RAMALLAH, June 17, 2026 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa discussed on Wednesday with UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer ways to strengthen cooperation to overcome the harsh political and economic conditions facing the Palestinian people.
During a phone call from Minister Falconer, Prime Minister Mustafa discussed the ways to advance the political track based on the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and the UNGA-endorsed New York Declaration on two-State solution in such a way that supports the implementation of the two-state solution as per a comprehensive, binding roadmap and within a clear timeline.
Prime Minister Mustafa reviewed the latest developments on the Palestinian arena, most notably the upsurge in colonist attacks and colonial expansion in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, in addition to the stalling of transitional arrangements following the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and the ensuing worsening Gazans’ humanitarian and living conditions.
He stressed the importance of stepping up international efforts to protect the Palestinian people and halt unilateral Israeli measures that undermine prospects for peace and stability, emphasizing the need to provide the necessary political and economic support to reinforce Palestinians’ steadfastness and enable Palestinian institutions to fulfill their duties.
The call also addressed prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation between Palestine and Britain, especially following the UK's recognition of the State of Palestine.
The two sides discussed ways to support the Palestinian economy and mitigate the effects of Israeli measures that hinder its growth, including the continued withholding of clearance tax revenues, the crisis resulting from the excess influx of Israeli shekels into the Palestinian banking sector, and illegal measures targeting the Palestinian private sector, particularly banks.
In this context, Prime Minister Mustafa underscored the importance of the international community assuming its responsibilities to halt Israeli policies that violate international law, calling on the UK to take more effective steps to deter Israel’s settler-colonial project, particularly given the order to forcibly displace the Khan Al Ahmar community in the area known as E1, undermining the prospects of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
He called for additional practical measures, including banning Israeli settlement products and activating the mechanisms of international accountability, to ensure respect for international law and UN resolutions, and contribute to safeguarding the two-state solution and preserving the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region.
K.F.
