Ramallah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa engaged in discussions with UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer to explore ways to strengthen cooperation aimed at addressing the challenging political and economic conditions faced by the Palestinian people.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the conversation, initiated by Minister Falconer, focused on advancing the political track aligned with the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion and the UNGA-endorsed New York Declaration on a two-State solution. The discussions emphasized the necessity of implementing a comprehensive and binding roadmap with a clear timeline to support this solution.
Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted the latest developments affecting Palestinians, particularly the increase in colonist attacks and colonial expansion in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. He also noted the stalled transitional arrangements following the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which have exacerbated humanitarian and living conditions for Gazans.
The prime minister called for intensified international efforts to protect the Palestinian people and halt unilateral Israeli actions that threaten peace and stability. He stressed the need for political and economic support to bolster Palestinian resilience and enable their institutions to perform effectively.
The dialogue also covered the potential for enhancing bilateral cooperation between Palestine and the UK, especially following Britain's recognition of the State of Palestine. Both parties explored ways to support the Palestinian economy and alleviate the impact of Israeli measures that impede its growth, such as the withholding of clearance tax revenues and challenges facing the Palestinian banking sector.
Prime Minister Mustafa urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in halting Israeli policies that contravene international law. He appealed to the UK to take more proactive measures to counter Israel's settler-colonial initiatives, especially concerning the planned displacement of the Khan Al Ahmar community in the E1 area.
He further called for practical actions, including banning Israeli settlement products and activating international accountability mechanisms, to ensure adherence to international law and UN resolutions. These measures are seen as crucial to safeguarding the two-state solution and preserving the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region.