BRUSSELS, April 20, 2026 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said: “The implementation of the New York Declaration and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 represents a practical framework upon which to build in order to achieve stability in Gaza, restore governance, address the security needs of all parties, revitalize the Palestinian economy, and advance towards the realization of the State of Palestine and the attainment of its independence, based on relevant international resolutions.”
The Prime Minister added: “The lessons of recent years have clearly demonstrated that war has not brought peace, that siege has not achieved security, that occupation has not led to stability, that forced displacement cannot confer legitimacy, and that annexation will not lead to coexistence. A just political solution remains the only path to achieving peace and stability.”
This came during his address at the ninth meeting of the International Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on Monday, with the participation of representatives from more than 80 countries and international organizations.
Mustafa stressed that Gaza is not merely a humanitarian issue, but an integral part of the State of Palestine, and that the successful implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 must lead to accelerating the implementation of transitional arrangements that enable the Palestinian Authority to fully assume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, thus ensuring the reunification of national institutions between Gaza and the West Bank.
The Prime Minister affirmed his readiness to engage in the implementation of the transitional arrangements, in partnership with the Office of the High Representative – Peace Council, and with regional and international parties, in full accordance with the provisions of international law. This includes re-establishing public order and the rule of law, restoring the provision of essential services, and coordinating reconstruction efforts.
Mustafa noted the establishment of a specialized committee within the Prime Minister's Office to serve as a central platform for coordination with the Office of the High Representative. This will ensure the alignment of international efforts, expedite timely decision-making, enhance implementation on the ground, and manage the efficient and effective transfer of the administration of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority at the end of the transitional phase.
The Prime Minister emphasized that a comprehensive security framework is a cornerstone for the success of this transitional phase. This includes establishing a unified and legal security structure under the legitimate authority, through effective coordination between international security forces and the Palestinian security establishment. Security must not be fragmented but rather institutionalized, accountable, and linked to the rule of law.
Regarding the security and economic situation in the West Bank, Mustafa emphasized that the Palestinian Authority is being systematically undermined by Israeli policies and actions, particularly in the security and economic spheres. He stated that the ongoing escalation of violence, colonies expansion, and colonial militia attacks, carried out with complete impunity and sometimes with the support of the Israeli occupation army, not only constitute grave violations of international law and fundamental human rights but also directly jeopardize the viability of a two-state solution.
The Prime Minister stressed that these practices are not isolated incidents but reflect a systematic course of aggression that must be halted. He therefore called for the immediate protection of Palestinian civilians, the strengthening of international mechanisms to ensure accountability, and the protection of the most vulnerable communities.
Mustafa noted that the continued withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, coupled with restrictions imposed on the Palestinian banking system, has exacerbated a deep financial and economic crisis, weakened governance, undermined the resilience of institutions, and negatively impacted public trust, directly affecting stability and the prospects for a two-state solution.
Regarding Palestinian institutional and security reform, the Prime Minister stated, "True security is not achieved by force alone, but rather is built through strong and legitimate institutions. The Palestinian Authority has made tangible progress in implementing the comprehensive reform agenda, particularly in the areas of strengthening the rule of law, increasing transparency, and improving the quality of services provided to citizens."
Mustafa added, "Our efforts in reforming the security sector, with the support of our international partners, are focused on building a professional, civilian, and accountable security apparatus. We are also working to strengthen the justice system and the rule of law, ensuring that our institutions serve our people and protect their rights."
The Prime Minister emphasized that these reforms are not theoretical, but rather practical steps being implemented on the ground. He noted that over 70% of the reform plan being implemented by the Palestinian government has been completed and will be finalized by the end of this year, reflecting our commitment to good governance and our readiness to assume the full responsibilities of an independent and sovereign state.
In this context, Mustafa commended the role of the European Union, the United States, and other international partners, and their contributions to supporting border management, strengthening the rule of law, and building institutions. He emphasized that these efforts, while important, must be part of a comprehensive political strategy leading to the achievement of sovereignty.
The Prime Minister expressed his sincere appreciation to the co-chairs, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Norway, as well as all participating countries and institutions, for continuing to advance this international process, which began in September 2024 and culminated in the New York Declaration during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
Mustafa also expressed full solidarity with the Arab brothers who were subjected to Iranian attacks during the recent war, stressing the categorical rejection of any violation of the sovereignty and security of countries.
K.T
