Ramallah: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa underscored the urgent need for increased international pressure to stop what he described as Israel's genocidal actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, while also emphasizing the importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire and opening all border crossings. He highlighted these steps as crucial to implementing a reconstruction plan, with the support of friendly nations and international partners, to restore hope to the people in Gaza.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Prime Minister's comments came during a meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in Ramallah. The discussions focused on the latest developments in Palestine, particularly concerning the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. Mustafa detailed the destruction caused by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank, including infrastructure damage, home demolitions, and the displacement of civilians in refugee camps.
Mustafa also addressed the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and the deduction of Palestinian tax revenues by Israel, reaffirming Gaza's integral role within the Palestinian state. "We seek an end to the occupation and the realization of our independent Palestinian state," he stated.
The Prime Minister commended Sweden's consistent support for Palestine and highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Foreign Minister Stenergard emphasized the necessity of a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirmed Sweden's opposition to illegal settlement activities, as outlined by international law and United Nations resolutions. She pledged Sweden's ongoing support for Palestine, particularly in humanitarian and relief efforts.
The meeting also included the participation of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen, Palestinian Ambassador to Sweden Rula Muhaisen, and Swedish Consul General Julius Liljestrom.
