RAMALLAH, September 30, 2025 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa affirmed the government's readiness to assume its full national responsibilities, whether in immediate relief or recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, or in continuing the comprehensive national reforms that have been underway for some time.

This comes in light of the State of Palestine's welcome of international efforts to stop the war and establish peace. He emphasized the continued effort to unify national institutions and applicable laws in both parts of the country, translating all efforts into a tangible reality and enhancing security and stability for our people.

At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Mustafa explained that the historic New York Declaration of this September, the increasing recognition of the State of Palestine, and the subsequent international plans and efforts to end the war are realities that must be built upon.

"This is to prevent displacement and annexation, confront attempts to undermine the Palestinian National Authority, and consolidate the path to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the realization of our people's aspirations for freedom and independence," he confirmed.

The Cabinet approved the launch of a functional review process for government departments to promote institutional reform and development. This process stems from a belief in the importance of continuing to develop the work of our national institutions, with the goal of aligning national priorities with the mandates, organizational structures, and human resources of these institutions.

The Prime Minister underlined that this step represents a concrete translation of the State of Palestine's commitment to Palestinians and partners, to a comprehensive and gradual reform approach consistent with the standards of good governance, the foundations of modern management, and technological advancement. It is part of a broader national process to realize an independent state, in line with international legitimacy resolutions, the most recent of which is the "New York Declaration" for implementing the two-state solution.

The Cabinet called on various international bodies to take urgent action to halt the eviction and displacement of residents of the Batn al-Hawa neighborhood in the town of Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially after all legal efforts to halt the evictions have been exhausted.

The Cabinet directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to take diplomatic and political action to urge various countries and international organizations to halt these illegal measures.

The Council also discussed, in its first reading, the Hajj Affairs Regulation and Governance System, in coordination with the Ministry of Endowments, based on reviews from the Government Reform and Development Office, and drawing on last year's experience, including reducing the number of official Hajj mission staff and Hajj company administrators.

It also set more criteria for the lottery process, selecting mission representatives, selecting transportation companies, and strengthening governance and oversight efforts.

The Council of Ministers also discussed "additional recommendations" from the National Taskforce to Combat Dumping of Low-Quality and Low-Specification Products, particularly in the clothing, textiles, footwear, leather, and stone sectors, as well as in the paint and cleaning materials sectors, and in the food and feed sectors.

The Council directed the relevant authorities to study these recommendations and work to implement them, contributing to protecting the national market, enhancing reliance on national products, and protecting citizens from low-quality and low-quality goods.

As part of the government's efforts toward digital transformation and financial inclusion, the Cabinet approved the Capital Market Authority's request to grant an incentive discount for paying vehicle insurance premiums via electronic payment methods.

It also approved the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy's proposal to exempt local authorities, unions, and federations from connection fees on the national data carrier. This will contribute to encouraging these sectors to embrace digital transformation and accelerate the process of improving the quality and digitization of services provided to citizens.

As part of the government's Education for Development initiative, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a public technical college to enhance technical education in Qalqilya Governorate. This initiative, given the specificity of this governorate, which is besieged by colonialism and the resulting unprecedented rise in unemployment rates, will meet the needs of the labor market and encourage students to enroll in these specializations. This is part of the government's plan to promote vocational and technical education and increase its contribution to 20% of the total education sector.

The Cabinet also approved an agreement between the Central Bureau of Statistics and the World Food Programme to conduct a specialized field survey to assess food security in the West Bank. It also approved the grant provided by the European Union to the Palestinian Judicial Institute, which will contribute to efforts to strengthen and develop the judicial system.

The Council discussed, in its first reading, the draft resolution on the Industrial Cities and Free Industrial Zones Law, and the second presentation of the draft amended regulation for non-profit companies No. (20) of 2022.

Y.S