, January `7, 2024 (WAFA) - Prime Minister, Mohammed Mustafa, met on Friday with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Brussels, where they discussed the importance of pursuing a political track alongside the humanitarian, relief and reconstruction efforts immediately after the cessation of Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.
During the meeting held today in the Belgian capital, Brussels, Mustafa underscored the importance of advancing a political process to end the occupation, implement the two-state solution, and establish a Palestinian state. He highlighted the role of the international coalition as a vital opportunity to revive the peace process.
Mustafa emphasized the critical importance of implementing United Nations resolutions concerning Palestine, particularly Security Council Resolution 2735, in order to halt the aggression and ensure the immediate and urgent delivery of aid to the Palestinian people. Such actions, he said, would lay the groundwork for restoring essential services, including healthcare and education, and ultimately facilitate reconstruction, development and the unification of institutions between the West Bank and Gaza as integral part of the State of Palestine.
The Prime Minister reviewed the government's plans and efforts, guided by the directives of President Mahmoud Abbas, to commence work in the Gaza Strip immediately after the cessation of aggression. He highlighted the readiness of state institutions to take charge and provide relief to the Palestinian people in Gaza alongside those in the West Bank, starting with the restoration of essential services and the delivery of humanitarian aid, followed by comprehensive reconstruction under the 'Palestine Reconstruction Plan,' which is being developed in collaboration with the World Bank.
Mustafa also highlighted the government's efforts in institutional reform, development and governance, as well as the progress achieved in these areas. He emphasized the ongoing work to implement the National Development and Reform Program for 2025–2026.
The Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of UNRWA, which he stressed has no substitute in providing services to Palestinian refugees, and stressed the need to oppose any attempts by Israel to dismantle the agency.
The Prime Minister commended the EU’s continuous political and financial support and stressed the urgent need to finalize the multi-year emergency assistance package as quickly as possible to mitigate the severe financial crisis caused by the occupation's measures and deductions from clearance funds
For her part, Kallas stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and reiterated the European Union's commitment to supporting and assisting the efforts of the Palestinian Authority and government, particularly in Gaza, during the forthcoming phase.
T.R.
