RAMALLAH, April 16, 2025 (WAFA) – The Palestinian Cabinet warned on Wednesday of the grave implications of Israel’s continued colonial expansion across the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, highlighting the latest colonial plans targeting lands in the villages of Mas'ha and Snerya, in Salfit and Qalqilya governorates, respectively.
The Cabinet underscored the urgent need to intensify diplomatic and legal efforts to defend the rights of the Palestinian people in all international forums.
During its weekly session held in Ramallah, the Cabinet also condemned the ongoing incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron by Israeli colonists, accompanied by extremist ministers and heavily protected by Israeli occupation forces.
These incursions coincided with the Israeli decision to close the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers from Tuesday until Wednesday evening.
The Cabinet described these actions as dangerous provocations and a flagrant violation of the sanctity of religious sites, viewing them as part of Israel’s persistent efforts to Judaize Islamic holy places.
It reaffirmed that such measures constitute a clear breach of international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits violations of freedom of worship or any alteration to the status quo at religious sites under occupation.
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa briefed the Cabinet on the outcomes of his recent high-level meetings with senior officials of the European Union, including foreign ministers of all 27 EU Member States, held in Luxembourg on Monday.
He expressed his appreciation to EU leaders for their continued political and financial support for the Palestinian people and national institutions, as well as for their steadfast commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the unification of its institutions.
The Cabinet also reaffirmed its ongoing efforts, in coordination with international partners, to press for the release of withheld clearance revenues, while continuing internal measures aimed at curbing the depletion of domestic financial resources.
T.R.
