Ramallah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa initiated the weekly Cabinet session, highlighting political and diplomatic efforts spearheaded by President Mahmoud Abbas, the Government, and the diplomatic corps to strengthen Palestinian state institutions and advance territorial unity across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Cabinet expressed grave concerns over escalating Israeli plans in Jerusalem, particularly eviction orders targeting Palestinian families in the Batn al-Hawa neighborhood of Silwan. Additional concerns include intensified restrictions on the city, limitations on schools, and the obstruction of movement for citizens due to nearly 80 military checkpoints and metal gates. The Cabinet called for active Arab, Islamic, and international mobilization to counter these illegal occupation measures.
The Cabinet further urged international action to compel Israel to stop colonial settler attacks on Palestinians in towns and villages, especially in areas classified as 'C.' These attacks have notably targeted olive harvesters and journalists. Moreover, the Cabinet condemned the Knesset's preliminary approval of a bill authorizing the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
On the economic front, discussions centered on the severe financial crisis caused by the continuous withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues by the occupation, which have not been transferred for six months and have accumulated to over 13 billion shekels since 2019. The Cabinet assigned the Economic Ministerial Committee and the National Anti-Dumping Team to intensify efforts against market flooding with foreign or low-value goods to protect the national product. They were also tasked with ensuring full compliance with the Paris Economic Protocol, including the transfer of tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Government.
The Cabinet approved recommendations from the National Team for developing a framework for land settlement in areas classified 'C,' including expediting land settlement procedures and continuing legal efforts to defend citizens' land rights.
In cooperation with partners, the Ministry of Labor and the World Food Program announced the 19th payment installment, starting cash assistance payments of 700 shekels per worker for 4,096 Gaza workers stranded in the West Bank. These workers, along with patients and their companions, were forcibly dismissed from their workplaces inside the Green Line following the Israeli aggression on Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Additionally, the Cabinet ratified a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan to establish a unified emergency response center (911) in the State of Palestine and submitted a draft decree-law on data protection to President Mahmoud Abbas, completing consultations and reviewing feedback through the Ministry of Justice's Legislation Platform.
