RAMALLAH, March 23, 2026 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met at his office in Ramallah with a delegation from the European Union Police and Rule of Law Support Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) and the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing (EUBAM Rafah), in the presence of Minister of Interior Major General Ziad Hab Al-Reeh and Deputy EU Representative to Palestine James Rizzo.
PM Mustafa and the European delegation discussed the overall field and political developments, including the situation at the Rafah crossing amid ongoing obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation, and the restrictions on freedom of movement, particularly in light of the urgent need to facilitate the travel of patients, the wounded, and humanitarian cases from Gaza Strip, as well as the return of citizens to the Strip.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of intensifying joint efforts and increasing international pressure to ensure the more regular and effective operation of the crossing, and to increase the number of travelers in a manner that responds to growing humanitarian needs.
He also emphasized the importance of moving forward with the implementation of international initiatives related to the Gaza Strip, foremost among them the initiative of President Trump, in a comprehensive and integrated manner. He stressed that all arrangements must remain temporary and transitional, leading to the full assumption of responsibilities by the Palestinian government in the Gaza Strip within a unified framework based on one system, one law, and one authority, without any parallel or alternative arrangements.
Mustafa further underscored that the unity of Palestinian institutions and strengthening their presence across all Palestinian territories constitute the primary gateway to achieving stability and ensuring the sustainability of any transitional arrangements within a clear political horizon, preventing the entrenchment of fragmentation or prolonged temporary solutions.
The Prime Minister also reviewed the escalating attacks by settlers in the West Bank, Israeli measures including checkpoints and closures, and the continued withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, along with their direct impact on the economic and humanitarian situation.
For their part, the European delegation provided a briefing on the current activities and strategic plans of the EU missions, which have been supporting the Palestinian Authority for the past twenty years.
The meeting also addressed ways to enhance the performance of police forces and rule of law institutions, contributing to strengthening stability and public order, and supporting the capacity of Palestinian institutions to address escalating challenges while reinforcing professionalism and institutional discipline.
Additionally, discussions covered the development of training programs and capacity-building for police forces in alignment with the priorities and needs of the Palestinian government, enhancing institutional readiness to carry out their duties, including in Gaza Strip, within the approved legal and institutional frameworks.
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