HEBRON, October 3, 2026 (WAFA) — Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said that Israeli leaders' declared launch of a “decisive battle” remains in effect, and that Palestinians continue to experience its consequences every day, noting that the war crimes in the Gaza Strip have killed over 74,000 Palestinians and caused destruction estimated to require around $73 billion to rebuild.
Mustafa made the remarks Saturday during his address at the opening of the Palestine Construction Industries Exhibition in Hebron, attended by the governor of Hebron, the ministers of interior, industry, public works and housing, and culture, as well as the head of the Land Authority, the head of the Engineers Association and other official and community figures.
He said the Israeli war on the national economy had reduced its size by around 30%, bringing it back to levels seen 15 years ago, while unemployment had risen to approximately 50%.
Regarding financial piracy, Mustafa said Israel had seized and withheld more than 20 billion shekels in Palestinian tax revenues, limiting the government’s ability to provide essential services to citizens. He said the revenues had not been transferred for 18 months.
Mustafa stressed that the challenges of recent years had not weakened or subdued the Palestinian people, attributing their resilience to the collective will of the Palestinian people, leadership and various components of society.
He said that “resilience alone is not enough,” stressing the need to prepare for a new phase of rebuilding the Palestinian national economy, led by the private sector, supported and empowered by the government, and backed by regional and international partners.
The Prime Minister said the government would not limit itself to addressing emergency needs, but is preparing for the next phase of reconstruction, calling on everyone to prepare to contribute to the rebuilding process.
Mustafa outlined five main priorities for the coming phase aimed at building the homeland and achieving independence and sovereignty.
The first priority, he said, is protecting the land and strengthening resilience by thwarting Israeli plans and enabling Palestinians to remain on their land and withstand the ongoing challenges.
The second is rebuilding the Gaza Strip and unifying the homeland by creating conditions conducive to reconstruction and properly managing the transitional phase toward full unity between Gaza and the West Bank, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The third priority is relaunching the national economy on new foundations based on greater self-reliance, particularly in national production and energy, while preparing for a major digital transformation to improve services and expand employment opportunities for young people.
The fourth priority, he said, is completing the government’s reform and development program to strengthen citizens’ confidence and improve the protection of public funds.
The fifth is building on political and diplomatic achievements and official and popular international support, translating these into concrete action on the ground and advancing the realization of Palestinian statehood toward full independence.
Mustafa said these priorities constitute a path out of the current difficult reality, stressing that the government must not remain focused solely on emergency measures or continue indefinitely under a state of emergency, but must instead work to build the future, relaunch the national economy and advance the Palestinian path toward freedom and independence.
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