RAMALLAH, November 25, 2025 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa affirmed on Tuesday that preparations and consultations with the Central Elections Commission are ongoing to hold local elections within six months from the issuance of the decree-by-law.
Opening the weekly Cabinet session held in Ramallah, the Prime Minister stated that the Government will soon announce the arrangements for preparing and conducting local council elections, in consultation with the Central Elections Commission.
He underscored that this effort forms part of the Government’s firm commitment to the reform agenda it has pursued since its first day in office, and aligns with the State of Palestine’s vision to strengthen political life, uphold democratic practices, and reinforce citizens’ trust in their national institutions.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the unity of the Palestinian Territory, the unity of state institutions, and the cohesion of the Palestinian people wherever they reside.
In light of the continued violations by the Israeli side of signed agreements—particularly on the economic front—including the ongoing withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues for the seventh consecutive month, tightened restrictions on commercial activity, and the flooding of the Palestinian market with low-value and substandard goods, as well as the targeting of the national economy, and following Cabinet Decision No. 14 of Session No. 84 (dated 11/11/2025), the Cabinet discussed gradual and escalating measures based on product lists identified by the competent committee to protect the national economy and combat dumping.
These measures include: applying technical measures and fees on imported goods, as well as imposing administrative and financial procedures on exported goods to regulate the market and strengthen protection—particularly as the Israeli side continues to evade the agreements signed under international oversight.
The Cabinet also held a first reading of amendments proposed by the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy to the draft decree-law on e-government services.
The amendments seek to improve governance by reclassifying and restructuring relevant sectors in line with the accelerating digital transformation, in a manner that helps regulate this expanding field, simplify procedures, and improve the quality of services provided to citizens.
The Cabinet approved a request by the Ministry of Labour to facilitate the implementation of employment programs in the Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Employment Fund, taking into account current field conditions and to help secure additional job opportunities in the Strip.
It further approved the recommendation of the special committee on agricultural products—particularly olive oil—to allow the import of olive oil to meet local needs, given the decline in domestic production this season.
The Cabinet also endorsed a proposal by the Minister of Transport to form a committee to review and strengthen the governance of the legal framework governing the Ministry’s mandate. Pending the conclusion of the committee’s work, any special requests related to this mandate will be referred to the Cabinet for action.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed today, Tuesday, the Palestinian Government reaffirmed its firm commitment to protecting women and girls and upholding their rights.
The Government reiterated its support for this year’s global theme—“UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”—by strengthening digital safety mechanisms and combating all forms of online extortion, incitement, and hate speech.
It also stressed that it will continue its efforts in international fora to advocate for Palestinian women, who face compounded violence under occupation—including direct violations, forced displacement, and systematic repression—calling for stronger international action to protect Palestinian women and uphold their right to dignity and security.
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