SEVILLE, July 1, 2025 (WAFA) - Statement by Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development:
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I wish to convey, on behalf of the State of Palestine and on my personal capacity, our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the Government and people of Spain, for graciously hosting the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and for the warm welcome, generous hospitality and exemplary organization.
Our thanks extend to the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and the United Nations Secretariat for their efforts in preparing and organizing this important conference.
We further recognize the leadership role played by the Co-Facilitators throughout all stages of the preparatory process leading to this important gathering.
We meet today at a time of global uncertainty, amid ongoing multidimensional crises.
Nearly a decade has passed since we collectively committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
Despite our aspirations, the world continues to grapple with mounting challenges.
Obviously financing remains a cornerstone in supporting the broader sustainable development agenda, including the 2030 Agenda. The Agenda must also be inclusive, responsive to national context, and rooted in strengthened international cooperation.
Reinvigorating multilateralism and renewing global solidarity are not optional, they are essential foundations if we are to achieve our shared development goals.
Mr. President and Excellencies,
For the State of Palestine, occupation is the enemy of development. It is deeply regrettable that, while we share the same global challenges facing all nations, the Palestinian people are at the same time confronting the additional devastating burden of a brutal settler-colonial occupation and an enduring injustice that has severely hindered the attainment of their fundamental human and political rights.
Since October 2023, more than 56,000 Palestinian civilians in Gaza have been killed, and over 131,000 injured. In addition, at least 906 Palestinians, including children, have been killed by the Israeli army and armed settlers in the West Bank.
Currently, more than 850 checkpoints are imposed by the Israeli occupation across the West Bank, of which, approximately 60% are closed gates. Such measures are strictly restricting the movement of people and goods, reinforcing territorial fragmentation, and deepening despair among our people.
In 2015, we pledged to leave no one behind. We also recognized that there is no sustainable development without peace. Yet, regrettably, the State of Palestine and its people continue to be left far behind.
Israel, as the Occupying Power, is systematically undermining Palestine's development and fiscal stability through a range of unlawful policies and actions, including the unlawful deductions from our clearance revenues, threatening to cut correspondent banking relationships, escalating settler violence and military assaults, and imposing severe restrictions on access to our land and resources.
These measures continue to suffocate Palestinian life and obstruct access to health care, education and employment. They cripple economic activity, driving a significant GDP contraction of more than 30% and pushing unemployment rates beyond 50%.
To date, more than US$2.3 billion has been unlawfully withheld by the Israeli government from the Palestinian clearance revenues which they collect on our behalf according to Oslo agreement. These funds rightfully belong to our people.
These deliberate acts by the government of Israel are undermining the Palestinian government's ability to pay its public servants salaries and provide essential services to its people.
If this situation continues to be unresolved, the consequences of a fiscal collapse would be catastrophic.
Not only would it devastate the daily lives of millions of Palestinians, but it would also unleash a wider crisis across the West Bank, already simmering under immense strain, and undermining peace and stability in the region.
Mr. President and Excellencies,
This is a defining moment that demands immediate, coordinated, and decisive international action.
The State of Palestine reiterates that ending Israel’s illegal occupation, enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, and achieving the independence of the Palestinian State are essential preconditions for fulfilling its commitments to the 2030 Agenda.
We also like to stress on the importance of convening the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York as soon as possible.
We extend our deep appreciation to the co-chairs, France and Saudi Arabia, and to the co-chairs of the eight working groups for their dedicated efforts.
To advance the path of peace, and to ensure the economic viability of our country, we have developed and begun implementing 3 key initiatives with the support of our regional and international partners:
1. The Arab Plan for the Reconstruction of Gaza endorsed by most of the world.
2. An ambitious reform plan which aims at enhancing the governance and efficiency of our institutions over the next two years (2025-2026).
3. A road map for building a viable and sustainable economy for our country guided by the outcome of the working groups of the High-level International Conference in New York.
In conclusion, despite the bleak realities on the ground and the immense challenges facing the Palestinian people and government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a better future for our people.
Our people deserve to live in dignity, peace and freedom.
We will not be deterred in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace. But to achieve this, the international community must act with resolve and a sense of responsibility.
Thank You.
