RAMALLAH, August 31, 2026 (WAFA) — Vice President of the State of Palestine Hussein al-Sheikh met Monday with the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Christophe Bigot, to discuss a number of political and on-the-ground issues related to developments in the Palestinian territories, foremost among them the ongoing escalation of colonists' attacks and terrorism in the West Bank, the continuing war in Gaza, reconstruction efforts, targeting of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and preparations underway for the Palestinian elections.
The meeting was attended by Fatah Central Committee members Leila Ghannam, Musa Abu Zaid, Zakaria al-Zubaidi, and Ahmad Abu Houli, as well as Vice President’s Office Director Aya al-Muhaysin. The European delegation included Simon Bompais, adviser to the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process; Johan Friedborn Larsson, head of the political section at the EU representative’s office; and media official Shadi Othman.
Al-Sheikh reviewed the seriousness of the escalating situation in the West Bank and the repeated attacks carried out by colonists against Palestinian civilians and their property. He stressed that the continuation of these attacks, along with acts of terrorism, poses a direct threat to security and stability and requires a more effective international position to stop them and hold those responsible accountable, as the perpetrators continue to disregard international conventions and treaties. He cited as the latest example attacks targeting UNRWA, including its facilities and personnel in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The meeting also addressed the Palestinian elections, in light of ongoing preparations and procedures, and the importance of providing the political, security, and legal environment necessary to hold the elections. This, he said, would strengthen Palestinian democratic life and uphold the Palestinian people's right to exercise their political rights.
Al-Sheikh emphasized the importance of the European role in supporting efforts to protect the Palestinian people, halt colonists' attacks, end the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, and begin reconstruction, while preserving prospects for peace and stability. He stressed that the international position toward developments on the ground must be accompanied by practical steps that contribute to ending the continuing escalation.
For his part, Bigot stressed the need to halt colonists' attacks and acts of violence in the West Bank and to protect Palestinian civilians and their property. He also emphasized the importance of continuing preparations for the Palestinian elections and supporting the democratic process in a way that contributes to stability and preserves prospects for peace.
K.T
