RAMALLAH, April 7, 2024 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met today, Monday, in his office in Ramallah with international partners representing the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Office of the Quartet. The meeting focused on exploring ways to resume basic services in the Gaza Strip and implementing practical interventions on the ground.

The meeting also addressed the overall financial situation and the impact of Israel’s financial warfare, in addition to Palestinian national priorities and areas in need of international support. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Finance, Telecommunications, Civil Affairs, the Water Authority, Energy Authority, and Monetary Authority.

Prime Minister Mustafa emphasized the importance of effective international pressure on Israel to halt its genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza and to achieve a sustainable ceasefire. He noted that this would pave the way for practical steps toward reconstruction, beginning with the restoration of essential services, as well as preparations for the Gaza reconstruction conference and the mobilization of the necessary financial support.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the dire fiscal situation and the ongoing Israeli financial blockade, including the escalating illegal deductions from Palestinian tax revenues, which placed the Palestinian Government in a difficult position in fulfilling its commitments to the Palestinian people. He reiterated his call for increased international pressure to put an end to these unlawful deductions and to release the withheld Palestinian funds.

International partners expressed their support for efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and voiced their backing for the Palestinian government's efforts to restore basic services in preparation for full-scale reconstruction. They also pledged to pressure Israel to stop its deductions from Palestinian tax revenues

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