RAMALLAH, January 31, 2026 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa chaired a meeting at his office in Ramallah on Saturday to review developments at Palestinian border crossings, including the Karama crossing in the West Bank and the Rafah crossing in the Gaza Strip, as well as plans and mechanisms to develop and upgrade the crossings and strengthen their infrastructure.

The meeting focused on improving the management and governance system of Palestinian crossings to clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and tasks of the various parties involved, in a way that contributes to the national economy, commercial activity, and travel services.

Mustafa reiterated that the crossings issue is a priority at the sovereign, political, security, economic, and social levels, as it directly affects citizens. He stressed the need to intensify contacts and efforts with all parties to extend operating hours for the movement of passengers and goods, and to develop travel and cargo transport mechanisms.

The meeting also discussed ways to upgrade infrastructure and facilities at the Karama crossing, particularly arrival halls and cargo and transport areas, automate procedures and services, strengthen staff capacities, and combat smuggling. These measures aim to improve services for citizens, facilitate travel procedures, and enhance readiness to address congestion and travel crises, especially during Umrah and Hajj seasons and holidays.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Maj. Gen. Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, Minister of Finance and Planning Estephan Salameh, Minister of Transport and Communications Mohammad Al-Ahmad, Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy Abdel Razzak Natsheh, Head of the General Authority of Civil Affairs Minister Ayman Qandil, Customs Police Director Maj. Gen. Iyad Barakat, Head of the General Authority for Crossings and Borders Amin Qandil, and Government Communication Center Director Mohammad Abu Al-Rub. 

M.N